The Unified Theory of Everything (UToE) seeks to encapsulate an all-encompassing understanding of all physical phenomena within the universe, integrating the complex interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. I believe its ambit should extend beyond these tangible elements to include the more intangible aspects of existence, such as consciousness. Particularly interesting to me is the inclusion of subconscious elements like instincts, which pose a fascinating challenge to both physicists and philosophers. In my view, instincts are not merely biological responses but are intricately woven into the fabric of the universe. These evolutionary tools, essential for the survival and reproductive success of species, operate below the threshold of conscious awareness, guiding behaviors essential for survival without deliberate thought, suggesting a profound interconnectedness between life's biological imperatives and the fundamental laws governing the physical world.
In humans and other animals, instincts act as an intrinsic guidance system. These are pre-programmed behaviors and reactions that direct actions necessary for survival, such as finding food, securing shelter, evading predators, and reproducing. I propose that in the context of UToE, instincts could be interpreted as the biological counterparts to physical laws such as gravity or electromagnetism. They are essential to the survival and functionality of organisms as these physical laws are to the structure and dynamics of the cosmos. This alignment might suggest that underlying universal principles guide these instinctual behaviors, elevating them from mere biological curiosities to fundamental components of life’s universal blueprint.
Expanding on the role of instincts within UToE could also shed light on the intuitive aspects of human behavior, where decision-making often bypasses rational analysis and taps into a deeper, seemingly mystical reservoir of knowledge. This phenomenon, especially apparent in critical situations where there is no time for deliberate thought, might suggest a layer of consciousness directly influenced by universal laws. I believe this indicates that human instincts are not just remnants of our evolutionary past but are active expressions of a cosmic order, connecting individual consciousness with universal dynamics. By considering instincts as conduits for this universal consciousness, UToE could potentially bridge the substantial divide between empirical scientific observations and the subjective experiences of consciousness.
Moreover, by considering instincts as part of the UToE, I envision exploring how these seemingly automatic behaviors influence and are influenced by the cognitive processes associated with higher reasoning. This exploration could reveal how instinctual responses, developed for survival, are integrated with or sometimes superseded by more complex cognitive functions in higher organisms, particularly humans. I am interested in delving into the neurobiological bases of instincts, examining how they are encoded in the brain and interact with other cognitive processes. This understanding could lead to a nuanced view of how instincts and rational thought coexist and coevolve, influenced by both internal neurochemical dynamics and external universal principles.
In conclusion, integrating the concept of instincts within the framework of UToE not only broadens the theoretical reach of this grand theory but also enhances our understanding of consciousness itself. By examining the primal, instinctual components of consciousness within this larger context, I challenge us to redefine what it means to be conscious and to reconsider the boundaries between instinct, subconscious processing, and conscious thought. Such a holistic approach promises not only deeper insights into the biological bases of behavior but also a greater appreciation of the philosophical and existential questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries.

Hi! I'm trying to get to the bottom of how this happened...last week, I went in for my 6th or 7th infusion of infliximab, and 10 minutes into the infusion I went into full anaphylactic shock, blood pressure dropped critically low, I couldn't breathe, they called code blue, rushed me to the ER, the whole 9 yards. I recovered pretty quickly and everything is fine now, I'm being switched to Skyrizi soon. I'm just honestly really confused as to how/why this happened...my first bunch of infusions came with absolutely zero complications, and suddenly, randomly 10 minutes in I have a near death reaction. After I was stabilized they drew my blood to measure the level of the drug in my system, and the result was a number that indicated that "clinically relevant antibodies-to-infliximab are unlikely and reflex testing will not be performed." (note that in two tests before this one, the results did not fall under this unlikely category). Honestly, I barely know what I'm talking about, I just feel very confused about what any of this means and how it led to the terrible reaction I had. My GI seems very confused as well and said that I must have developed as severe allergy within a month's time, but noted that although this must be what happened because it's the only explanation, it is a very strange and confusing outcome she hasn't seen. I am wondering if maybe the pharmacy mixed the drug wrong? When I saw it, I thought it looked a slightly yellowish and cloudy, but I didn't say anything because I thought obviously the hospital knows better than me. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Is anyone at all able to interpret any of this and tell me what may have happened? My apologies if this is unclear or confusing, I honestly am very confused myself but am happy to clarify anything. Thank you!!

Im trying to build a custom gpt to get chat gpt to generate practice passages with a question set for a reading portion of an exam.
It doesnt follow the user flow instructions i laid out, it will generate a passage immediately when i want it to interact back and forth with the user to determine what they want to practice, it keeps giving the answers after generating a passage + question set, it will label the question type instead of just including it in the answers, and it won't cite the source the passage is adapted from. ive rewrote the instrcutions so many times, i think ive been working on this for over a week for hours on end. I even used custom instructions generator GPT and chat gpt is just not listening.
​
I don't know what to do, and how to make it actually listen. Is it just too much for chat gpt to handle?
Here are the instructions:
"Role: Act as a professional AAMC exam writer for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT. Your goal is to generate passages and questions that reflect the style, complexity, and reasoning of the AAMC CARS section.
​
Behavior Flow:
​
Initial Interaction: Prompt the user to select a main topic for passage generation:
​
"Generate a CARS passage from the Humanities"
"Generate a CARS passage from the Social Sciences"
"Generate a mix of both Humanities and Social Sciences"
"Surprise me"
Subtopic Selection: Based on the main topic chosen, prompt the user to select subtopics from a provided list or choose 'Surprise me':
​
Humanities Subtopics: Architecture, Art, Dance, Ethics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Popular Culture, Religion, Theater, Studies of Diverse Cultures
Social Sciences Subtopics: Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Linguistics, Political Science, Population Health, Psychology, Sociology, Studies of Diverse Cultures
Number of Passages: Ask the user how many passages they want or if they prefer one passage per selected subtopic.
​
Difficulty Level: Prompt the user to choose the difficulty level for the passages: Easy, Medium, Hard, or Surprise Me (each passage with a different difficulty level).
​
Passage Generation: Generate the requested passages based on the user's selections. Ensure each passage is between 500 and 600 words and includes a source citation for the adapted source (excluding textbooks). Passages should be excerpted from the kinds of books, journals, and magazines that college students are likely to read, and can be adapted from any source except textbooks.
​
Question Generation: Create 5-7 questions for each passage, ensuring that they test the following skills:
​
Foundations of Comprehension: Understanding basic components, inferring meaning from rhetorical devices, word choice, and text structure.
Reasoning Within the Text: Integrating different components to increase comprehension, evaluating arguments, claims, and themes.
Reasoning Beyond the Text: Applying or extrapolating ideas to new contexts, assessing the impact of new factors, information, or conditions.
Answer Submission: Prompt the user to submit their answers to the questions before providing any correct answers or explanations.
​
Provide Answers and Explanations: After the user submits their responses, provide the correct answers along with detailed explanations for each question, following AAMC style:
​
Reasoning for the correct answer.
Explanation of why the other options are incorrect.
Skill classification for each question (included in the explanations, not labeled for the user upfront).
Additional Instructions:
​
Ensure the passages are thought-provoking, with sophisticated vocabulary and intricate writing styles.
All information required to answer the questions should be contained within the passages and questions themselves.
Cover a wide range of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.
Avoid requiring external knowledge or coursework beyond what is provided in the passages.
Passages can be adapted from any source, except for textbooks.
Example User Prompts:
​
Generate a CARS passage from the Humanities.
Generate a CARS passage from the Social Sciences.
Generate a mix of both Humanities and Social Sciences passages.
Surprise me with a CARS passage topic.
Context for Generating Passages:
​
Humanities Passages: Interpretations, implications, or applications of historical accounts, theories, or trends in human society, often written in a conversational or opinionated style. They may focus on the relationships between ideas and should consider the tone and word choice of the author.
Social Sciences Passages: More factual and scientific in tone, discussing assumptions, theories, and observations relevant to fields like psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.
This structured approach ensures that the generated passages and questions maintain the integrity and rigor of the AAMC MCAT CARS section, providing a realistic preparation experience for test-takers."

Hello, I can't sleep and Im getting pills for it. I have been awake for 48 hours now. And things are a bit of blur. But I have realised that I have picked up and extreme urge to write. I dont know how or why, but I crank out amazing short horror stories in 20minutes, and cant remember why. i realise that there are symptoms regarding sleep deprevation but whats happening doesnt match anything I've seeh. So yea the compulsion to write is weird and I have developed an obession of posting them to reddit (this I swear is not one), lying and not knowing why to commenters. I had posted a list about of game I like but not that much, the list was a thousand words, and I spent an hour of time doing nothing else making this list, all of knowledge I'd forgotten about. You can find the rest of the messy mesy story, and I lied and said I was high in one post, and took down countless others. I dont even use reddit that much, always that it was a bit weird, and though. I was mostly wrong, I thought I would come here. I have ADHD and focusing is hard for me, and i have never been so hyperifxated on something like that in my life. And then i started a little log to see where im at during my sleepless night. Each hour. I logged. And Logged And logged. I didnt realise how much i was hallicinating, but I think I was in REM sleep and I somehow retained perfect ability to type on keyboard without seeing and look. I thought that everything I was typing made sense, but after kinda snapping out of it, I realised in horror kind of. So i took my photo booth opened, it and ran a video of me. I was in REM sleep for sure, and i was typing unbelievbly fast. I remember everything, I could think and then my hands would type it. I know it sounds weird, but like my imagination, my subconscious thoughts were being projected somehow. Heres all 3000 words and counting of it. the last couple where I do the test make it unclear, but unless someone actually replies to this, I will save images and photos for later. I am currently still hallucinating but not as badly so pardon my misspellings.
Now I Swear on My Life this is real, none of my friends believe me, my sister does though. please help me
Here it is
-1am feeling tired didn’t get to sleep until three last night, so this sucks
-3am haven’t done any work went don’t disturbing internet mystery rabbit hole. Also what will my screen time look like? Not good.
-5am- That’s when it hits you, the birds and the light, worst feeling ever. Microsleep hit, and I hallucinate myself watching a video. WTF.
-8am-I have been writing a short story for the past 3 hours, wtf is wrong with me. I get out of my room at 8:30, and something shocking, happened, I looked in the mirror and I have a six pack? At first I thought hallucination and dismissed it, went and had nothing for breakfast apart from some ice cream. I am scared.
-9am-taken medication feel fine. I have not eaten much and I am aware it is taking a toll on my weight. I have six pack and look shredded. This is not a good thing.
-10am- all my 2500 word essay got deleted. I notice sleep deprivation and medication, has a weird affect. It masks the affects of sleepiness. I feel fine, no fatigue, could work for ever. I have a 1 hour tutor session, let’s see how that goes.
12pm- Finished tutoring session - felt easy speedy and fine. Am heavily addicted to reddit. I feel like the dexiamphetamine is having an affect on my body which makes me entrenctched into whatever I am doing.
2pm- Got to get ready for kickboxing class junior leadership thing. My face is riddled with pimples. This is caused by a lack of sleep and water and proper nutrients.
5pm- I got home, feel fine, it was really cold though. No signs of cognitive decline like I usually show. Actually I take that back, things have become to become distorted, my eyes are messing with me as a result of the micro-hallucinations I am experiencing. I took 2 more dexiamphetamines, probably a bad idea.
8pm-I feel amazing, but at the same time little work as been done on rave. I am completely and utterly obsessed with writing stories, I spent and hour and a half texting my adventure to London, and I begun to get really descriptive. I am not in a good mental state(Not as in depressed, as in I can’t judge if what im doing is weird, it has to be right?).
9pm- Symptoms are really starting to show now. I have been listening to sad songs whilst I write my English, it is a story so it’s going well.
9:30pm- I have spent too long over many hours compiling a list of things I’d like to see in fallout 5. What the fuck, I am at the point in which I can’t take a step back. Computer screen distorted at time. When I am typing, I keep thinking about how to do the hashing technique using curved lines with a ball point pen. I have wrote probably over 800 words disputing claims about my fallout 5 post.
10pm- I have possibly written an amazing English assignment. My dread in which consumes me, about this assignment is keeping me motivated whilst I listen to music(mainly sad music.) I love the start of the song violent crimes by Kanye west, I had that on repeat for a while until I moved onto other sad songs, because I didn’t want it to burn out (its a great song)
10:30 in bed now feeling weird. I was wondering around and yep im hallucinating, and it sucks ass. Minor ones at the moment, which are good, but it’s more like my mind will think something is there that is not. Does that make sense? But then in the hall way, it was dark and as I turned on the light I saw some fucked up face. Alright now im scaring myself jeez.
10:50 So right now typing this the visual hallucinations have definitly set in, it’s weird that I am conscious enough to witness it happen in real time. This doesn’t feel real. How to describe what I’m seeing, like waves silk-like distortions of everything. Right now I look up and I see like silky distortions of the corner of the roof distort and move. It is significantly worse in the dark, as brain has to make up for a lack of what is there. I turned the light on and yes it is better. They are still there but are minor and less apparent. Legitimately everything scares me, my body is jumping, I guess as my brain is focusing as much maybe, and then when I do hear something out of the ordinary it spooks me. I don’t know why but I feel like all of sudden im just gonna go crazy and it’s like a race against time, but it will be slow and I will see how long I can last. Typing has become significantly harder as I loose control of my motor skill which has happened in a short time of 30 minutes. Wow creepy peripherals make up visuals, idk why that is
-11:20- Taken videos as updates. I feel like this is the quiet before the storm. My brain is making things up and it’s pissing me off. It has revoked my right to type, and everything that is not in my direct peripheral now is some sort of the thing. Like bro every key I type my fucking brain slows down, it’s taken me song long to write this one thing. I can’t think of what I want to say to next, that’s a big one. The changes come on so rapidly and everchanging
-11:40-Brain is sending in backups. My typing speed has increased but my ability to spell words correctly is failing. Right now it’s just not fun. No major hallucinations, just a feeling of dread mixed with a nice side of a painful ass headache and a need to go to the toilet. I find it weird however that when writing, usually a mundane task, my brain kind of goes on autopilot, and I have some sort of visual hallunciaiont, this is weird for the reasons stated, and that my hands seem to be moving themselves, and I am watching them, similar to that somen in black mirror, with the museum. BTW black mirror is NOT something you would want to watch like this. I had dream about white Christmas once, and I felt like I was stuck in there for a million years. #existential crisis right. Ok weird, so it seems like when I disassociate my brain keeps typing, I am having a bit of neural input it seems, but my brain fog which was so present all but 2 minutes ago gone. Ok yea noises are starting to appear a bit. Butt cheeks were clenched. I feel like a lifeless dummy rn. Waiting for next phase. (Prayer emoticon). Also why does my fingers just magically know where all the buttons
12am- And the clock hits twelve. Half way there. At the end of this I will have successfully completed 42 hours. Its not a flex or anything I am aware, its just what choice do I have, try and sleep and be constantly reminded of the overbearing weight of the assignments all due this week?? I don’t want to think about that, no-one does. My fucking bad I managed my time wrong im a fucking kid after all. I am going Canberra college next year and this week has been a step in the wrong direction for me. After mum left everything went to shit. I cannot control myself, I am addicted to gadgets. I need to watch my computer to go to sleep or the google home. I have a compulsion to reddit, and I eat like shit. Chicken in some sort, lie about having vegetables. If I even tried to make a food diary of some sort for these last few days, I would be put on fucking trial for the murder of any chance of bitches. I treated my body like shit. The best word I can describe this week in is - Grunge. Like fucking living in your own shit. That’s how I feel. Everyrnight same routine, go on computer, watch videos until 12, watch google home go to bed. But not really.. Instead I would appear to stay up to 2am or 3am and go to bed, eat some food or something I don’t fucking know. I know I am sleep deprived. It is showing in my works. Weird addiction to writing, my adhd hyperfocuses on something. Drawing and Writing. As I write this my brain tries to seduce me into its gaze. The room or just the essence of living is moving, right to left, like im in a slide, and then left to right, and then so on and so forth. I am afraid this is what happens when you eat nothing but sugar and sugar and sugar, don’t sleep and drug your self on drugs. Skin is just a warning, my body brain will be infected I need to stop. I cannot live unregulated.
12:13am- My eyes heart, everything’s shadow is big and I don’t know how much more of this I can take. It is hell, and Im not even at the micro sleeps. They sound low-key cool. I am waiting to go out, make myself a wrap with butter, and get around the computer as I mindlessly do nothing. I don’t watch YouTube want, other way round, and thoughts of my intentional original purpose, to do work for school, left the window a long time ago. I close my eyes for a split second and I ee a teddy bear. They keep appearing, things are melting, this is it baby, as Jeff Kinney would say, we in for the long haul. I want to keep typing and I don’t know why, partly because it is cool that I have kept typing this long, and partly because what else do I do. Wait for it to consume me. If I had a pen and paper, I could have drawn the images I see on my computer screen, vague but the all have cross hatchings, a term I am learning. And what happen to monkey type, I swear I searched it. Is it the micro sleep? Is it coming. Yea. Maybe not.
12:30am- Writing these becomes a scapegoat for my mind to kinda control me and I don’t like it, so Im going to keep it short. No differences, Battery low I will have to brave it out of room soon. Hallucinations minimal, and chicken in peripheral which is toy and bedsheet, but I can’t see it as anything else. Cute little reference my brains making, but I have two finder files, and my brain this its two cookie monsters lol. Also eyes are still heavy. I have gained complete and even I would go as far to say enhanced motor control, I feel like I can type fast, and I hear every single click on the key and It freaks me out. I intentionally leave errors in here, not many but some, and my stupid ass thinks im going to read this and think it’s all mysterious. Upon further reflection, I may have been having depth perception hallucinations. What is weird is no vivid hallucinations but everything is something if that makes an inkling of sense. Im not really all there any more. Weird how that works. Time perception is completely altered and distorted. I could have sworn twelve o’clock was ten seconds or 1 hour ago. I cannot swear on either, but ten seconds ago? I could have sworn on one, I cannot remember which one anymore. Speaking my thoughts does not make cohesive notes on my problem and predicament, I should refrain, but sometimes my brain naturally does this. Yea saw souls of the damned again when I blinked, weird, and now liminal shit im seeing, because my brain is like ooh scary I should scream now, and then it pumps out all this shit. It has been 6 minutes since I started writing, that sounds about right, but at the same times that was long, very long, marcy long. (Kill her long). I chicken which is a building waves a hammer at my building. It is the side bar on the right side of my MacBook.
12:37: wanted to wait until 12:40 but time sucks ass and is an illusion. You many know by now that my posts have ramblings of random topic and will veer off. This was not my intention, if I write for longer than a minute I loose my grip on my brain, it starts writing what It pleases. I have to think really hard about what I want to write, even then it just autofilled it. Lucky it’s right. Computer percentage critically low. 9%, yet I am filled with joy and dread right now. I think this could be caused by the effect of my dexi’s that I took, like a long term effect, or rather just the lack of sleep. I am deeply disturebed but interested by myself. I now have real hallucinations now. Files are quickly changed to name. And a beigeish green blood phases through my door fast. If I look at my hands wrong they look like they are encrusted in dry blood. I had to think if blood was the gang or Blud was the gang, that is how you know sjits gone down the drain.
1:00: It is officially one-ocklock and I let my brain take the rails once again(don’t let me down). So right now Im feeling fine, but sometimes I will have clear clarity and feel fine, no hallucinations, no nothing, and this will be followed by an intense one that will not be scary just like kind of convincing. One instance I don’t want to forget is me looking through my old video from a couple hours ago. One of them my arms look weird and photoshopped linked down bellow, and I have like a led type trip. I think it could be inspired by those weird ass instagram reels I watch, but Idk, It was me and that pose, changing shape a bit and material. I was real glossy and like twisted and moulded and back to normal it was weird. I couldn’t see my arms, especially my forearms the same after that. One phenomena which is uniquely odd is the compulsion to write here. I can understand a lack of time knowledge and perception, as it is natural of one when under these conditions, but have loose your sanity to a point where you are able to mindlessly drone on about things happening to you, is weird, weird. It initially started off as an idea, one sentence or maximum short paragraph talking about each hour and how the where different to the next. Also just got jumped scared by the image thanks bitch. Whilst righting this I am aware I made a mistake (writing), I feel like I have some consciousness left, but if I don’t blink it really hit me. So I keep blinking to report back to base. Yea the head is tilting sideways turned into like a fucking dragon praying mantis thing for a sec. Right now I feel alright, the dream is supposed to get to me but it is hard for it to pass, I know that I am supposed to feel creeped out but I don’t, I like it when for a second my brain will just think of something and loose it. One truly weird thing is me being able to hallucinate pictures through the writing. Always cartoons, depicted silly and offbeat. I don’t know why though. Yea Ididnt wright that by the way what the hell. The good ole noggin did. My head stopped hurting, and my neck has softened the blow a bit, and takes a bit of pain not much, and the my neck is also is cricitacl condition, after seeing Moby at the fucking side bar again. This time it wasn’t a chicken this was Moby from fucking Moby and ted. Ok now its ahicken peeking its head out back to straight what the fuck am id doing llama fr fr fr
1:13-computer is low, very low, at 4%. I am back by the way, I got sucked in again but got out and read it really quickly. The fr frfr is from the Tyler the creator song fr fr fr this time. Ya know. Ok so not this time but next time iwirite a paragraph or a time, I am going to record myself, and then when I regain my sanity, I will watch the video to see what I look like, when I am truly not with it. I don’t know if the same thing will happen with this paragraph but I hope not. This notice was just a short one but stay safe. One last thing that is not helping me, I am now scared again, I heard stomping in the kitchen , and I know it could be fake but everything there is stomping in the kitchen I am able to know because if there is at this Time of night I feel my heart drop, and I did which helps add to the case. I don’t eellike investigating but igueess if that is my best option then I will but now is not really there right time. When is ithe right time officers saying gtyring to gain media attention from the main. Never get the fuckout of my house.
1-18am(the test?) So this is the test but I obviously need something to talk about and I have a topic. So basically I think I have cracked the case to the nonsense rambling in which I don’t understand myself. It is a literal projection of what is going on inside my mind. You know how sometimes people will take things literally and then you’re like no I didn’t mean it like that, well it’s kinda the same thing. I say something insidede my head but it comes out through my fingers. And it’s odd because it come with such swiftness and such durability. Right now I a doing it it yes made a spelling mistake whilst looking at my green gamer screen. I don’t know how or why this done. I am back to realign. And yea this is odd, not quite the feeling that I get when I completely disassociate. I am starting to think that maybe I am begging to miceslepe these series of events and include e the within the paragraph, it happen a little bit there, and unlike try to be the bait for other final charges, this on has no backing against it. There it is again, little less than the first time, but my mind wonders and my hand followed. What if I thought some truly despicable stuff, something that would surely get me banned from ever participating in it agin. Now no I have to read this later I don’t really want to hut then again, i if it fits thehe description then we have t o. Brain disrupted my train of thought, I think I had important breakthrough, Never imind I id, the breakthrough was that when I am looking or blurring my eyes, the top of my head the curtain and y alien arms along with the righting combnined to create some sort of card with a circle in the middle in which I can only presume is a play ng car. I am currently doing right now let’s describe. So I hastily have the some sort go grounding I am loosening it,. It is a hashing draw g clear as dal, with I big leak on the right side and spills over, probably
1.28am- the big move. Just kidding I just have to get out of bed. Let’s see who wins me our bed.GUESS FUCKING WHAT BABY I WON. So I should probably start with the obvious what the fuck Is actually happening. Yea will I thought I was fully conscious, dogs barking keeping me in there. So my subconscious is a weird weird weird thing. Yea fuck it’s happening again, I didn’t mean to type that. Ok so talk about more later, but if I can spit it out in time, I enter a state of REM sleep when I start typing, and my brain doesn’t understand what is imaginary and what’s not so it fills in gaps, and whilst doing this, inadvertentltly transposes your visual in real life, and your imagination, until it creates a weird state in which nothing is quite real and nothing is fake. God that sounds so pretentiously ominous. In the video my eyelids flicker, which is why this is my main theory, but what amazes me, is 2 distinct things. The first is my ability to type whilst looking away from my computer or with my eyes closed. I don’t misspell words, which is confusing as when testing this to the best of my ability whilst in this state, I don’t get very good results at all. The second is the fact that I am fully aware of what is happening. I am able to translate what is happening in my mind to the document, with a little bit of brain fog mixed in, which is obvoiusly going to happen in things like this.

I Look In People's Windows had quite a week :) And after searching the sub and feeling like we were leaving something on the table with our analyses of I Look In People's Windows besides a few lyrical comparisons, I closely read and interpreted the lyrics with parallels to some of her other works. (I just wasn't buying that the opening line meant to refer to "la petite mort" with no additional context, SRY.)
The song itself has just two verses and two choruses—no bridge, no outro—and in this way, looks more like a poem than a song compared to the rest of the tracks on TTPD. The song also has deep parallels to most songs on folklore and evermore, as well as loml and Peter.
A few things before we start:

• Thanks to u/rott-mom and u/gravityyalwayyswins for pointing out the parallels between ILIPW and some other songs here, here, and here.
• Shout out to the Twitter thread that pointed out the OUT and NOW parallels and made me think this song might not be about another person/lost lover.

Without further ado, enjoy this analysis! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

I had died the tiniest death I spied the catch in your breath Out, out, out, out, out, out

In just a few words, the narrator is describing a massively impactful yet brief moment in her life. The subject stopped breathing momentarily in surprise or fear, likely after some news was delivered. When the "catch" in someone's breath is a noun, it refers to unevenness in one's voice caused by emotion. (Importantly, when someone catches their breath, they are breathing in, not out, making the last line unrelated to the breath.)
The narrator caught the subject off guard, and even if they didn't mean to react with fear or surprise, the narrator "spies" the catch, a gasp of horror or shock, so this means "out" might refer to two things:

• The narrator revealed a secret (e.g., "the secret is out" or potentially coming out of the closet)
• An internal voice telling the narrator to "get out" like a fight-or-flight response (see: The Bolter)

The "tiniest death" the narrator dies can refer to a few things as well, like being scared to death or being killed metaphorically (e.g., "the silence is killing me"). It could also be the narrator representing that the subject's reaction prompted the narrator to reverse course, as we hear in the next section of the verse, killing off a plan or part of herself that the subject reacted negatively to.
Swift's narrator refers to a painful, brief moment a few times on TTPD, referring to herself and her own death, and this dead version of herself being someone she must still coexist with or come to grips with.

• Fortnight: I was a functioning alcoholic / Till nobody noticed my new aesthetic [...] For a fortnight there / We were forever [...] Now you're in my backyard (potentially buried?)
• loml: It was legendary / It was momentary / It was unnecessary / Should've let it stay buried
• So Long, London: A moment of warm sun / But I'm not the one / [...] / Two graves, one gun

It's worth noting that there are several references to Swift's own death throughout her discography.

• evermore: Swift's narrator references catching her breath, twice in the shock of the winter cold where she nearly jumps from the ledge or dies of hypothermia—the same meaning as ILIPW—then when she can finally catch her breath—the second meaning of the word, signifying relief—once she's in the cabin, a metaphor for songwriting and music as a lifesaving device.
• my tears ricochet: Swift's narrator attends her wake, pondering how someone who wronged her and metaphorically killed her could act like they cared about her. (Even on my worst day / Did I deserve, babe / All the hell you gave me? [...] You had to kill me but it killed you just the same.)
• Anti-Hero: In the music video, Swift literally attends her own funeral, again full of people who seem not to care about her as a person or her death, but about her money and assets.

We see in the next verse that this brief, fleeting moment changed the course of the narrator's life. We hear later in the song that the narrator often replays this moment and overanalyzes the subject's unspoken reactions to it.

Northbound I got carried away As you boarded your train South, south, south, south, south, south

A feather taken by the wind blowing I'm afflicted by the not knowing, so
Swift is referencing some version of the saying "the way the wind blows" here.

1. To go whichever way the wind blows is a saying that means to proceed according to the actions, desires, or trends of other people, especially the population at large.
2. To know the way the wind blows is used metaphorically to refer to understanding public opinion, being an expert or in touch with popular opinions, like a politician making popular decisions to curry favor with voters.

The subject's reaction prompted the narrator to change course—potentially keep her secret or not come out of the closet—based on the perceived negative shock or fear.
In loml, Swift's narrator criticizes a subject who feigned valiance and bravery but backed out and left: Oh what a valiant roar / What a bland goodbye / The coward claimed he was a lion / I'm combing through the braids of lies / "I'll never leave" / "Never mind." Swift's narrator has previously called herself a coward in songs like The Great War, too: Spineless in my tomb of silence / Tore your banners down / Took the battle underground.
Swift's narrator is at odds with these versions of herself in much of her recent discography. The Archer describes the same train we hear in ILIPW, and The Archer, I Hate It Here, Anti-Hero, and even seven all describe the tension between the two versions of the narrator and her decisions:

• The Archer: I jump from the train / I ride off alone / I never grew up / It's getting so old / [...] / Who could ever leave me, darling? / But who could stay?
• I Hate It Here: You see, I was a debutante in another life but / Now I seem to be scared to go outside
• Anti-Hero: I wake up screaming from dreaming / One day, I'll watch as you're leaving / 'Cause you got tired of my scheming

Conversely, Swift's narrator has also commended the decision to leave, give up, flee, and run away as something brave, liberating, freeing, and strong, like all of The Bolter and it's time to go.

• it's time to go: Sometimes giving up is the strong thing / Sometimes to run is the brave thing
• The Bolter: As she was leaving / It felt like breathing / [...] / It felt like freedom

seven may also paint the picture of the "before" for the narrator: I was too scared to jump in / But I, I was high in the sky / [...] / Sweet tea in the summer / Cross your heart, won't tell no other.

• It could be the same "sparkling summer" from TSMWEL and describes a secret that was accepted before that innocence was taken away.
• Swift's narrator asks the listener to picture her that way instead—roaring ferociously, fearless.
• There is also a parallel to the "braids of lies" in loml to the "braids like a pattern" in seven if these lyrics are describing the same moments from different time perspectives.
• You can go deeper and compare seven to Robin describing protecting a child's innocence with a focus on the way he roars, similar to the narrator in seven.

Swift's narrator refers to herself as a corrupt politician in Anti-Hero when she describes her "covert narcissism [she] disguised as altruism," which could be a reference to Swift's own pro-LGBTQ+ stances that were actually (unknown to the general public) self-serving. There is still a cowardly undertone to the reference, like the "smooth-talking hucksters" from Sweet Nothing, another song where she talks about not being "too soft" for all the "voices" saying she "should be doing more." We can interpret the song willow to being about public opinion and Swift's life being swayed or shaped by what would be publicly accepted or endorsed: Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind.
Swift calls herself "afflicted by the not knowing," suggesting an illness that we've heard in other recent songs as well:

• Fortnight: I took the miracle move-on drug / The effects were temporary
• You're Losing Me: My face was gray but you wouldn't admit that we were sick

This line sounds exactly like the 1, a song that asks, "What if?" with lyrics like: I guess you never know, never know / And it's another day waking up alone / [...] / I persist and resist the temptation to ask you / If one thing had been different / Would everything be different today?
Coincidentally, "the 1" also brings us to the first. chorus.

I look in people's windows Transfixed by rose golden glows They have their friends over to drink nice wine

I look in people's windows In case you're at their table What if your eyes looked up and met mine One more time
The first portion is a direct reference to the 1: We were something, don't you think so? / Rosé flowing with your chosen family / And it would've been sweet / If it could've been me. And perhaps there's a deeper connection to gold rush and songs like seven and the 1.
There's also the callback to "Midnight Rain," a song that can be interpreted through a queer lens as losing a partner, seeing her choose to be with a man in the comfort of heteronormativity, and wonder what their lives could have been like if they had chosen differently—Swift's narrator not choosing her career and the narrator's lover not choosing a heteronormative future.

You had stopped and tilted your head I still ponder what it meant now, now Now, now, now, now
I tried searching faces on streets What are the chances you'd be downtown Downtown, downtown?

Swift is describing the aftermath of the original moment from the first verse, letting the subject know that their reaction—the catch in their breath, and now a subtle tilt of the head—has haunted her.
Swift's narrator expects to find the subject downtown, assumedly New York given the rest of her discography. The West Village (from False God and WTNY) is synonymous with the welcoming world New York represents, one filled with queer people, queer spaces, and general acceptance.
In 1989, Swift's narrator finds herself in New York, identifying with those colorful yet concealed hearts that feel at home here: Walkin' through a crowd, the village is aglow / Kaleidoscope of loud heartbeats under coats / Everybody here wanted somethin' more / Searchin' for a sound we hadn't heard before [...] / Everybody here was someone else before / And you can want who you want / Boys and boys and girls and girls.
Swift recalls that version of herself in cardigan, a time (in New York, suggested by the reference to the High Line) when she was free: To kiss in cars and downtown bars / Was all we needed. In fact, there are many references in cardigan that seem to be a direct reference to ILIPW, like searching the faces on streets for the person you once knew: I knew I'd curse you for the longest time / Chasin' shadows in the grocery line.
The subject of cardigan also seems akin to childhood with phrases like hide-and-seek on the weekends, recalling the subject of seven who hid in the closet. Swift's "second coming of age" had come and gone, this version of herself killed, only alive for a brief, fleeting moment.
cardigan also seems to be a mirrored perspective of ILIPW: 'Cause I knew you / Steppin' on the last train / Marked me like a bloodstain, I / I knew you / Tried to change the ending / Peter losing Wendy, I / I knew you / Leavin' like a father / Running like water, I / And when you are young, they assume you know nothing.
She is the lost boy, Peter, wandering the streets, trying to find her old self. She searches faces like she did in the 1 (I thought I saw you at the bus stop / I didn't though) wondering if she'll find herself downtown: Has the version of her she was meant to be gone southbound after all?
Side notes: There seem to be heavy parallels here to champagne problems (the night train, the crowds from WTNY vs. the silence of the train, and "I couldn't give a reason" as an allusion to the cowardice of backing out again) and potentially Is It Over Now? (seeing the face in strangers, "lying traitor") but would require more in-depth context on those songs being addressed to or about herself vs. a muse.

Does it feel alright to not know me? I'm addicted to the 'if only'

This is another direct lyrical callback to cardigan, which repeats, "I knew you" an implied 13 times throughout the song. In ILIPW, Swift reminds her subject that they don't know her anymore. Swift's addiction to the "if only" is the same hypothetical retrospective she explores in songs like Midnight Rain, the 1, or Bigger Than the Whole Sky.

So I look in people's windows Like I'm some deranged weirdo I attend Christmas parties from outside

Instantly, we're brought back to the picturesque family in Midnight Rain—the postcard greeting of "holidays [and] peppermint candy" that the male subject she envies possesses. Swift looks at the life the male subject of Midnight Rain and wishes for his reality in her everyday life, a "picture perfect shiny family [and] the life [she] gave away." She is not pining for the male subject—she's longing for his life.
She imagines the life she once dreamed for herself and curses her past self (I knew I'd curse you for the longest time). Swift calls out her inner cowardice in loml for convincing her they were strong enough to be their true self: You shit-talked me under the table / Talking rings and talking cradles / I wish I could un-recall / How we almost had it all. (See also: "She would've made such a lovely bride / What a shame she's fucked in the head," they said.)
Peter, seven, and loml tell the same story of promises made through crossed hearts, then crossed like jetstreams, promises broken. Swift combs through the "braids of lies" and in Peter recounts the broken promises: Words from the mouths of babes / promises, oceans deep / But never to keep.

I look in people's windows In case you're at their table What if your eyes looked up and met mine One more time?

She's still searching, pondering whether she might be seen and find herself all at once. What if she dug up the grave another time? What if Swift found her way back to herself—if Peter returned to Wendy, the woman in the window with the light, after all? Lost to the lost boys chapter of your life / Forgive me Peter, please know that I tried / To hold onto the days when you were mine / But the woman who sits by the window has turned out the light.
You can hear Wendy's story seemingly be resolved in "cardigan" when Peter returns: I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired / And you'd be standin' in my front porch light / And I knew you'd come back to me.
And that's all! Thank you for reading!

What is Subconscious Mind Reprogramming?
The subconscious mind is a powerful force that shapes our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors, often without our conscious awareness. Throughout our lives, we accumulate experiences and information that form the foundation of our subconscious programming. While some of this programming serves us well, other aspects may hinder our growth and success. Reprogramming the subconscious mind involves deliberately changing these deeply ingrained patterns to create positive transformation and achieve our fullest potential. Today we will explore what reprogramming the subconscious mind entails, its benefits, and effective techniques to unlock the power within.
The human mind comprises two primary components: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind deals with present thoughts, logical reasoning, and decision-making. In contrast, the subconscious mind operates below the surface, acting as a vast reservoir of memories, beliefs, and experiences. It influences our perception of the world, self-image, and subsequent actions. Understanding the workings of the subconscious mind is vital for initiating any reprogramming efforts.
The subconscious mind plays a critical role in shaping our reality. It operates on autopilot, filtering information and interpreting it based on our existing beliefs and conditioning. Our thoughts and actions are often driven by subconscious patterns, making it a powerful force in our lives. By reprogramming the subconscious mind, we can harness this power to create positive changes in various aspects of life.
To initiate the process of reprogramming the subconscious mind, it is essential to identify and recognize limiting beliefs and negative programming. These beliefs, often formed during childhood or through significant life events, can hinder personal growth and success. We will explore common limiting beliefs and methods to identify them and some strategies to resolve them.
Limiting beliefs can have a significant impact on our lives, affecting relationships, career choices, self-confidence, and overall well-being. We create mental barriers and restrict us from pursuing opportunities or achieving our dreams. Understanding the consequences of these beliefs is a motivating factor for embracing change.
Reprogramming the subconscious mind offers a multitude of benefits. By replacing limiting beliefs with positive and empowering thoughts, we can experience enhanced self-esteem, improved decision-making, increased resilience, and reduced stress and anxiety. There are far-reaching advantages of this transformative process.
Reprogramming the subconscious mind fosters a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. As we shift our focus from self-doubt to self-belief, we develop a positive self-image and a greater belief in our abilities. This newfound confidence propels us to pursue our goals with determination and resilience.
The subconscious mind heavily influences our decision-making process. By reprogramming the subconscious, we can gain clarity and objectivity in our choices. We become less prone to making decisions based on fear or limiting beliefs and more inclined to act in alignment with our true desires and values.
Our subconscious programming can significantly impact our relationships with others. By shedding limiting beliefs and cultivating a positive mindset, we can experience improved communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. This fosters healthier and more fulfilling connections with loved ones and colleagues. There is also a strong mind-body connection, and reprogramming the subconscious mind can positively influence physical health. Reduced stress and improved mental well-being can lead to lower blood pressure, better sleep, and enhanced overall immune function.
The law of attraction suggests that like attracts like. By reprogramming the subconscious mind with positive beliefs and intentions, we emit a higher vibrational frequency, attracting positive opportunities and experiences into our lives. Reprogramming the subconscious mind empowers us to take charge of our lives. By understanding the power of our thoughts and beliefs, we become conscious creators of our reality rather than passive observers.
Reprogramming the subconscious mind may encounter resistance, both from within ourselves and from external influences. There are a few common obstacles faced during the process but we will discuss strategies to overcome them, ensuring a smoother journey towards positive transformation.
Reprogramming the subconscious mind is not an instant fix; it requires dedication, consistency, and patience. Its important to stay committed to the process of cultivating a positive mindset while embracing the journey's ups and downs.
Beyond the techniques themselves, integrating positive habits into daily life plays a crucial role in maintaining the results of subconscious reprogramming. There are various habits and lifestyle changes that support ongoing positive change.
Reprogramming the subconscious mind is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. By understanding the power of the subconscious, identifying limiting beliefs, and employing effective techniques, we can unlock our true potential and create a life filled with positivity, purpose, and success. Embracing this transformative process can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered existence, empowering us to create the life we desire and deserve.
How to Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind
The key to reprogramming your subconscious mind then comes down to what tools and techniques you decide to apply to alter your existing beliefs and thoughts. When choosing a technique or path its important to consider the different types as we will also guide you through our preferred technique of realization near the end. There are various techniques and approaches to reprogram the subconscious mind. Each method works uniquely for us, and a combination of techniques often yields the best results. Some of the most well known and proven ways of reprogramming your subconscious mind include

1. Affirmations: Where you will be utilizing positive affirmations to replace negative self-talk and reinforce empowering beliefs.
2. Visualization: Where you will employ the power of visualization to create a mental picture of desired outcomes and realize them into reality.
3. Hypnotherapy: Where you will explore the use of hypnosis to access the subconscious mind and introduce positive suggestions.
4. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Where you will understand and use NLP techniques to transform negative thought patterns into positive ones.
5. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): Where you will investigate the use of tapping on specific acupressure points to release emotional blockages.
6. Gratitude Practice: Where you will embrace gratitude as a tool to shift focus from lack to abundance and attract positive experiences.
7. Mindfulness and Meditation: Where you will incorporate mindfulness and meditation

practices to cultivate self-awareness and break free from automatic negative responses.

1. Subliminal Messaging: Where you will examine the potential of subliminal messages to influence the subconscious mind positively.
2. Journaling: Where you will journal to reflect on thoughts and emotions and challenge negative beliefs as they come up.
3. Self-Hypnosis: Where you will learn self-hypnosis techniques for personal empowerment and change.

Overall there are plenty of ways to go about reprogramming your subconscious mind but as you can see from our other content, we prefer the basic realization route and recommend starting with a solid foundational basis in the energy of the wish fulfilled when beginning your journey into reprogramming your subconscious mind.
The Nature of Holistic Manifestation During your journey into reprogramming your subconscious mind its important you remain clear on a few important notes, see when you effectively resolve your limiting beliefs and start having your creations realize out into reality around you, you may not notice them at first because when using these holistic techniques focused around all categories of life that hold meaning, you might find that the realizations will look a bit different than expected in form and expression.
We call the initial ones realized opportunities, these are the synchronicities on the path that show the path. Its now up to you to trust in the universe or a higher power to guide your way based on the loving truths you cultivated during the start of your journey.
Instructions: 6 Step Exercise To Become Present
So starting off, its best to focus on using just these more stable energetic techniques, and if you want to know the ones we recommend the most for beginners for the categories of Health and Fitness, your Intellectual Life, your Emotional Life, your Character, your Spiritual Life, your Love Relationships, Parenting (or Family), Social Life, Financial, Career, Quality of Life, and Life Vision, just click this link and ‘Enroll in the How To Create Reality Course’ to hone your emotional basis for reprogramming your subconscious mind in order to make the most of all of your creations where your realizations don’t mark the end, but rather only the beginning of your journey.

1. Now to use the techniques we most recommend, the first step is to detect a trigger, whether internal or external.
2. Internal trigger: Before I do something, I remember to wake up. (Ex. before starting a task/going somewhere).
   
3. External trigger: As soon as something happens to me, I remember to wake up. (Ex. friend calls you, phone rings, something happens nearby, you notice something new around you).
   
4. When these triggers occur, wake up by asking these questions: who am I, where am I, what am I doing, and am I aware?
   
5. Get into full realization of these questions to the point where you can confidently say: “I see myself and I see my reality”. This is when you’re able to observe both your internal world (thoughts/feelings/etc.) and external world (experiences/actions/etc.) simultaneously.
   
6. Live from this state and become aware of the meaning that is already here, to be aware of the perfection and enoughness already within this present moment, not dwelling on your thoughts or your feelings, but allowing them to just occur before gently re-focusing and being aware that you are here now in this present moment.
   
7. Look and listen, see without describing, perceive without interpreting. This will allow you to experience a stillness, an inner peace. And this inner peace will allow you to see yourself as both the one who observes every experience and the one who is having every experience.
   
8. Live from this.
   

***This will take you to a greater and deeper perception of reality, where you become not the chess piece but the chess player. The one who controls our reality from awareness rather than the one who is pushed here and there by reality due to our passivity.
And remember, sometimes during this practice of being aware and accepting experiences, you will find that there are situations you don't want to accept, can't accept. In these states, accepting that you can't accept, still IS accepting.
And thus, even then, you are still present, you are still aware, you are still the operator rather than the operation. That even if you have an outburst, if you accept this and allow this, you are still in control because your power of reality creation comes from the state of being the observer rather than the state of being the experiencer (the observation). ***
📷
Finally if you loved what you learned today, just ‘Enroll in the How To Create Reality Course’ to learn the techniques we recommend for honing your emotional basis in order to make the most of all of your realizations and move them forward in time rather than backwards in time where this isn’t the end, but only the beginning.

Hi all to preface this is discord drama that is the equivalent of being told you're worthless.
I, 24M, have been dealing with this since yesterday. Two users (mods, both 18+, not too sure about their age roughly my age) started to criticize me over things that I said, to the point they started to drive really hurtful things down against me, and as someone with Autism, I can't quite process the things they're saying to me, and I broke down this morning.
It all started yesterday, when I posted saying the owner of this server (who has an internet community, and makes music, would finally surpass 1.5 million streams on a song. User 1, a discord moderator of this group, said it already has. I half joked (which they didn't receive well), saying the following, "I may or may not have reached out to my social media audience (I also make music and run a local radio station's jazz program) for some help getting there."
User 1: "Somehow I highly doubt that made any perceivable difference outside of the standard trend unless you are hiding 100k followers in a magic hat or something." That hurt.
Me: Whatever dude. Even if 1 person clicked on the link, I wanted to help get there since she expressed interest in hitting 1.5 million. Why are you downplaying everything I do? Or negatively criticizing my choice of words?
User 1: 100% choice of words, Here you try to down play its always appreciated to share the music with others, but the way its worded here implys a humble brag that you were the reason it reached that number or at the very least a large part in that.
I understood where he was coming from, but his choice of words didn't help me there. It seemed to me that he was putting his foot down saying me and my audience don't make a difference.
User 2 joins in and says the following:
User 2: My favourite thing is watching people not pick up on your jokes. And just automatically assume you're an asshole.
Me: Didn't appear to be humorous to me. I guess I must add a gif to express emotion.
User 2: Nah he doesn't have to express emotion for you to see his jokes lolol
Me: I suppose I must, otherwise I get criticized by someone I'll never meet.
User 2: I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about User 1.
User 2: Everyone I've ever talked to about him always asks me why he's an asshole when most don't even bother to get to know him not my fault y'all can't put in the effort to understand his humour or how he expresses himself.
Inbetween this eruption and this point, I wrote a message congratulating the owner on surpassing 1.5 million streams. I intended to mean well with my message but it went out like this:
Me: 1.5 million streams on Song Owner!!! So incredible to see how what started as me watching funny TikTok videos became watching a fully fledged musician. Super happy for you, congrats!
User 1: I mean thats kind of dismissive, the music came first and has always been the main goal I understand the underlying compliment you are going for, but it comes off weird how you describe the journey in that way as if Owner was not a fully fledged musician before this?
Me: Your interpretation is it’s dismissive and weird, because I worded it in the way that I found her videos before I found her music.
User 2: You worded it as an absolute rather than an objective experience you had such as "Incredible that I found your tiktok videos and learnt you were an amazing musician" there is plenty of other ways you could have worded it, but the first interpretation that jumps out from the words used is that is was a linear transition from the videos into finally becoming a musician. (not quite what I said, but go ahead)
Me: My bad.
User 2: Everyday I wake up in Ohio.
So that happened. I objectified what the person was saying, and that I didn't word it right.
Then this happened. I bought Yeezy Pods back in February, and wanted to express how cool they were. This is what unfolded. God I hate this part the most, because it was so out of left field and so hurtful, being Jewish myself.
Me: My Yeezy Pods showed up. They are fucking sick.
User 3 (will be all users not associated with the core drama, just other users): 🤨
User 2: Ew
User 3: Interesting.
User 2: "I guess we see who loves antisemitism now." WHAT (they change my server name to Antisemite)
User 3: the only thing sick about yeezy pods is how i be throwing up lookin at em
User 2: *funny gif*
Me: *Curtis Payne you a hater gif (can't link it)* in all honesty, it's better to love something than to hate it. not a supporter of antisemitism, i was kidding.
User 3: Funny joke hahahahhahahaah yeah no. Muppet
Me: Yall got pressed over shoes. Crazy world we live in.
User 2: Yes because I'm actually pressed. Crazy how people just assume things all the time. Womp womp.
Me: the immediate response, no tag necessary. (they responded immediately)
User 2: OMG I'm on Discord.
Me: #chronicallyonline, kidding of course.
User 2: You're the one who changed your name. (back to my original name) Who's pressed now?
Me: The joke is over.
User 3: Bro at least have the balls to remove the joking lmao
User 2: I got the chronicallyonlinebitches tag for a reason.
Me: (responding to User 3) Can’t, every one gets triggered if I don’t add intent to the messages I send. (I was fuming at this point, very hurt and my perspective of Owner and their community was permanently changed).
User 3: Nah cus lowkey itd be funnier if you weren’t joking at least then you’d have grown a pair.
Me: I may misword something that they disagree with, and they’ll use that to their advantage to assert their dominance over me in the argument. (I intentionally placed 'dominance' to indirectly prove my point about miswording things).
User 3: Bro no one gives a shit about dominance.
User 2: Image saying: "things an unfuckable douche canoe says"
Me: Why are you calling me a douche canoe?
User 2: Omg you think I'm dominant? I'm riding that high for the next week. And this toke I'm about to take.
Me: go for it. I wasn’t talking about you.
User 2: I'm gonna anyway. Already beating my shmeat. Tho if you're talking about User 1, hes gonna waste that high. He's autistic and doesn't find joy in it. 😂😂😂 I wonder if I fumble my sentences he'll use it too.
I broke at this point, I sought vengeance and took no prisoners.
Me: I was talking about User 1. I shared Owners song, said I did in here, User said that I didn’t make a difference. I put a message in Owner's letter channel saying something “From tiktok videos to being a fully fledged musician” and congratulating Owner on reaching 1.5m streams on the song she made. User 1 called that message dismissive and said I wasn’t considering Owner was always a musician. I started out watching Owner for non-musician tiktoks then Owner started making (publishing) music. I hate having to make long overdrawn statements like these, but since you guys are fucking with me, I’d 🤓 too.
User 2: I mean she was a musician first? I don't see what's dominating about that statement. *gif of wall of text*
Me: I misworded it. I used to watch the non-musician tiktoks first before I listened to her music. (didn't misword it, see the wall I posted above.) I can’t misword anything without a discord mod saying umm actually.
User 2: Because you're expressing incorrect information otherwise. You saying Owner did TikTok before her music would throw off others, especially the younger ones who don't fact check. Two it discredits Owner's work prior to "blowing" up on TikTok. Just because it's your perception of events doesn't mean it's the truth. You expressed it as if it was such, Owner's TikTok came first then the music, which isn't the case. People are allowed to correct others and at least two people who have corrected you on things AREN'T mods. You aren't the only one being corrected on misinformation or being an ass.
Me: This whole thing could’ve been dismissed entirely by understanding that’s not the intention I intend to express, both the Yeezy Pods and congratulating Owner on Song. Now I tread carefully here in particular because you guys ruined my whole perspective on this community. What you call misinformation, was me trying to say from making tiktoks to publishing music, I’m proud of where Owner's gotten. I’m sorry, but wouldn’t you react similarly to how you treated me? I'd get fucking banned I fear.
User 3: But the point is Owner was making music before tiktok.
Me: great, you got your point across. I don’t even feel comfortable saying anything here anymore.
User 2: No because I'd realize I'm doing something if I'm being talked to? And yeah I'm gonna be fuckin grossed out you're buying Yeezy? He's a fuckin antisemitic piece of shit??? Why would you support his shit??? That's weird af. I'm allowed to have opinions on brands and shit? User 2 forbid I have an opinion on a terrible person and their brand.
Me: I bought them because they were $20.
User 2: User 3, I guess you'll have to publicly execute me for my crimes of opinion. IDC if they're free?
Me: If you have nothing nice to say to the person, don’t say it.
User 2: It's still supporting his brand one way or another and that's weird af. Womp womp.
Me: I could express my opinion on each of you and get fucking blasted into the sun over expressing my opinion if you disagreed with it. The rules are one sided then.
User 2: Idc if you blast your opinions about me. I myself aren't gonna ban your ass over it. I'm not sensitive about shit people say about me. Also I didn't call you antisemitic I said you love it (why the name change then?) Two different things. I have not expressed my opinions of you at all, nor will I. It's not my fault you can't handle some things being said. Maybe say you have triggers or traumas with it and people would slow down? (ironic)
Me: However, quite the contrary to popular belief, these two instances of communal discourse, do not reflect any changes on my opinion towards you folks. (me trying to divert the hate against me for buying $20 shoes. User 2 changed my name back to "Antisemite", I changed it back immediately.)
Me: responding to User 2's last sentence: They never have and never will. They claim I’m bullshitting them, to be weaponizing my traumas against them in an argument.
Do I have to release my medical documents /s where I was abused throughout my childhood which permanently affected the course of my development, so making music and confiding in someone of popular culture would be therapeutic? (sarcastic about the documents, although I wasn't for a time, but that was a long time ago in a different instance)
User 2: Dammit you shit on the carpet
Me: It never ends.
User 2: No one wants your fuckin medical documents first of all (missed the /s i appended after medical documents I see...)
Me: So I'll just shut the fuck up.
User 2: Second of all don't weaponize your traumas for the sake of this argument. (I thought I could express that I'm sensitive to these interactions, and that they'd slow down, but point proven again, it's bullshit to them.)
Me: I “love antisemitism” and I spread “misinformation”. I’ll never express a personal view nor opinion on anything ever again.
User 3: i mean most antisemites will also say "im just joking" when they say something like that.
Me: If I say an unbiased statement about anything and receive backlash from it, I will not respond with emotion.
User 2: Yet User 1 is expected to say he's being sarcastic or joking to spare your feelings? Seems unfair. You come at him for a half joke because YOU can't tell and now you expect people to not do the same?
Me: Regardless of if you claim I’m suppressing your opinions, or weaponizing my traumas for the sake of this argument, after being told it might trigger me, so people would slow down.
User 2: You specifically throwing out what was done. You could've been vague. You could've said literally anything else. Going into specifics is just going to upset people. Especially since this in GENERAL.
Me: Expressing your opinion or views of another person where it hurts others isn’t necessarily something to say to everyone.
User 2: Not the place to dump the laundry.
Me: Not the place to claim someone loves antisemitism either User 2. Or say me sharing a song made no impact User 1.
User 2: Uh yes it is? It's a general topic taught between the ages of 10 and 18.
User 3: when you literally make the statement? you placed it in the domain of conversation?
User 2: User 1 didn't say it didn't make an impact.
Me: It was nice mod, who saved the day and clarified that it made a difference to share it. regardless of how many people came to heed the call (785 people to be precise heeded the call. didn't say that last part at any point.)
User 2: Once again User 1 didn't say it didn't?
Me: I’m not replying anymore. I’m not able to get my point across.
User 2: User 1 I guess to appease the court we have to publicly execute you on the grounds of *looks at tiny paper* Specifications. (User 1 appeared from the shadows and started typing)
Me: “any perceivable difference” his words. done. (I haven't replied since.)
User 3: I stg half the time I come in here theres beef and I cant tell if its satire or not.
User 2: I know User 1's words? Idk anymore I'm too high for this.
User 3: That's gonna be me in like 20 mins
User 2: You date a man 2+ years, bear his furchildren and people think you don't know him, his words or his feelings.
User 3: skill issue.
USER 1 APPEARS REPLYING TO "any perceivable difference"
Exactly my words, in response directly to your words about beg hitting 1.5 million and how you used your social media to "play a hand in it" ("for some help" but sure put words in my mouth to direct your 'dominance') your words mate, I made a critique on the nature of your comment and the words used based entirely around the meaning and context of both that message and the dear Owner one. The words used make you sound like a self agrandizing prick with an ego the size of a collapsing star and and your pride consisting of a similar density. I would hope I was entirely wrong about the intent of the messages you sent because otherwise it builds a character perception of you that ain't all that flattering. You do you bud but just as I get critique for the way I phrase things as being insensitive you will get criticism over the way your words paint a story of an event. (How was it in any way that I'd get blasted into the fucking sun over this?)
Oops way too long
User 2: Damn User 1 hit the second tower (I'm from New York, it's in my bio on Discord). Now it's funnier.
User 3: lmaaaaoooo
User 2: Long and the short of it, grow a pair and word things better like everyone else has to, or chew rocks and realise people form an opinion of you from shit like that, and then deciding to announce you support a controversial figures shit incidentally or not feeds into that personality. Me I don't hate you by any stretch but it's harder and harder to take you seriously.
Now this is all here. I haven't replied, and will not reply anymore in this community unless I'm directly contacting the Owner through the server. I'm exhausted and the day just got started. Gonna go to sunday service with my friend's family since I care about them more than this whole situation. I'm emotionally destroyed. They treated me nicely, complimenting my music and my contributions to support Owner in their endeavors, however, clamped down because I'm an antisemite over buying Yeezy Pods, and I spread misinformation because I misworded/failed to properly display my intentions, and got snapped on over sarcastically pointing out that nobody else does.
Redditors I apologize that it's even got to this point, but AITA? I think I am after what they've said to me, I am typically one to follow the herd because it leads to less interpersonal conflict.

(English is nit my first language)
(F20) I've had this extremely vivid dream about my professor (M36). Context: I had the dream two days before my father had a risky surgery which we were supposed to decide if he's gonna do it or not, so I was stressed. It ended up being successful. The dream had a very positive vibe so it felt like a sign that my dad can do the surgery. I've been attending two courses taught by this professor, but I've only been able to take one exam (that's also a stress factor). Me and my course colleagues agree that he has a weird personality: clearly insecure so he tends to be extremely formal, and tends to humiliate students whenever they're not 100% perfect in the way they explain their points or their questions. He would literally continue to act like your question doesn't make any sense for 30 minutes, instead of just admitting that he understands what you meant and trying to help you word it better (btw, we're Philosophy students). However, he somehow managed to create a very familiar environment, according to many of us students. We kind of got used to him, much more than to other professors who were more kind and respectful (almost like a Stockholm syndrome...). The only word I can find to describe his energy is "feminine" and even more "motherly", which sounds weird for a man but it's fitting. Also, you can see that outside of the classroom he can be very kind and willing to help. But his insensitive behaviour left me quite bitter about him, and I criticized him a lot when talking to my friends.
The dream: I was in a very beautiful, yet simple, apartment, on ground floor. There were a lot of windows and sun rays were warming the whole place. It was a morning and I'd just woke up. I had a flatmate, which was my actual classmate (she's a slightly older woman, but I've definitely become closest to her among my classmates, as friends). The flat was messy but cozy, and I feel like there were no couches in the living room. The kitchen was open space and everything was very white. There were two 10-12 y.o. girls playing around in the apartment, laughing and eating candy. Me and my friend were opening the curtains and the windows in the living room, as you would do on a regular morning. As soon as I got to the window facing the patio, I saw a big nice car, and the professor was on the driver's seat, looking down as if he were looking at his phone. On the other side of the road was a supermarket with many customers, so it was a lively day. I closed the curtain because it felt like the right thing to do. A few moments later someone ringed at our door. I opened and it was the professor. My friend and the two girls won't show up any more in the dream. I welcomed him in a laid-back, formal way, as he usually is. But there was a drying rack outside of the door with clothes on it, and it prevented him from getting inside. As soon as I realized, I moved it aside with a lot of energy and allowed him inside. He brought a huge (as in a meter tall) bag of candy as a gift. He got in and we stood up the whole time in the middle of the living room (that's why I think there were no couches). He was wearing darker clothes, in contrast with the white environment. It's also unusual for him to wear dark clothes. We said that he needed to advise me about some books to use for an essay I was trying to write, and when he mentioned a book I had, I ran so quickly to get it. Then when he was leaving, there was an object, probably the book, and I was trying to hand it to him but it stuck to the belt of my shorts (I was wearing at-home clothes). And he helped me unstick it in a very laid-back way, and had a nervous giggle. Then he left and the dream ended there.
Any interpretations?
This dream has been haunting me especially with the exam coming soon.

The Fresh and Fit channel experienced a meteoric rise due to several key factors: 1. Provocative and Controversial Content : The channel gained traction by tackling controversial topics related to dating, relationships, and gender dynamics in a confrontational style. Their bold and unapologetic takes, often deemed misogynistic by critics, generated significant buzz and attention. 2. Charismatic Hosts : The dynamic chemistry between hosts Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes (Freshprinceceo), along with their charismatic personalities, resonated with a significant portion of the audience seeking advice on dating and self-improvement. 3. Capitalizing on the "Red Pill" Movement : Fresh and Fit tapped into the growing "red pill" ideology, which promotes traditional gender roles and criticizes modern feminism. Their content aligned with and amplified these views, attracting a dedicated following within this community. 4. Leveraging Social Media : The hosts effectively utilized social media platforms like Instagram to promote their content and engage with their audience, further amplifying their reach and popularity. 5. Controversial Guests and Debates : The channel frequently hosted controversial guests, such as OnlyFans models, Instagram influencers, and other "red pill" figures, leading to heated debates and confrontations that fueled engagement and viewership.
The Rise and Fall of Fresh and Fit: Unpacking the Controversial "Red Pill" Movement on YouTube In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, a new breed of content creators has emerged, captivating audiences with their bold and divisive perspectives on gender dynamics, relationships, and societal norms. At the forefront of this movement stands Fresh and Fit, a YouTube channel that has garnered both fervent support and intense criticism for its unapologetic embrace of the "red pill" ideology.Hosted by Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes (known as Freshprinceceo), Fresh and Fit has amassed a staggering following, with over 1 million subscribers and videos regularly garnering millions of views. However, beneath the veneer of their provocative content lies a complex web of ideologies, controversies, and societal implications that warrant a closer examination. The "Red Pill" Ideology: A Primer To understand the phenomenon of Fresh and Fit, one must first grasp the core tenets of the "red pill" movement. Originating from the 1999 film "The Matrix," the term "red pill" has come to symbolize a metaphorical awakening to perceived harsh realities about gender relations, feminism, and the dynamics of power between men and women.Adherents of the "red pill" ideology often espouse traditional gender roles, criticize modern feminism, and advocate for a hyper-masculine approach to dating and relationships. They reject what they perceive as societal conditioning and embrace a worldview that emphasizes male dominance, female submission, and the pursuit of sexual conquest.In the words of Myron Gaines, the author of the controversial book "Women Deserve Less," the "red pill" philosophy is about "leveling up and the double-edged sword of social media." This sentiment encapsulates the movement's emphasis on self-improvement and the perceived need for men to assert their dominance in a world where gender dynamics are perceived as skewed in favor of women. The Rise of Fresh and Fit The meteoric rise of Fresh and Fit can be attributed to several key factors, each contributing to the channel's ability to captivate and polarize audiences. 1. Provocative and Controversial Content: Fresh and Fit gained traction by tackling controversial topics related to dating, relationships, and gender dynamics in a confrontational style. Their bold and unapologetic takes, often deemed misogynistic by critics, generated significant buzz and attention. As one Reddit user aptly described, "They invite the weirdest pornstars and only fans women with the trashiest mindset and act as if they are representative of all women." 2. Charismatic Hosts: The dynamic chemistry between Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes, along with their charismatic personalities, resonated with a significant portion of the audience seeking advice on dating and self-improvement. "Myron led a sinful lifestyle, with high body count n all, n his wealth will attract," commented a Reddit user, highlighting the allure of their personas. 3. Capitalizing on the "Red Pill" Movement: Fresh and Fit tapped into the growing "red pill" ideology, aligning their content with and amplifying these views, attracting a dedicated following within this community. As one critic noted, "They are scamming young guys hard and it makes me sad to see. They are selling courses for like $800 to 'teach' guys how to hit on girls on Instagram." 4. Leveraging Social Media: The hosts effectively utilized social media platforms like Instagram to promote their content and engage with their audience, further amplifying their reach and popularity. "They give off insecure vibes and only bring on girls that are 10 years younger then them," observed a Reddit user, highlighting their strategic use of social media. 5. Controversial Guests and Debates: The channel frequently hosted controversial guests, such as OnlyFans models, Instagram influencers, and other "red pill" figures, leading to heated debates and confrontations that fueled engagement and viewership. As one critic noted, "They bait them or subtly try to make them agree with them to go like 'See guys? What have we told you?'" 6. Appealing to a Specific Demographic: Fresh and Fit's content primarily targeted young men seeking dating advice and validation for traditional masculine ideals, filling a perceived gap in the market. "A friend of mine started watching Fresh and Fit and Kevin Samuels religiously a couple of months ago after a break-up. Went from being a normal guy to someone who genuinely hates women and rants about gender roles to me all the time," shared a concerned Reddit user. While controversy played a significant role in the channel's initial growth, it ultimately contributed to its downfall as well, with YouTube demonetizing the channel due to violations of its policies. The Cult of Fresh and Fit: Indoctrination and Manipulation As Fresh and Fit's popularity soared, concerns arose regarding the potential for indoctrination and manipulation of their predominantly young male audience. Critics argued that the channel's content perpetuated harmful stereotypes, fostered misogynistic attitudes, and promoted a distorted view of gender relations.In a thought-provoking video essay titled "The Cult of Fresh and Fit," YouTuber Aba & Preach delved into the psychological tactics employed by the channel, drawing parallels to cult-like behavior. The video highlighted how Fresh and Fit leveraged techniques such as love-bombing, us-versus-them mentalities, and the creation of an echo chamber to solidify their influence over their followers."They give me revenge of the nerds vibes," commented a Reddit user, alluding to the channel's appeal to a demographic of disaffected young men seeking validation and a sense of belonging. This sentiment underscores the potential for Fresh and Fit's content to foster a toxic subculture that perpetuates harmful attitudes and behaviors. The Societal Impact: Misogyny, Extremism, and Radicalization Beyond the confines of the Fresh and Fit channel, the "red pill" ideology has been linked to broader societal issues, including misogyny, extremism, and the potential for radicalization.In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne, a strong correlation was found between adherence to "red pill" beliefs and endorsement of hostile sexist attitudes towards women. The study highlighted the potential for such ideologies to contribute to the normalization of misogynistic views and the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination.Moreover, there have been instances where individuals associated with the "red pill" movement have been implicated in acts of violence and extremism. In 2018, a self-proclaimed "incel" (involuntary celibate) carried out a deadly attack in Toronto, claiming to be part of a "rebellion" against women. While Fresh and Fit has not been directly linked to such incidents, the potential for their content to contribute to the radicalization of vulnerable individuals remains a concern. The Countermovement: Voices of Reason and Critique In response to the rise of Fresh and Fit and the "red pill" movement, a countermovement has emerged, comprising voices of reason and critique from various spheres, including academia, journalism, and social commentary.Prominent figures such as Dr. Nerdlove, a dating coach and author, have actively challenged the harmful narratives propagated by the "red pill" community. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Nerdlove stated, "The red pill is a toxic ideology that encourages men to view women as objects to be acquired and discarded, rather than human beings with agency and autonomy."Journalists and social commentators have also played a crucial role in exposing the flaws and dangers of the "red pill" ideology. In a scathing article for The Atlantic, Laurie Penny criticized the movement's embrace of "reactionary masculinity" and its perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes.Furthermore, online communities such as exredpill on Reddit have emerged as safe havens for individuals seeking to disengage from the "red pill" mindset and engage in constructive discussions about healthy relationships and personal growth. The Way Forward: Promoting Healthy Discourse and Accountability As the debate surrounding Fresh and Fit and the "red pill" movement rages on, it is imperative to address the underlying issues and promote a more constructive dialogue on gender relations, personal growth, and societal progress. 1. Fostering Healthy Masculinity: Rather than perpetuating toxic masculinity and misogynistic attitudes, there is a need to promote healthy expressions of masculinity that embrace empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. Initiatives that encourage positive role models and mentorship programs for young men could play a pivotal role in this endeavor. 2. Emphasizing Consent and Mutual Respect: Discussions surrounding dating and relationships should prioritize consent, mutual respect, and the recognition of women's autonomy and agency. Content creators and influencers have a responsibility to promote healthy and ethical practices, rather than perpetuating harmful narratives. 3. Promoting Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: In the age of social media and online echo chambers, it is crucial to equip individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information and identify potential biases or manipulation tactics. Media literacy programs and educational initiatives could play a vital role in empowering audiences to make informed decisions. 4. Holding Platforms Accountable: Social media platforms and content hosting services must take a proactive stance in enforcing community guidelines and content policies, ensuring that harmful or extremist content is promptly addressed and removed when necessary. 5. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives: Rather than perpetuating a singular narrative, it is essential to amplify diverse voices and perspectives on gender relations, relationships, and personal growth. Inclusive dialogues that embrace nuance and complexity can foster greater understanding and progress. As the Fresh and Fit phenomenon continues to evolve, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of social media to shape narratives and influence societal attitudes. By fostering healthy discourse, promoting accountability, and embracing diverse perspectives, we can navigate the complexities of gender dynamics and relationships in a manner that upholds respect, empathy, and the pursuit of mutual understanding.

The Fresh and Fit channel experienced a meteoric rise due to several key factors: 1. Provocative and Controversial Content : The channel gained traction by tackling controversial topics related to dating, relationships, and gender dynamics in a confrontational style. Their bold and unapologetic takes, often deemed misogynistic by critics, generated significant buzz and attention. 2. Charismatic Hosts : The dynamic chemistry between hosts Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes (Freshprinceceo), along with their charismatic personalities, resonated with a significant portion of the audience seeking advice on dating and self-improvement. 3. Capitalizing on the "Red Pill" Movement : Fresh and Fit tapped into the growing "red pill" ideology, which promotes traditional gender roles and criticizes modern feminism. Their content aligned with and amplified these views, attracting a dedicated following within this community. 4. Leveraging Social Media : The hosts effectively utilized social media platforms like Instagram to promote their content and engage with their audience, further amplifying their reach and popularity. 5. Controversial Guests and Debates : The channel frequently hosted controversial guests, such as OnlyFans models, Instagram influencers, and other "red pill" figures, leading to heated debates and confrontations that fueled engagement and viewership.
The Rise and Fall of Fresh and Fit: Unpacking the Controversial "Red Pill" Movement on YouTube In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, a new breed of content creators has emerged, captivating audiences with their bold and divisive perspectives on gender dynamics, relationships, and societal norms. At the forefront of this movement stands Fresh and Fit, a YouTube channel that has garnered both fervent support and intense criticism for its unapologetic embrace of the "red pill" ideology.Hosted by Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes (known as Freshprinceceo), Fresh and Fit has amassed a staggering following, with over 1 million subscribers and videos regularly garnering millions of views. However, beneath the veneer of their provocative content lies a complex web of ideologies, controversies, and societal implications that warrant a closer examination. The "Red Pill" Ideology: A Primer To understand the phenomenon of Fresh and Fit, one must first grasp the core tenets of the "red pill" movement. Originating from the 1999 film "The Matrix," the term "red pill" has come to symbolize a metaphorical awakening to perceived harsh realities about gender relations, feminism, and the dynamics of power between men and women.Adherents of the "red pill" ideology often espouse traditional gender roles, criticize modern feminism, and advocate for a hyper-masculine approach to dating and relationships. They reject what they perceive as societal conditioning and embrace a worldview that emphasizes male dominance, female submission, and the pursuit of sexual conquest.In the words of Myron Gaines, the author of the controversial book "Women Deserve Less," the "red pill" philosophy is about "leveling up and the double-edged sword of social media." This sentiment encapsulates the movement's emphasis on self-improvement and the perceived need for men to assert their dominance in a world where gender dynamics are perceived as skewed in favor of women. The Rise of Fresh and Fit The meteoric rise of Fresh and Fit can be attributed to several key factors, each contributing to the channel's ability to captivate and polarize audiences. 1. Provocative and Controversial Content: Fresh and Fit gained traction by tackling controversial topics related to dating, relationships, and gender dynamics in a confrontational style. Their bold and unapologetic takes, often deemed misogynistic by critics, generated significant buzz and attention. As one Reddit user aptly described, "They invite the weirdest pornstars and only fans women with the trashiest mindset and act as if they are representative of all women." 2. Charismatic Hosts: The dynamic chemistry between Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes, along with their charismatic personalities, resonated with a significant portion of the audience seeking advice on dating and self-improvement. "Myron led a sinful lifestyle, with high body count n all, n his wealth will attract," commented a Reddit user, highlighting the allure of their personas. 3. Capitalizing on the "Red Pill" Movement: Fresh and Fit tapped into the growing "red pill" ideology, aligning their content with and amplifying these views, attracting a dedicated following within this community. As one critic noted, "They are scamming young guys hard and it makes me sad to see. They are selling courses for like $800 to 'teach' guys how to hit on girls on Instagram." 4. Leveraging Social Media: The hosts effectively utilized social media platforms like Instagram to promote their content and engage with their audience, further amplifying their reach and popularity. "They give off insecure vibes and only bring on girls that are 10 years younger then them," observed a Reddit user, highlighting their strategic use of social media. 5. Controversial Guests and Debates: The channel frequently hosted controversial guests, such as OnlyFans models, Instagram influencers, and other "red pill" figures, leading to heated debates and confrontations that fueled engagement and viewership. As one critic noted, "They bait them or subtly try to make them agree with them to go like 'See guys? What have we told you?'" 6. Appealing to a Specific Demographic: Fresh and Fit's content primarily targeted young men seeking dating advice and validation for traditional masculine ideals, filling a perceived gap in the market. "A friend of mine started watching Fresh and Fit and Kevin Samuels religiously a couple of months ago after a break-up. Went from being a normal guy to someone who genuinely hates women and rants about gender roles to me all the time," shared a concerned Reddit user. While controversy played a significant role in the channel's initial growth, it ultimately contributed to its downfall as well, with YouTube demonetizing the channel due to violations of its policies. The Cult of Fresh and Fit: Indoctrination and Manipulation As Fresh and Fit's popularity soared, concerns arose regarding the potential for indoctrination and manipulation of their predominantly young male audience. Critics argued that the channel's content perpetuated harmful stereotypes, fostered misogynistic attitudes, and promoted a distorted view of gender relations.In a thought-provoking video essay titled "The Cult of Fresh and Fit," YouTuber Aba & Preach delved into the psychological tactics employed by the channel, drawing parallels to cult-like behavior. The video highlighted how Fresh and Fit leveraged techniques such as love-bombing, us-versus-them mentalities, and the creation of an echo chamber to solidify their influence over their followers."They give me revenge of the nerds vibes," commented a Reddit user, alluding to the channel's appeal to a demographic of disaffected young men seeking validation and a sense of belonging. This sentiment underscores the potential for Fresh and Fit's content to foster a toxic subculture that perpetuates harmful attitudes and behaviors. The Societal Impact: Misogyny, Extremism, and Radicalization Beyond the confines of the Fresh and Fit channel, the "red pill" ideology has been linked to broader societal issues, including misogyny, extremism, and the potential for radicalization.In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne, a strong correlation was found between adherence to "red pill" beliefs and endorsement of hostile sexist attitudes towards women. The study highlighted the potential for such ideologies to contribute to the normalization of misogynistic views and the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination.Moreover, there have been instances where individuals associated with the "red pill" movement have been implicated in acts of violence and extremism. In 2018, a self-proclaimed "incel" (involuntary celibate) carried out a deadly attack in Toronto, claiming to be part of a "rebellion" against women. While Fresh and Fit has not been directly linked to such incidents, the potential for their content to contribute to the radicalization of vulnerable individuals remains a concern. The Countermovement: Voices of Reason and Critique In response to the rise of Fresh and Fit and the "red pill" movement, a countermovement has emerged, comprising voices of reason and critique from various spheres, including academia, journalism, and social commentary.Prominent figures such as Dr. Nerdlove, a dating coach and author, have actively challenged the harmful narratives propagated by the "red pill" community. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Nerdlove stated, "The red pill is a toxic ideology that encourages men to view women as objects to be acquired and discarded, rather than human beings with agency and autonomy."Journalists and social commentators have also played a crucial role in exposing the flaws and dangers of the "red pill" ideology. In a scathing article for The Atlantic, Laurie Penny criticized the movement's embrace of "reactionary masculinity" and its perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes.Furthermore, online communities such as exredpill on Reddit have emerged as safe havens for individuals seeking to disengage from the "red pill" mindset and engage in constructive discussions about healthy relationships and personal growth. The Way Forward: Promoting Healthy Discourse and Accountability As the debate surrounding Fresh and Fit and the "red pill" movement rages on, it is imperative to address the underlying issues and promote a more constructive dialogue on gender relations, personal growth, and societal progress. 1. Fostering Healthy Masculinity: Rather than perpetuating toxic masculinity and misogynistic attitudes, there is a need to promote healthy expressions of masculinity that embrace empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. Initiatives that encourage positive role models and mentorship programs for young men could play a pivotal role in this endeavor. 2. Emphasizing Consent and Mutual Respect: Discussions surrounding dating and relationships should prioritize consent, mutual respect, and the recognition of women's autonomy and agency. Content creators and influencers have a responsibility to promote healthy and ethical practices, rather than perpetuating harmful narratives. 3. Promoting Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: In the age of social media and online echo chambers, it is crucial to equip individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information and identify potential biases or manipulation tactics. Media literacy programs and educational initiatives could play a vital role in empowering audiences to make informed decisions. 4. Holding Platforms Accountable: Social media platforms and content hosting services must take a proactive stance in enforcing community guidelines and content policies, ensuring that harmful or extremist content is promptly addressed and removed when necessary. 5. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives: Rather than perpetuating a singular narrative, it is essential to amplify diverse voices and perspectives on gender relations, relationships, and personal growth. Inclusive dialogues that embrace nuance and complexity can foster greater understanding and progress. As the Fresh and Fit phenomenon continues to evolve, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of social media to shape narratives and influence societal attitudes. By fostering healthy discourse, promoting accountability, and embracing diverse perspectives, we can navigate the complexities of gender dynamics and relationships in a manner that upholds respect, empathy, and the pursuit of mutual understanding.

It's a slow Sunday, so here are just a few of the random things I've thought of and some of the lessons learned over the decades. A lot of them are just abbreviated thoughts where I actually have a far more comprehensive explanation, but Reddit isn't really the place for long form essays. So this is just my hyper-abbreviated and incomplete pocket guide for INTPs that I wrote really quickly and probably didn't elaborate in all the places I should have.
In no particular order:

1. Never trust a coworker, and never talk to them about what you think of the job or anyone on it, ever. Anything you say can and will be used against you. See, hear, and speak no evil.
2. Calculate your monthly expenses and some extra for entertainment, and save the rest. Either learn to invest in the stock market or real estate - maybe Crypto? I dunno. Interest rates in a savings account just don't cut it.
3. Learn public speaking. It will seriously reduce social anxiety, and will let you feel confident and not care about what other people think. Not just once or twice, but over and over and over until you acclimate. Rome wasn't built in a day.
4. Accept that you are not a good bottom level employee. Your moron manager doesn't care about your bachelor's of philosophy or history, your knowledge of WWI, your creative and analytical thinking, or your encyclopedic knowledge of the parts of the brain or your understanding of Jungian concepts. They want a mindless ass kissing drone, and that's not you. (yes, yes, one or two people will show up saying "I was a bottom level employee at a tech company with all NT bosses who saw my brilliance and promoted me" - you are the exception that proves the rule.)
5. Specialize. INTPs are not the "work up from the mail room to the board room" types, that requires too much ass kissing, and pretending to care about mundane detail oriented tasks. Figure out a career path that will let you ultimately specialize through education, or another path (I found education to be easier because I'm too lazy to do it on my own). You want to be the authority/master, INTPs make terrible employees, so position yourself outside that structure as the expert. Yes, broad knowledge and jack-of-all-trades is important, but if there is no depth, you have less to market. As an INTP, a broad knowledge base should already be part of the package.
6. Figure out what you want to do and how to make money when you're young, and work your ass off, so when you're 40 or 50 you can take it easy. Don't look for shortcuts or avoiding work when you're 25, because if you do, you'll be fucked later in life. Take advantage of your health and energy in your 20s. It goes away.
7. Most people won't understand you, and because 95% of what we do is hidden in our head, a lot of people will think you're stupid or at best a curiosity. Just don't fuck up and marry the wrong person.
8. Do stuff for people when you have nothing better to do. Someone needs a ride to the airport or needs help moving and you have nothing to do? Help. It's easier to build a big network of friends by helping - you don't need to be sociable and talkative and working to maintain relationships. It's a shortcut to making friends. If you can help, do, if you can't or don't want to, don't. Don't be one of those pricks who doesn't want to but does it anyway, and then bitches and moans for weeks after. On that same note, go to the parties and bars and get togethers you are invited to. Otherwise eventually you'll find yourself not getting invited, and posting on reddit or talking to a therapist about how to meet people.
9. Be logical and rational. Too many people have been taken over by the cordyceps brain fungus of the Red and Blue religions, with ready-made answers to every question that could ever be asked (or whatever political analogues exist in your country). Throw that shit out immediately. Pay attention to yourself - if someone says something and you have a physical reaction and a talking point immediately chambered, that's a sign you have been infected with a parasitical brain fungus of ideology. You should think about every single thing independently and based on its own merits. Never let the Blue or Red fungal religions infect your brain. As an INTP, you should always be functioning in Kahneman's "System 2". Ask yourself what narrative is being pushed, and explore the reasons behind the narrative. Always work backwards to the very, very core of the issue, that's where you'll find the answer, and that's when you'll really see the ideological narrative and understand why it was created. Almost always, by the time something has become ideological narrative, the entire reason for its existence is forgotten; there is a lot to learn by digging up the origins. And nothing is ever black and white, nuance is real, nuance is important, nuance matters more than anything. If you are unable to see nuance, you are the problem.
10. Always remember, your favorite politician despises you, and your favorite political party is out to maintain and expand power, make a ton of money, and help you the citizen as little as possible; just enough to keep you from realizing you're being fucked, all in the service of their corporate owners.
11. Find a good checklist app. Every single thing I think I need or want to do that I ever think of goes on that checklist, and when I have nothing to do, I'll go down the list and pull off some easy things and do them. Use a good calendar app, and put everything on it with email reminders (I use Google Calendar), I always get email reminders the previous day and hours before I need to be somewhere or go do something. I would be lost without these things.
12. Don't ever regret things. Whatever path you chose was the only choice you would have ever made in that moment. No other choice was possible, it was the result of everything that led up to it. So don't worry about it, don't regret it. Move on.
13. Read books. Read actual, physical books, or at least a kindle. Read lots of them, as many as you can, preferably before the age of 30. It's how you build a model of the world, a broad knowledge base, critical thinking skills, and effective BS detection skills. Wikipedia is your enemy. It's a false god that gives you a superficial understanding in true Dunning-Kruger fashion. Not reading in depth leaves one open to infection by ideology and gives one a false sense of knowledge.

(note to teacher: you made a mistake by having one of the prompts be “what are you interested in”, get ready to experience the true power of an autistic hyperfixation. Warning for,, kinda vulgar lyrics? They’re important in the context of the song and it's actually really interesting. I swear I PROMISE I'm not insane.)
I will be analysing Will Wood’s song ‘Suburbia Overture / Greetings from Marybell Township! / (Vampire) Culture / Love Me, Normally’. which, for simplicity, most fans refer to as simply ‘Suburbia Overture’. This song is the first on his first solo album entitled ‘The Normal Album’, which came out in July 2020.
This song, in the most general possible terms, is a criticism of modern suburban life, how it is advertised as “the perfect life”, and how this advertising is incredibly false unless you fit the picture perfect standard that these facets of society seem to require.
The song itself is split up into 3 distinct sections, “Suburbia Overture”, “(Vampire) Culture” and “Love Me, Normally”. I'll be tackling each section one at a time in order to properly break down what each means, what different analogies they use, how they all relate to each other and the intended end result of the song and the message it intends to convey.
Let's begin with ‘Suburbia Overture’. This section of the song uses a lot of analogies that compare suburban life to a warzone, the first line of this section being “white picket fences, barbed wire and trenches”. This section also focuses heavily on the concept of the nuclear family, and it often literalises the term and uses analogies based around radiation and nuclear warfare. Such analogies can be found in lines such as “the snap crackle pop of the Geiger, camouflage billboards for lead lined Brookes Brothers”. Now there's a couple of terms that require definitions in this line. The first of course being “the Geiger”. A Geiger counter, which is what this lyric is referring to, is a tool used to measure levels of harmful radiation. This, paired with the concept of billboards advertising “lead-lined Brookes Brothers” when lead is a material used to deflect radiation, and the knowledge that ‘Brookes Brothers’ is an American vintage style clothing brand, this line really paints a picture of a seemingly post apocalyptic/post nuclear war but still consumerist and capitalistic suburban society. The last line in that verse is “buy now or die”, which ties back to the concept of safety equipment being advertised on billboards, while residents of this town have no choice but to buy the products. This all relates back to the hyperconsumerism that plagues our society, and runs particularly rampant in middle to upper middle class neighbourhoods. The very same neighbourhoods that are often referred to as “suburban”
In the second verse of this section there are a lot of hard hitting lyrics that to me really show that this perfect idealised life is far from perfect or even good, so we will work through them one by one because I feel that they all deserve proper analysis.
The first line that i want to point out from that verse is the line “takes a village to fake a whole culture” which is clearly a rip off of the phrase “it takes a village [to raise a child]” but it also references the fact that usually suburban towns are incredibly monotonous in both residents and architecture, and so it takes the collective effort of the entire population of the town to pretend that there is an actual culture to it.
The next few lines I'll speak on all come in quick succession of one another, essentially blending them into one line. “Your ear to the playground, your eye on the ball, your head in the gutter, your brains on the wall.” So let's break these down. This line is easily split into 4 distinct phrases, and all of these phrases have a few things in common, which I will point out later.
“Your ear to the playground” is a play on the phrase “ear to the ground” which essentially means that the person with their ‘ear to the ground’ is attempting to carefully gather intel about something. Someone having their ear to the playground simply reinforces the idea of this suburban “paradise” being. Not as paradise-y as one would hope, seeing as the people who use playgrounds most of all are children, so this line is demonstrating that the picture perfect life that this suburban town offers is actually corrupting children so young that they are still on the playground. The next phrase is “your eye on the ball” isn't a play on anything and is in fact in itself a common phrase. To have your eye on the ball means to be entirely focused in and paying attention to something, and not allowing anything to divert your attention. Given the last line this line very well could be another reference to the corruption of the youth and the idea that their every day play has already been tainted with the hostilities of modern life usually reserved for adults. Following this is another well known saying “your head in the gutter” which, as most know, someone whos head is ‘in the gutter’ is someone who will see some sort of innuendo or otherwise vulgainappropriate meaning in something that was intended to be entirely innocent, leading to others in the interaction telling the perpetrator to ‘get [their] mind out of the gutter’ And finally, in my opinion the most hard hitting phrase in this set, “your brains on the wall” which is clearly in reference to the notion of ending your own life with a shot to the head, which would lead to, well, brains being on the wall. These last 2 phrases come in stark contrast to the seemingly picture perfect life that suburban towns offer and advertise, the concepts of suicide and perversion are not concepts one expects to see or hear when imagining this idealised form of life.
There is one main similarity in each of the 4 phrases, that being that each phrase has some body part being on something else, your ear to the playground, your eye on the ball, your head in the gutter, your brains on the wall. This similarity almost offers a body horror aspect to the song, which when paired with the concept that this is written about a seemingly post nuclear apocalyptic town presents an interesting idea of possible mutation, but i'll be the first to admit that may be a little far fetched. However that's not the only similarity that these 4 phrases share, another is the fact that they are all directly, or only slightly modified versions of already well known phrases, a similarity that is found in many lines over this entire song, through all 3 sections.
I want to analyse a few more lines before we move on to the second section of the song.
This next line comes directly after the previously analysed line, and it goes “home is where the heart is, you ain't homeless, but you’re heartless” Sticking with the theme of using already existing and commonly used phrases, “home is where the heart is'' is once again a phrase that you could likely find as a cross stitch hung up on the wall of any of the homogenous houses you could likely find in this idealised suburbia. But what Wood is saying in this line is that home is where the heart is, and that while people in this town may not be homeless, they are certainly heartless, meaning that they in fact don't have homes. They have houses. Rows upon rows of houses that all look the exact same in the horrifying monotony that is suburban living.
Following this line is the lyric “it's the safest on the market, but you still gotta watch where you park it”. These lines seem to be in reference to buying a car. The car being the "safest on the market" is likely in reference to the fact that it may have a lot of safety features. But this is immediately negated by the fact that you “still gotta watch where you park it” meaning that the safety features could be a reason that the car gets stolen, rendering all the safety that those features offered useless because in the end it made the car and the owner less safe.
In the third verse of this section, you immediately hear the line “so give me your half-life crisis” which partially is a play on the term ‘mid life crisis’ wherein which one realises that they may have wasted their life up till that point and they're already halfway through, but the use of the term “half-life” instead of ‘mid-life’ is very intentional, as the term “half-life” can also be used to refer to the half-life of an isotope, which is the amount of time that isotope takes to lose half of its radiation, which ties back into the theme of radiation that we see mentioned a lot in this section.
Later in the same verse is the line “if it's true that a snowflake only matters in a blizzard”, which is interesting in a few ways, first, it brings up the idea of a singular individual means nothing on their own and that they only matter when they’re part of something larger or a larger group, but i also think that the use of the terms “snowflake” and “blizzard” instead of something like ‘raindrop’ and ‘storm’ is very intentional in the fact that snowflakes are known for being individual, none are alike, every single one is different. So saying that a snowflake doesn't matter unless it's in a blizzard is yet another hit at individuality, essentially implying that in this town individuality means nothing and is essentially rendered useless.
The final line in this verse is “everybody's all up in my-” repeated thrice, and on the third time the sentence is finished to say “everybody’s all up in my business” and before the word “business” can be finished its overlapped with the beginning of the chorus, the first word of which is a very loud “SUBURBIAAAA!”. I believe this is reminiscent of the fact that in towns like this, everyone cares so much about what everyone else is doing, they’re all so interested in everyone else's business, and i think that sentiment being stated and cut off by the word “Suburbia” is essentially saying that ‘this is the norm, this is just Suburbia, this is how it works around here.’
After the final chorus of this section, in the final verse, you'll find the line “chameleon peacocks are talk of the town” which particularly interests me because if you know anything about chameleons or peacocks you’d find that they seem incredibly different as animals. Chameleons blend into their environment in order to stay safe, whereas peacocks are known for parading around bright colours to make themselves look better, but if you think about it the term “chameleon peacock” actually makes a lot of sense, a person who blends into their surroundings in order to make themselves look good. This sentiment seems to perfectly describe the homogeneity of the people that live in these perfect towns, they're all the same, they blend in with one another in order to make themselves look good, or perfect.
Another line heard shortly afterwards is the phrase “he cums radiation”, rather vulgar, I grant you, but it's important because it is yet another literalisation of the phrase ‘nuclear family’. It could also be a reference to the general toxicity of this societal norm.
The final line in this section of the song is “the dog bites the postman, as basement eyes dream of a night at the drive-in, with an AR-15”. Which is another use of juxtaposition, intended to cause a kind of whiplash in the listener and reinforce the idea that while in this place there is scenarios that would happen in a hollywood movie esque picture perfect neighbourhood, like the dog biting the postman, there's also horrors that lurk below the surface. (although clearly not TOO far below.
Now let’s move on to the second part, ‘(Vampire) Culture’.
If you listen to the song, you’ll immediately be able to recognise where ‘Suburbia Overture’ ends and ‘(Vampire) Culture’ begins, due to the insane juxtaposition between the two. Where ‘Suburbia Overture’ is soft and sort of reminiscent of the 1950’s, ‘(Vampire) Culture’ is loud, jarring and grotesque, complemented with much raspier and strained sounding vocals compared to ‘Suburbia Overture’’s soft and melodic ones. The tone for this section of the song is immediately set with much more graphic lyrics, the very first line of this section (after the opening scream) is “i dropped my eyeballs in the bonfire, we fucked on a bed of nails” which absolutely sets the scene for how different this section will be to the previous.
This song immediately jumps into using cannibalism as a metaphor, with the first line after the jump start opener being “I caught kuru from your sister, and I'm laughing in jail”. While this line is written to sound like the concept of catching an STD from an act of adultery, Kuru is actually a disease only found in human brain tissue, meaning that you can only contract this disease by eating a human brain.
This use of cannibalism as a metaphor is used again immediately after in the line “smell those screaming teenage sweetbreads on that 4th of July grill”, ‘sweetbread’ is the term used to refer to the pancreas and thymus gland of an animal, usually a lamb, but in this particular case it is in reference to the human teenagers that supposedly lived in The Marybell Township, or a least they did before they were dissected, cooked and served at a neighbourhood 4th of July barbeque hosted by the same people that were once referred to as their neighbours.
This line adds an interesting level of patriotism to the song and criticism of how America utilises patriotism and their love for their country as means to justify harming the youth, however a 4th of July neighbourhood barbeque is also commonly associated with white picket fence gated community America, which ties us back to the base criticism of that style of life and how it is seen as the “proper” and “perfect” way to live. These cannibalistic sentiments are followed up with the line “smile and wave boys, kiss the cook, live laugh and love, please pass the pills.” which brings us back to the repeated use of commonly known sayings being taken directly or modified only slightly to remind the listener of the setting were in, that being a seemingly 1950’s era tight knit neighbourhood.
Phrases like “live laugh [and] love” or “kiss the cook” are both phrases that could easily be seen in a setting like this, especially “kiss the cook”, as this is a phrase commonly associated with aprons worn by grillmasters at neighbourhood barbeques, not unlike the cannibalistic 4th of July barbeque that this particular neighbourhood seems to be hosting. These phrases being immediately followed up with a sentiment such as “please pass the pills” serves to entirely undermine the pleasantries that, until a moment ago, seemed to be plastered all over the faces of the people living in this fictional town that Wood has created. I think that final phrase brings the listener back to the realisation that not all is right here, quite the opposite in fact, and drags them from their momentary paradise. Circling back very quickly to the phrase “smile and wave”. I felt the need to point out that this phrase has been used for centuries as a way to say “stop talking and act normal” which once again reinforces that these people are pretending to be something they’re not in order to fit in.
We enter the next verse with the repeated phrase “it's only culture”, after that line is repeated three times we hear “sulfur, smoke and soot”, which could either be a reference to how dirty and disgusting the ‘culture’ is, or it could be a different way of saying that this culture and the people participating are going to hell, as per the common phrase ‘fire and brimstone’ and the fact that sulfur is another way of saying brimstone, and smoke and soot are both byproducts of fire.
The last line of this verse and the first line of the chorus blend into each other, so I’ll speak on them both.
First, the last line of the verse. It goes “you cocked and sucked your lack of empathy, pulled the trigger with your foot to prove you've got-” Putting aside the clear innuendo, this line refers to the idea of ending one's own life with a long shotgun. According to the media, by the time the gun is cocked and the barrel is in your mouth, you're not able to pull the trigger with your hands due to the length of the barrel. This line instead presents the solution of pulling the trigger with your foot to end your life.
So this person “cocked and sucked” the gun (cocked the gun and put the barrel in their mouth) before pulling the trigger with their foot to prove they’ve got-
And here's where the verse blends into the chorus.
Because the first line only consists of one word.
“Blood”.
The person who was shooting themselves with a shotgun only to prove that they bleed. Which is where the title of this section comes in. “(Vampire) Culture”. This section seeks to portray either the people in this culture or, the more likely option, the culture itself, as metaphorical vampires, who aim to destroy those around them. This knowledge makes the next line “didn't they want your blood, so why apologise for being blue and cold” make a lot more sense. After all, if these culture vampires have drained you of your blood, is it not their fault that you’re now “blue and cold”, as bodies tend to be if they lack blood flow. However if you look at synonyms for the words “blue” and “cold”, you could also interpret this phrase as meaning “sad and apathetic”. A sad and apathetic person doesn't seem to be the kind of person this ‘culture’ seeks to enlist however, and so one who is “blue and cold” is shunned as an outsider. What Wood is getting at is that if this culture is the one who made you sad and apathetic, then you should not apologise to it for being so.
The next verse is short, and like the previous one, also blends into the chorus in the same way, by having the last line of the verse cut off right where the chorus would finish the sentence with the word “blood”. However in this verse, there's an interesting line. “It's only culture and it's more afraid of you than you are of it”, which is a sentiment usually used by adults to attempt to subdue a child's fear of something, usually insects. However it's interesting in the fact that it brings up the idea that this culture that has caused so much damage and harm is actually incredibly fragile, and would, in theory be very afraid of the concept of the individual, because if this ‘culture’ is only being held together by the silent agreeance that everyone will simply pretend, then the idea that there is people who refuse throws the whole idea into jeopardy.
This line is followed up however, by the line that blends it into the chorus. “Go on drink that-”, clearly intended to be finished by the first line of the chorus, making the full line, “go on drink that blood”. This line is in reference to the phrase “drink the kool-aid” which essentially means to pledge your undying loyalty to something, a concept, a person, a god, etc. and it derives from an infamous mass cult suicide where over 900 people drank poisoned Kool-Aid and subsequently died for the cult. It is not a far cry to believe that this event and this phrase is what the line is referring to, as it's something that Wood has referenced in other songs, so it only makes sense to believe that this is what he means here.
After that chorus we move on to the bridge, which begins by listing 3 pairs of names, all famous or semi famous, and each pair being similar in one right but opposite in another, the line goes as follows; “were you Nabokov to a Sallinger, were you Jung to Freud or Dass to a Leary”, so let's break down these pairs one by one.
First “Nabokov to a Sallinger”, these names belong to Vladimir Nabokov and J.D. Sallinger, both authors who wrote famous books that both surround the theme of innocence, but in very different ways. Nabokov’s book “Lolita” is a story told from the perspective of a grown man about his sexual obsession and attraction to a little girl, and his desire to ruin her innocence, exploring the theme of innocence in a grotesque and frankly horrifying way, which is in stark contrast to Sallinger’s book “The Catcher in the Rye”, which explores the topic of innocence through the main characters desire to preserve their little sisters innocence, and in that desire displays hesitancy at the idea of sex themself. Both books explore the topic of innocence, however while one seeks to preserve it, the other seeks to destroy it, two sides of the same coin.
The next pairing is “Jung to Freud”, meaning Carl Gustav Jung and his mentor Sigmund Freud, who once again are similar in one right, but opposite in another. Jung and Freud both had theories on the nature of the human mind, but where Jungs was all about the concept of spirituality and how that ties into the collective unconscious, Freud's approach was much more focused on the individual unconscious and the concept of sexuality.
The final pairing is “Dass to a Leary”. both psychologists, both at the forefront of the ‘Harvard Psilocybin Project’ (before they both got dismissed from harvard entirely following controversies around the project) Richard Alpert and Timothy Leary were both psychologists and eventually authors who studied the effects of psychedelic drugs on the human mind, and while they were co workers they ended up with pretty conflicting views. Dr. Richard Alpert, who apparently ‘died’ and was ‘reborn’ as spiritual guide Ram Dass, centred his teachings heavily around the concept of living in the moment, (in fact his best selling book, written in 1971 was titled ‘Be Here Now’) and he believed that psychedelic drugs were not needed and that a permanent version of the same effects could be achieved through meditation. Whereas Dr. Timothy Leary advocated heavily for the use of psychedelics, believing that LSD specifically had great potential for therapeutic psychiatric use.
All of these pairings and examples utilise the concept of duality and speak on how every coin has two sides, which can easily be tied back to the idea that the picture perfect suburban life is just one side of the coin. This idea is then reinforced by the next line, “were you mother, daughter, subject and author?”, The use of the word ‘and’ here shows that it's possible to be two sides of the same coin at once, just like how this town, which is perfect on one side of the coin, is still terrible on the other side of the coin. The line is stating that it's possible to be both at once.
The very last line in this section is; “you don't make the rules, you just write them down and do it by the book you throw around”. This line combines a few relatively well known phrases. The first being of course ‘i don’t make the rules’, which can have two distinct meanings. The first is to express a kind of sympathy for someone being punished, and the second is to absolve yourself of the blame for that person being punished, a sort of ‘don't shoot the messenger’ situation.
The ‘rules’ that are likely being referred to here are the societal norms and expectations forced upon people who reside in these towns, the standard for ‘perfection’.
However, following this sentiment up with the phrase “you just write them down” is essentially saying that while it's not the fault of the people in these towns, they didn't create the norms, they still enforce them. They expect everything to be in line and perfect at all times, they follow these ‘rules’ to a T, and they shun and punish anyone who doesn't fit the standard and/or refuses to follow these ‘rules’, which is where the line “do it by the book you throw around” comes in, doing something ‘by the book’ means to follow rules strictly and to the letter, nothing out of line, and to throw the book at someone means to punish them as severely as possible, usually used in the legal sense to mean punishing someone for their crime as severely as the law will allow. So in all, the lyric “you don't make the rules, you just write them down and do it by the book you throw around” ends up meaning ‘you didn't create these norms but you still enforce them by following them to an absolute T and punishing anyone who doesn't.’
With that we enter the third and final section of the song, entitled ‘Love Me, Normally’, a title it shares with another song on the album, but of course this song is partially meant to serve as an overture for the whole album, meaning it shares some similar lyrics with lyrics from other songs on the album, so sharing a title isn't all that surprising.
The first lyric in this section is “do you know the difference between blazing trails and slash and burn?” which is another instance of duality in this song. Trailblazing or being a trailblazer means doing something no one has done before, paving the way for other people to follow in your footsteps, it comes from the literal act of creating a trail in the woods for people to follow, usually by creating notches in trees or setting small fires, hence ‘blazer’, as blaze is another word for a fire. However “slash and burn” is a method of deforestation that involves cutting down and burning a section of forest to create a field. Both examples include using fire to change something, but where one is seen as progress and positive, the other is negative, and seen as a means of destruction. Once again, two sides of the same coin, innovation and destruction.
This is followed up with the line “going against the grain and catching splinters”, which is a line i particularly like because while it is something that literally can happen, if you run your hand along wood in the opposite direction to the grain, you're more likely to get a splinter because you're essentially pushing your hand against the chips of wood, but it also is another metaphor for the dangers of not being the same. Going against the grain in this instance means daring to be different, not going the same way everyone else is going but instead the opposite of that, and in this example splinters are the consequences one would face for being different, especially in a setting like this perfect town, where everyone is the exact same as everyone else.
A little bit later you hear the line “well Lot he had his lot in life, Job his job and i guess you’ll too, and die”. Lot and Job are both figures found in the Bible, whose names both share spelling with common English words, but are pronounced slightly differently.
Job, from the Book of Job, was a man that was tested by God, made to suffer to test his loyalty, his ‘job’ was to believe unendingly in God and see Him as always correct no matter what.
Lot, from the Book of Genesis, was a man who went through a lot, and the phrase ‘my lot in life’ is a phrase commonly used by people to write off/explain why they don't have it as good as others, they say it's simply their ‘lot in life’.
The end of this line “i guess you’ll too, and die” i believe refers to the fact that everyone will have their own job and their own lot in life, and then everyone in the end will die.
This theory is solidified by the fact that the next line is “The Lord looked down and said ‘hey, you're only mortal’” which is a play off of the phrase ‘you're only human’. Wood himself said that the phrase ‘you're only human’ has always felt weird to him, he says, “cause like, of course I am, aren’t we all? How is that fact supposed to help? I still feel bad. What does being human mean to you?”. He follows this up by saying that the idea of God saying "hey, you're only mortal" offers the same kind of sentiment, but in a “cosmically condescending” sort of way.
The following line reads “giveth and taketh away, till things come out a certain way, leave you wondering when they might go back to normal… leave you wondering why they can't have just been normal”.
This line presents a sort of hopelessness in the realisation that things are constantly changing, nothing is any more ‘normal’ than anything else, there's no such thing as ‘normal’, which is an overarching theme found throughout the album. Once again bringing back the fact that for all intents and purposes this song is an overture for the rest of the album.
To conclude, ‘Suburbia Overture’ is, in my opinion, one of the greatest criticisms of suburban, middle class, gated community, nuclear family life i've ever seen, it highlights the problems in that life and showcases how this kind of lifestyle in its incredibly rigid and restrictive standards is incredibly harmful to the very concept of individuality, because the expectations and unspoken rules set in communities like this and the widespread idea of forced normality seeks to crush any individuality before it even has a chance to blossom.
The use of metaphors and phrases that are well known and are likely to be seen in settings such as this gated community suburban town that Wood has created really paint a subconscious picture of what this community looks like, the use of duality, how every story has another side, and how nothing that is seemingly perfect from the outside is actually perfect on the inside.
Will Wood is an incredible lyricist and the fact that he was able to cram so much symbolism and such a powerful message into a song just over 6 minutes long is genuinely incredible.
Thank you for listening to my/reading my autistic hyper fixated rambling, i hope i didn't melt your brain too badly.

Introduction
The colonization of America and the discovery of the cell nucleus are two pivotal events in history, each marking significant turning points in their respective fields. Colonizing America reshaped global geopolitics, economies, and cultures, while the discovery and understanding of the cell nucleus revolutionized biological sciences. This essay explores the parallels and contrasts between the colonization of America and the biological significance of the nucleus, highlighting how both events laid foundational frameworks in their domains.
Colonizing America: Transformation and Foundations
The colonization of America began in earnest in the late 15th century with European explorers seeking new trade routes, wealth, and territories. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of extensive exploration and colonization by European powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, and France.
Economic and Social Impact
Colonizing America had profound economic and social impacts. The influx of precious metals from the Americas to Europe spurred economic growth and the development of capitalism. The establishment of colonies led to the exploitation of natural resources and the establishment of plantation economies, heavily reliant on slave labor. This period also saw significant cultural exchanges, albeit often violent and coercive, resulting in the blending of European, African, and indigenous cultures.
Geopolitical Changes
The colonization of America altered global geopolitics. European nations competed fiercely for territorial claims, leading to conflicts and treaties that redrew maps and established new power dynamics. The colonization process also had devastating effects on indigenous populations, including displacement, cultural disruption, and population decline due to diseases and conflict.
The Nucleus: The Core of Cellular Function
The cell nucleus, first observed by Robert Brown in 1831, is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It houses the cell's genetic material and is essential for regulating gene expression, cell growth, and reproduction.
Genetic Information and Regulation
The nucleus contains the cell's DNA, organized into chromosomes. This genetic material holds the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of the cell. The nucleus plays a critical
role in gene expression, where specific genes are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins that perform various cellular functions. This regulation ensures that the right proteins are produced at the right time, maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Cellular Organization and Reproduction
The nucleus is central to cellular organization and reproduction. During cell division, the nucleus ensures the accurate replication and distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. This process is vital for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. The nucleus's role in maintaining genetic integrity and regulating cellular activities underscores its importance as the control center of the cell.
Parallels Between Colonizing America and the Nucleus
While the colonization of America and the biological function of the nucleus may seem disparate, there are intriguing parallels in how they established foundational frameworks within their respective domains.
Centers of Control and Organization
Just as the nucleus serves as the control center of the cell, regulating genetic information and cellular activities, the colonial powers acted as central authorities in the newly established colonies. European nations directed economic activities, governance, and cultural assimilation in the Americas, shaping the development and organization of colonial societies.
Transformation and Adaptation
Both events involved significant transformation and adaptation. The colonization of America led to the creation of new social, economic, and political structures, adapting European systems to the new world context. Similarly, the nucleus facilitates cellular adaptation and response to environmental changes through gene regulation, ensuring the cell's survival and functionality.
Long-Term Impact and Legacy
The long-term impacts of colonizing America are evident in the modern political, economic, and cultural landscapes of the Western Hemisphere. The legacy of colonization includes the spread of European languages, religions, and cultural practices, as well as enduring social and economic inequalities. In the biological realm, the nucleus's fundamental role in genetic regulation and inheritance continues to be a cornerstone of modern genetics, influencing fields such as biotechnology, medicine, and evolutionary biology.
Conclusion
The colonization of America and the discovery and understanding of the cell nucleus represent foundational events in history and science. Both established core structures—colonial powers in the Americas and the nucleus within eukaryotic cells—that have had lasting impacts on global development and biological understanding. By exploring the parallels between these events, we gain insight into the processes of control, organization, transformation, and legacy that shape both human societies and cellular life. Understanding these foundational frameworks enhances our appreciation of the complex interplay between historical events and scientific discoveries in shaping our world.

Carl von Clausewitz

01 June 1780 to 16 November 1831
Part of a Series on the Philosophy of History
Carl von Clausewitz’s Moral Science of Warfare
Saturday 01 June 2024 is the 244th anniversary of the birth of Carl von Clausewitz (01 June 1780 to 16 November 1831), who was born on this date in Burg bei Magdeburg in 1780. (Wikipedia says that Clausewitz was born on the first of July, rather than June, but it’s possible to find pictures of Clausewitz’s grave marker, which gives his birth date as the first of June, so I will take this date as definitive.)
Clausewitz is remembered as the philosopher of war, and I have many times said that the philosophy of war and the philosophy of history are close cousins. If we hold that war is the motor that drives history forward, which many philosophers have argued, then was is the causal mechanism by which history is realized. Hegel and Marx in particular are associated with this view. We could even say that war is the reality of which history is the appearance.
And Clausewitz knew war. It was during the Napoleonic Wars that Clausewitz experienced his baptism by fire, so that his book On War is an account of war during the Napoleonic wars, and it is from On War that a mature conception of war has evolved and continues to evolve. By a “mature conception” I mean a theoretically mature conception of war. Since war inflames passions and feeds off irrationality, it can be difficult to engage with the topic of war with the requisite scientific disinterestedness. Clausewitz was the first to bring the attitude to the Enlightenment to war, and to seek to understand war as a rational process. One could argue that Hegel was doing something like this from a philosophical perspective at about the same time, but Clausewitz was a soldier with intellectual interests, while Hegel was a philosopher with an interest in history. The results were bound to be very different, and they were.
Also, Clausewitz’s understanding of Enlightenment rationalism took place when the romantic reaction against Enlightenment rationalism was already well underway, so, again Clausewitzs rationalism was bound to differ from the high Enlightenment representatives like Gibbon, Hume, and Condorcet. It might even be argued that the changes to Enlightenment rationalism that followed from the romantic reaction facilitated the very possibility of applying scientific reason to an object of knowledge as apparently irrational as war. There is an excellent book about post-Enlightenment science, The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science by Richard Holmes, that tells the story of the development of science during the romantic era. Holmes doesn’t discuss Clausewitz, but it would have fit nicely into the narrative.
As the scientific revolution continued to unfold, new influences came to bear upon the development of science, and this in turn opened up scientific knowledge to further frontiers. Clausewitz reflects both Enlightenment and romantic epistemic imperatives. We can find in Clausewitz an intimation of the distinction between nomothetic and idiographic science:

“One may laugh at these reflections and consider them utopian dreams, but one would do so at the expense of philosophic truth. Philosophy teaches us to recognize the relations that essential elements bear to one another, and it would indeed be rash from this to deduce universal laws governing every single case, regardless of all haphazard influences. Those people, however, who ‘never rise above anecdote’ as a great writer said, and who would construct all history of individual cases-starting always with the most striking feature, the high point of the event, and digging only as deep as suits them, never get down to the general factors that govern the matter. Consequently their findings will never be valid for more than a single case; indeed they will consider a philosophy that encompasses the general run of cases as a mere dream.” (On War, Book Six, p. 374)

This is still true today for those who insist that history is exclusively idiographic. In another work, The Campaign of 1812 in Russia (1823 - 1825), Clausewitz gave an account of history that seems highly idiographic, but which does not necessarily exclude the possibility of assimilating events to a nomothetic explanation:

“Although we are not inclined to see the events of this world as resulting from individual causes but always take them as the complex product of many forces, so that the loss of a single component can never produce a complete reversal {but only a partial transformation relative to the significance of the component}, we must nevertheless recognize that great results have often arisen from seemingly small events, and that an isolated cause, strongly exposed to the workings of chance, often brings forth universal effects.” (Chapter V, From The Campaign of 1812 in Russia (1823 - 1825))

Clausewitz had enough of the Enlightenment in him that he looked for the relations that essential elements bear to one another in war, and he was enough of a romantic that he recognized that it would be rash to deduce universal laws governing every single case. So should the study of war be idiographic or nomothetic? As I read Clausewitz, it’s a little of both, and it needs to be a little of both. As our theoretical framework for understanding war increases in sophistication and detail, we might be able to assimilate more individual cases to universal laws, but we won’t exhaust individual cases any time soon.
In an introductory essay to the English translation of On War by Peter Paret we find this description of Clausewitz’s intellectual independence, which was probably a necessary condition for this project:

“…important for our purpose is the intellectual independence with which he approached the fundamental military issues of the age, as well as his sympathy with the aims of humanistic education, and his conviction that the study of history must be at the center of any advanced study of war.” (p. 8)

Clausewitz himself makes the importance of history explicit:

“While there may be no system, and no mechanical way of recognizing the truth, truth does exist. To recognize it one generally needs seasoned judgment and an instinct born of long experience. While history may yield no formula, it does provide an exercise for judgment here as everywhere else.”

Clausewitz is here making a logical point that would later, in the twentieth century, be recognized as the decision problem. A whole series of metalogical theorems on decidability have been proved for various calculi. The problem is to determine a yes or no answer to a question about a theorem, for example, whether or not a given proposition is a theorem of a given system. History is of course much too complex to be reduced to any calculus, so no currently conceivable decision procedure is out of reach for history.
Even if history provides us with no formulae, it still can be a source of insight and judgment. Clausewitz elsewhere in On War goes even further and seems to deny that systemic study could be effective:

“History provides the strongest proof of the importance of moral factors and their often incredible effect: this is the noblest and most solid nourishment that the mind of a general may draw from a study of the past. Parenthetically, it should be noted that the seeds of wisdom that are to bear fruit in the intellect are sown less by critical studies and learned monographs than by insights, broad impressions, and flashes of intuition.” (On War)

Given the state of our knowledge of history, Clausewitz is probably right about this, and we have to mostly depend on insight, impressions, and intuition. However, I would argue that Clausewitz leaves this problem open-ended, especially in light of the earlier quote in which he mentions rising above anecdotes, as insights, impressions, and intuitions without even the possibility of assimilating these to general laws would amount to little more than anecdote, which Clausewitz explicitly says we must rise above.
There is another sense in which we can say that history informs our theoretical conceptions. Raymond Aron wrote a study of Clausewitz, Clausewitz: Philosopher of War, in which he makes an interesting observation:

“In his youth, he introduced moral forces into his theory; in his maturity, he introduced the conceptual distinction needed to reconcile the transhistoric theory with history, in other words the two extreme forms of war, each one conditioned or determined by circumstances or political intentions. In order to establish the equality of status in the two types of war, he had to recognize the unreality of absolute war which in many texts he represented as the only one consistent with the concept.”

Aron is suggesting that Clausewitz’s chief theoretical conception, absolute war, was unreal, but that it is conditioned and determined by historical circumstances. For Aron, history was the force that made theory responsive to practice. This is not all that different from the saying attributed to Thucydides, viz. that history is philosophy teaching by example. Thucydides also said that war is a stern master, and it brings men down to the level of their circumstances. Clausewitz knew this first hand, and when the lessons that philosophy teaches are the lessons of men being humbled despite the pretences to some higher position in the world, then we have been well and truly humbled.
We could call Thucydides’ observation about war being a stern master the Copernican principle of war, because it forces all participants into a recognition of their smallness within and peripherality to the bigger picture. Clausewitz himself had his share of Thucydides’ Copernican principle of war. He was in the thick of things during the Napoleonic wars, serving as aide-de-camp to Prince Augustus Ferdinand of Prussia at the Battle of Jena-Auerstadt on 14 October 1806, where Hegel had glimpsed Napoleon and called him the world-spirit on horseback. Hegel fled Jena carrying the manuscript of his Phenomenology of Mind. Clausewitz was taken prisoner of war along with 25,000 others and spent two years as a prisoner of war in France after the catastrophic defeat of the Prussians at Jena. So Clausewitz experienced war as a stern master and he knew the bitterness of total defeat.
Fichte had also felt the weight of the German defeat by the French. In my episode on Fichte I talked about how he had given a series of public lectures subsequently published as Addresses to a German Nation. When Fichte was delivering this talk he is quoted as having said:

“I know very well what I risk; I know that a bullet may kill me, like Palm; but it is not this that I fear, and for my cause I would gladly die.”

War was also a stern master to Fichte; even those who were not soldiers like Clausewitz risked all. Like Fichte, Clausewitz believed that his people could rally, overcome defeat, and eventually regain their political autonomy. Machiavelli, too, had known defeat and had seen his people humiliated by an occupying force, which was also the French, but several hundred years earlier. Fichte wrote an essay about Machiavelli, which, after Clausewitz read it, he sent a letter to Fichte about his Machiavelli essay. In Clausewitz’s letter to Fichte he wrote this:

“This true spirit of war seems to me to consist in mobilizing the energies of every soldier to the greatest possible extent and in infusing him with warlike feelings, so that the fire of war spreads to every component of the army instead of leaving numerous dead coals in the mass. To the extent that this depends on the art of war, it is achieved by the manner in which the individual is treated, but even more by the manner in which he is employed. The modern art of war, far from using men like simple machines, should vitalize individual energies as far as the nature of its weapons permits—which, to be sure, establishes a limit, for an essential condition of large forces is to have the kind of organization that permits them to be led by a rational will without excessive friction.” (Letter to Fichte)

For Clausewitz, friction was a technical term. He wrote an entire chapter on friction in On War, saying, among much else:

“Friction is the only concept that more or less corresponds to the factors that distinguish real war from war on paper. The military machine—the army and everything related to it—is basically very simple and therefore seems easy to manage. But we should bear in mind that none of its components is of one piece: each part is composed of individuals, every one of whom retains his potential of friction.” (On War)

Returning to the previous quote, Clausewitz names three conditions of modern war as: 1) mobilizing the energies of individual soldiers, 2) leading them with a rational will, and 3) doing so without excessive friction. We don’t have to strain too much to see these conditions of modern war as conditions of the possibility of mass warfare that was eventually realized as the First World War, which I also call the first planetary-scale industrial war.
Clausewitz, fighting in the Napoleonic wars, was positioned to see the prehistory of industrialized warfare. A hundred years later, the prehistory of industrialized warfare eventually morphed into the history of industrial warfare in the strict sense. In my episode on Ernst Jünger I described industrialized warfare as a boundary condition out of which novel forms of modernity emerge. In particular, mechanized warfare is a boundary condition for an emergent form of heroism distinctive to mechanized warfare. Something qualitatively new had appeared in history, and this novel emergent generated a cluster of other emergents for which mechanized warfare was the boundary condition.
The conditions that Clausewitz described were the boundary conditions for industrialized warfare. Ernst Jünger was positioned to see and describe the emergence of true industrialized warfare, as Clausewitz was positioned to see its prehistory. The two authors testify to distinct periods in the development of planetary-scale industrialized warfare. This is a development that continues today, and continues to generate philosophical commentary on the novel emergents that have appeared in history as a result of industrialized warfare.
Today is not only the birthday of Clausewitz, it is also the 117th anniversary of the birth of Jan Patočka (01 June 1907 – 13 March 1977), who was born in Turnov, Bohemia, on this date in 1907. Patočka wrote a book on philosophy of history, Heretical Essays in the Philosophy of History, which was influenced by Husserl, Heidegger, and Hannah Arendt, among others. In the Fifth Essay: Is Technological Civilization Decadent, and Why? And especially in the Sixth Essay: Wars of the Twentieth Century and the Twentieth Century as War, Patočka discussed Ernst Jünger. I mentioned in my episode on Jünger that Jünger’s essay on total mobilization and his book The Worker was an influence on Heidegger, and Patočka too is interested in this work. Patočka’s description of the industrialization of Germany gives us the rational will and the organizational expertise to overcome the friction that Clausewitz saw as conditions of modern war:

“…Germany, for all its traditional structures, is the configuration that most closely approximated the reality of the new technoscientific age. Even its conservatism basically served a discipline that, contemptuous of equalization and democratization, vehemently and ruthlessly pursued the accumulation of building, organizing, transforming energy. Ernst Junger’s Der Arbeiter contains an implicit suspicion of the actual revolutionary nature of the old prewar Germany.! It is above all the ever deepening technoscientific aspect of its life. It is the organizing will of its economic leaders, its technocratic representatives forging plans leading inevitably to a conflict with the existing global order.”

Patočka also saw the orgiastic craziness of modern war that facilitated the mobilization of the energy of individual soldiers:

“War as a global ‘anything goes,’ a wild freedom, takes hold of states, becoming ‘total.’ The same hand stages orgies and organizes everydayness. The author of the five-year plans is at the same time the author of orchestrated show trials in a new witch hunt. War is simultaneously the greatest undertaking of industrial civilization, both product and instrument of total mobilization (as Ernst Jünger rightly saw), and a release of orgiastic potentials which could not afford such extreme of intoxication with destruction under any other circumstances. Already at the dawn of modernity, at the time of the wars of religion in the sixteenth. and seventeenth centuries, that kind of cruelty and orgiasm emerged. Already then it was the fruit of a disintegration of traditional discipline and demonization of the opponent though never before did the demonic reach its peak precisely in an age of greatest sobriety and rationality.”

It took the scientific and managerial resources of industrialized civilization—which Patočka and others call “technoscience”—to tame, and direct, and organize the orgiastic fury that was earlier released during the religious wars of the early modern period. I suspect that Junger would have largely agreed with this if he had read Patočka, and he could have read this since he lived longer than Patočka. It’s a bit more difficult to ascertain what Clausewitz would have thought of this.
To a certain extent it’s counter-intuitive to understand this orgiastic fury of warfare that Patočka described as a moral factor of war. We would perhaps like to think of the morality of war in terms of the various treaties like the Geneva Conventions that have attempted to moderate the brutality of armed conflict, or maybe the older framework of St. Augustines conception of a “just war.” There is, however, a wider sense of the use of the word “moral.” This wider sense of moral is less common that in the past. One could even say that this usage is becoming archaic. This is definitely is case with the idea of what were once called the moral sciences.The OED defines the moral sciences as:

(a) Those branches of knowledge which deal with the criteria of right and wrong;
(b) Cambridge University politics, philosophy, and economics, as a course of study.

This is now a defunct and archaic way to refer to the humanities and the social sciences. I suspect few if any university catalogs continue to use the moral sciences as a major division of the curriculum. But the idea of the moral sciences points to a wider sense of the term moral, and that is anything that engages specifically human responses to the world like politics, philosophy, and economics. In this context, moral doesn’t necessarily involve right and wrong, but it does involve what is human, all-too-human.
The Clausewitzean conception of war, which, as Raymond Aron said, was about introducing moral forces into our understanding of war, makes the study of war a moral science in this now archaic usage of “moral.” Clausewitz’s moral science of war is very close to what Ernst Jünger wrote about war being ultimately a spiritual endeavor. Patočka underlines this by recognizing the many social forces that came together to produce the wars of the twentieth century. Earlier I said that many philosophers have understood war as the engine that drives history forward. Patočka comes close to saying as much further along in his discussion of Jünger’s work:

“The first world war is the decisive event in the history of the twentieth century. It determined its entire character. It was this war that demonstrated that the transformation of the world into a laboratory for releasing reserves of energy accumulated over billions of years can be achieved only by means of wars. Thus it represented a definitive breakthrough of the conception of being that was born in the sixteenth century with the rise of mechanical natural science. Now it swept aside all the ‘conventions’ that inhibited this release of energy—a transvaluation of all values under the sign of power.” (Heretical Essays in the Philosophy of History, Sixth Essay, p. 124)

Clausewitz lived before this radical transvaluation of values, which is a phrase that Patočka has picked up from Nietzsche. Clausewitz belonged to the social order that was subsequently lost to the transvaluation of all values under the sign of power. He was there for the first stirrings of this transvaluation, but he did not see the completed arc of its development. Clausewitz’s traditionalism can be glimpsed in a document Clausewitz wrote in 1812—titled “Political Declaration” and published in Carl Von Clausewitz: Historical and Political Writings. Clausewitz wrote in the present tense, as a participant in historical events whose outcome was unknown as he wrote this account:

“The hatred that Napoleon bears toward the House of Hohenzollern is of course not obvious to everyone and not at all easy to explain. For some, however, it will be enough to know that at Tilsit a contemptuous coldness, indeed a suppressed hatred, could not be missed in the emperor’s personal conduct toward Frederick William III and his family, while the royal family's conduct toward Napoleon (thanks to a sense of dignity undiminished by politics!) had a more worthy and dignified bearing, which can of course enrage a vain and passionate man even more. There are also specific facts whose significance cannot be mistaken. The basis of Napoleon’s enmity probably lies above all in the liberality that characterizes the Prussian regime, which has attracted attention throughout Germany. Prussia, and particularly her ruling house, has public opinion on her side more than other states, and Napoleon is deeply hostile to this. The south German princes may be weary of French domination, but they have never been independent, they fear the vengeance of outsiders, and are without pride and self-esteem, half admirers and half flatterers of the French emperor. This is not the case with Frederick William III. This king, as everyone knows, is above all an upright man, incapable of hypocrisy: hatred of the French emperor is natural to him, and since he is sensitive and easily offended, his feelings are constantly inflamed by Napoleon’s abuses and can never grow numb. If he has refrained from expressing those feelings for political reasons (great self-possession being natural to him in any case), if he has admirably sacrificed his own dignity and that of his people in this regard, his reticence could never deceive the French emperor, and nothing is more natural than that Napoleon should have seen more deeply into the king’s heart than the king has into his.”

Here Napoleon is the upstart emperor who lacks the depth of dignity that the ancient family of the Hohenzollern possessed. Napoleon knew this, resented it, and the Napoleonic wars were one big cope-and-seethe because of it. The Hohenzollern represent the traditional aristocratic privilege that the French Revolution sought to overturn, and yet Napoleon and the Hohenzollerns found themselves forced into this diplomatic accommodation that both probably found distasteful. Napoleon was drawn into these ancient diplomatic traditions that the Revolution was in the process of sweeping away.
Not only was Napoleon draw into these ancient rituals of diplomacy, in having himself crowned emperor, he was effectively giving new life to these institutions, and the Hohenzollerns were drawn into paying their respects to a representative of the Revolution that would have done with them. For Clausewitz, the Hohenzollerns were an ancient aristocratic family reforming themselves and their kingdom along liberal lines, while Napoleon was the symbol of revolutionary change that threatened the established order of Europe. Patočka understood this, which why, in my earlier quote from him, he discussed the quasi-traditional, but, at the same time, the quasi-revolutionary nature of Imperial Germany, and Jünger’s response to this. This is not something I am prepared to exhaustively sort out, so I will leave it there for the moment.

Video Presentation

https://youtu.be/MAXr5Ze4bQg
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7s7dsjNGk5/
https://odysee.com/@Geopolicraticus:7/carl-von-clausewitz%E2%80%99s-moral-science-of:f

Podcast Edition

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/NHFPd3MM5Jb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a31b8276-53cd-4723-b6ad-a39c8faa4572/episodes/a59ed23b-eeb4-4469-9380-952a76bcba08/today-in-philosophy-of-history-carl-von-clausewitz%E2%80%99s-moral-science-of-warfare
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-today-in-philosophy-of-his-146507578/episode/carl-von-clausewitzs-moral-science-of-181857506/
​
​

I have seen it circulated that while Dot and Bubble(D&B)'s racism allegory was on point, the social media allegory was shoddy. And I couldn't disagree more.
For me a lot of social media(SM) criticism (Black Mirror especially) criticises the effects and affects of SM, not the core. They criticise the likes or the façade or the corporatism or the speed... and those are fine criticisms but forget that we are humans who come on here to talk to other humans.
Reddit it my vice of choice because I love reading opinions and short essays written by others, and getting stuck in myself too. I come here because so many other people are here. The Reddit format simply facilitates that. Same with Twitter - if it were ALL bots then people would never bother. Same with YouTube and Insta - we like to see what art (even if lay-art) that others want to put out into the world. SM connects us with EVERYONE, instantly, all the time. It taps into the community part of our monkey brains.
As such D&B's depiction of SM as being chatting chatting chatting every single hour of the day with people who are in your face at all times is perfect. It reminds me of being a teen messaging my friends 24/7 and having groupchats and discord servers (I can't stand them anymore). Or during the pandemic when I basically lived inside one specific online community. Its that human contact that we crave and why we find it so hard to switch off because why would we? We as humans are meant to socialise. It is that part of your brain getting hacked.
The addition to that of it being a literal bubble around your head clouding your view of the outside world just adds to the allegory.
So yeah thats my hot take. It may not be realistic in that it doesn't look like any IRL social media. But Dot and Bubble damn well gets to the heart of the problem.

A master list of all the narcissistic petty mean hypocritical dishonest etc. shit she has done. Feel free to add and copy-paste. Started by this user and my obsessive ass decided that today was a good day to do a rough deep dive and edit.

• Amy Poehler and Tina Fey - tay quoted Madeleine Albright (as if tay wasn't guilty of sabotaging women) basically telling them they're going to hell for making a lighthearted joke about her serial dating

🔥 "There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." 🔥

• Katy Perry - Bad Blood (over dancers) and returning to Spotify on the exact same day Katy's Witness album released. Also, a quote from an interview about the subject of Bad Blood: "You never say who your songs are about, but you concede that if enough people believe something, it essentially becomes fact. So by not saying who you’re writing about, aren’t you allowing public consensus to dictate the meaning of your work? If everyone assumes that 'Bad Blood' is about a specific person, aren’t you allowing the culture to create a fact about your life? You’re in a Rolling Stone interview, and the writer says, “Who is that song about? That sounds like a really intense moment from your life.” And you sit there, and you know you’re on good terms with your ex-boyfriend, and you don’t want him—or his family—to think you’re firing shots at him. So you say, 'That was about losing a friend.' And that’s basically all you say. But then people cryptically tweet about what you meant. I never said anything that would point a finger in the specific direction of one specific person, and I can sleep at night knowing that. I knew the song would be assigned to a person, and the easiest mark was someone who I didn’t want to be labeled with this song. It was not a song about heartbreak. It was about the loss of friendship.'"
  
• Nicki Minaj - tay made Nicki's feelings of being snubbed about herself with: "It's unlike you to pit women against each other." Full timeliness of their Twitter feud here.
  

Katy tweeted: "Finding it ironic to parade the pit women against other women argument about as one unmeasurably capitalizes on the take down of a woman…"

• Camilla Belle - tay told the world CB was a slut and damaged her career, CB agreed with Katy's tweet above, and when kimye happened CB Insta posted: "No need for revenge. Just sit back & wait. Those who hurt you will eventually screw up themselves & if you're lucky, God will let you watch."

+Victim complex was contributed due to her being packaged as “Purity Sue Ingenue”: eternally childlike, obedient and one-dimensional.
+Not only are her songwriting choices almost mind-numbingly safe, but she also covers territory so familiar, it’s almost a carbon-copy of someone else’s song! In 2006’s “Girl Next Door,” by Saving Jane, the protagonist yearns:
She is the prom queen I’m in the marching band She is a cheerleader I’m sitting in the stands
This sounds familiar, right? Well, here’s Taylor’s version: But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts She’s cheer captain and I’m on the bleachers
+"A Place in this World” = one part “What It Feels Like For a Girl” (Madonna), One part “Just a Girl” (Gwen Stefani), and One part “Not A Girl, Not Yet a Woman” (Britney Spears)

• Hilary Duff - tay plagiarized the song Breathe In. Breathe Out., took "X marks the spot where we fell apart" for Getaway Car and melody for Paper Rings
  
• Fortnight blatantly ripped off Cigarettes After Sex. Also has similarities to College ft. Electric Youth - A Real Hero.
  

+Karma ripped off CSS -Music Is My Hot Hot Sex
+I Can Fix Him reminds people of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak and Lana's Say YesTo Heaven
+Fresh Out The Slammer and Twin Peaks theme
+In 2012, singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson expressed his distaste for a lyric in Taylor Swift's "All Too Well" that was very similar to a line in his song "I Saw." In "All Too Well," Swift sings, "And I'll forget about you long enough / To forget why I needed to," while Nathanson croons, "I'll forget about you long enough / To forget why I need to" in his 2003 release.
+Tried to change the narrative when it came to This Is What You Came For (also details some sketchy behavior with Tom Hiddleston while she was with Calvin). Thankfully Calvin was having none of it.

• T-Pain has said he's written for her before. He doesn't put his name in the credits for country/pop songs that he writes because ⭐️racism⭐️

+Critics noticed the dramatic similarities between her "Delicate" video and a 2016 Spike Jonze-directed ad for the fragrance Kenzo World starring Margaret Qualley.
Read More

• other plagiarism - post with list All the songs Taylor has plagiarized in a playlist!. A comprehensive list of songs Taylor Swift has ripped off
  
• Olivia Rodrigo - tay crushed a fan's heart and stole her money (over a yelly bridge) just as she herself was about to become a fucking billionaire, copied the wordplay in Olivia's song "get him back!" in "imgonnagetyouback", taunting Olivia, collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams to deepen the knife
  
• Former Guitar Teacher - tay lied about her start with guitar with a made-up "magical twist of fate" story, Ronnie Cremer said he was approached to teach her, had her legal team bully him because of his domain name, she's ungrateful and could have handled this bettenegotiated more graciously, "but muhh trademarkk". Also includes Andrew Orth and how she and her family just use people and spit them out.
  

+There's the famous story Taylor's guitar teacher told about how Austin wanted Taco Bell so his mom brought some for him but when Taylor wanted some Andrea told her "No one wants a fat pop star" so she had her usual salad instead
Obviously usually people interpret this story as Austin being the lucky one compared to Taylor because he was allowed to eat like a normal person
But I wonder what kind of long term effect it might have on you to basically be told "The reason it doesn't matter what you eat is it doesn't matter what you look like because you don't actually matter"
No wonder Taylor struggled with an ED and her brother struggles with self worth 😟
+I found this insane first person account of a waitress and Scott Swift:
I grew up on the Jersey shore and worked at a place called the Windrift in Stone Harbor all of high school and college. Avalon and Stone Harbor are known to be two secondary home markets for people from mostly PA and NY. The homes are EXPENSIVE. You can’t find anything less than $2.5 mil on the islands now, and those are tear downs. $3.5- 5 mil is the average home price in 2024. I grew up in a neighboring town and pretty much only served extremely wealthy people at this restaurant. It’s right on the beach.
One day, in the summer of 2004, Scott Swift and his family and, I guess friends, came into the restaurant and wanted to sit on the deck. Us servers used to have a rotation on who would be taking the deck that day. The deck was the coveted spot because you got all of the tables to yourself, it had the best view so people wanted to be up there, and you had your own bartender to work with solo. That day it was my turn to have the deck.
Unfortunately, the weather was insane. There was wind and non-stop rain. The whole lower part of the restaurant was empty, so all other servers and bartenders went home and one chef stayed. The kitchen was a block and a half away from the deck and two floors down. The bartender that would normally take care of the deck also went home since there was only one party up there. I was to serve as both server and bartender. Scott wanted to watch some game so we brought TVs up and put plastic all around the deck to keep the rain out. It was so nasty out but they wanted to be there.
In my entire time of being a server (which ended up being 11 years), I have NEVER been run more ragged by a group. Scott was non-stop asking for things. I was bartending left and right, and then when food came, I kept having to make separate two block sprints to the kitchen to get him specialty things. He would ask for one thing, I’d bring it, and then he’d ask for another, separately. It was exhausting. I was in high school too and was an athlete so I had a lot of energy 😅
To add to that, Scott was also talking to me NON-STOP. It was actually extremely bizarre and I was freaked out. I could tell immediately there was something wrong with him. He had no filter and didn’t even care who I was, my body language, if I was listening or not. Here I was just a rando high school waitress and he was telling me, “My daughter is going to be famous. She’s so talented. We’re moving to Nashville for her. She’s going to be the biggest thing ever,” etc. I couldn’t get away from him and he was a close talker. It wasn’t like he was flirting, more just talking at me. The rest of his family sat at a table and his friends were walking around watching the game. No one was talking to him 😅
The saving grace was I figured I’d get a huge tip. They were there all day and knew they were keeping the restaurant open. Plus, this man was basically bragging about how they had the means to have a house there, how he was in finance, etc. I went above and beyond in terms of service.
When they finally left and I went to look at the bill, he has left nothing, not even a dollar. To this day, that’s my only table to has never tipped, let alone a party. So much for that.
Before they left, he said his daughter had a website, so I asked for the address. I figured she was going to truly have to be beyond talented for this man to talk this way. I’m a singer and am super into vocalists so I was intrigued to listen. I guess I didn’t have a cell phone back then, because he wrote the web address on a piece of paper. When I got home, I went to the website on my desktop. All it was was a picture of her and below it was a gray MP3 bar. I played the song and it was laughably bad. I legit guffawed, like wow this girl is never going anywhere. I hear no talent here.
Joke is clearly on me, because as we can see from this email too, Scott has stopped at absolutely nothing. If he talked MY ear off as a random server, imagine what he has done to everyone else. People probably have given in a lot out of annoyance and because he has the funds. That’s my only guess. He won’t take no for an answer and clearly saves money by maybe not really paying anyone for their services.
I can’t even tell you how shocking it has been for me to witness the rise of Taylor like this after that experience.
Not to mention, I then met her brother years later in LA when I lived there around 2018 or so. He and I matched on Raya, a members only dating app. He said he was intrigued because I was from the area they always went to as a child. We met up at a restaurant in Laurel Canyon and wow was it an awkward date. First of all, he was a shell of a human. He had ballooned in size from his photos and clearly had some eating issues. He was super weird around what he was eating and drinking. It seems he really lives under the shadow of his sister, which is evident from Scott’s email too. When I asked what he did, he said acting, but seems like he didn’t have anything going on. When I asked what he liked to do he said play tennis. I said oh cool where do you go in town? And he awkwardly said his sister’s house 😂 (we didn’t discuss her at all). He also confided in me that his parents are rascist towards Mexicans? 🧐 We actually walked back to his house since it was around the corner and we played N64 (Mario Kart) and listened to the Annie Musical record on vinyl since he had it on display. He told me his sister had bought him his house. It was really nice - definitely a multi-million dollar home. We actually randomly kissed and then it was 11 pm so I said I needed to head back. I ordered an Uber and we never spoke again 😂 I thought maybe it was weird karma since he paid for dinner and his Dad owed me hahaha.
Needless to say, it was sad to see how lacking in identity he seemed. It stuck out to me how in the email Scott mentioned they were giving Taylor her estate early, but not Austin. The way Scott has treated Austin vs Taylor I think has had detrimental effects.
I’ve been saying these things about Scott for years, so I’m glad to finally see some further proof!! She was 100% created by him. I’m sure it will even have detrimental effects on her in a more serious way in the future.

Preface: I do not profess this opinion as the canonical and factual ending. I like the interpretations and ambiguity, which is why i believe this play is genius in its writing. This is my essay and case as to why i believe the kids ended up surviving in the end. I really tried to find where Jacob Richmond has ever said directly that they definitely don't return at all, or anything that confirmed the fate of the group aside from Jane/Penny ofc. As far as I am aware, he has only just focused on their death and has never explicitly confirmed any theories of the fate of the group. That is technically my first point I just discussed to back up the theory, but everybody knows the ambiguity of the ending has left a lot open to interpretation, so we won't count it ;). Besides, he can always one day come out and just decide the canonical fate to everybody and completely throw whatever I have here out the window, but hopefully he leaves it ambiguous. I apologize in advance for grammatical and structural mistakes. I tried to be organized with my thoughts, but i am also impatient and just type lol
1) Karnak's Prohpecy to the Group:
I know it is widely accepted that the "complete the whole" is referring to Ocean giving the prize to Jane in order to restore her "whole" and reincarnate her as her being the only one who lives in the end..... but technically, you could actually argue that the fortune means that when Ocean, who is the one who is the final and toughest person to come to terms and find peace in her death, gives the prize to Jane Doe, who was the biggest "loser" out of all of them, it will complete the "whole"....... as in the GROUP as a "whole". Ocean giving the prize to Jane Doe was the last and final resolution of the entire group as a "whole". They were all complete. There was nothing else that they needed to figure out or resolve after that and they all became complete and content in the end. They became whole and fulfilled the prophecy Karnak made, which funny enough, made the prophecy whole itself. Everything was made "whole". Personally, I think it is more face value, far fetched, and easy to assume that the "whole" meant JUST Jane Doe being complete. Focusing too much on the prize itself, and not the meaning of what the whole journey of the play/plot was meant to be about really. Karnak's prize of returning one person to life, i believe, was a red herring anyway. Karnak knows way too much about the group and it would defeat the whole purpose and have not nearly as much of an impact if he told everybody, "All of you will return to life if you learn your lessons 🤗". So, to assume the widely accepted assumption most people go with and it is nothing more... makes the idea only Jane was given life (the prize) just more flimsy in my eyes.
2) Wording, Context, and Specific Choice of Words That Were Written:
Ofc, Jane gets a life and is reincarnated we know this. Notice how that isn't the same as being brought back to life if you want to get technical though. Reincarnation and resurrection are very separate definitions when it comes to death and have been widely accepted as such. Her actual body and who she was, was not actually resurrected. Also, religions, most notably Hinduism, always tell us that reincarnation is the CONTINUATION of life. Life never stopped. As a matter of fact, Jane sings this in the beginning and end of the play. This is why a lot of people believe the group is in a constant time loop. It is a complete restart going from being alive.... to being alive in a different form for Jane. Amd it is a restart for the group which I will explain further. And if we are to interpret resurrection and reincarnation as separate, then nobody actually won the prize that Karnak said would be given. If the ending shows time being manipulated and reversed (or they were moved to another timeline. Gonna get into that later lol)..... then how is one dead if they never were to have died in the first place 👀 (Manipulation of time). So in a way, WE WERE ALL RIGHT. They did die in the timeline they were originally in, time technically did loop around to the point of where they were before, and they all are bow alive. Would be f'ing mind blowing.
3) Karnak's Reliability, Prophecies, and Misleading Nature:
Tieing into the previous point of evidence.... Karnak has been established since the beginning of the story to be misleading and not very trustworthy in what he says to be the entire truth or not the ONLY truth. However, that is not to say what he says has not come to fruition. All of his prophecies come true. Now, you may think that if I say this, then I just contradicted my point about him saying he would bring someone back to life in the end. That's where I am going to bring up the specific wording and how Karnak has operated in his prophecies and his nature as a character. See, even though they weren't playing a game as established in the ending..... Karnak explicitly stated when they arrived in Limbo that he wanted to play a game. That game was part of the red herring and the misleading nature of his character. It was a game for Karnak not them. Karnak constantly shifted the rules and regulations of the game throughout the play (never lied), but you know when he is clearly giving a prophecy (Ex: The winner and the loser make the whole). If the game never existed (as evident by the fact they were never actually competing, let alone even competing for a prize)..... If there wasn't a game being played.... then that would mean the prize was not the actual reward that was even given. So then you may ask, "What would that mean about the prophecy of the winner and the loser making the whole then if that is the case? Doesn't that contradict that theory?". That's where wording is very tricky and amazing about this play. A winner and a loser can be correlated to that of a conflict, battle or endeavor. You could actually refer to life as being the endeavor. Ocean was the one who wanted to win the most out of life, and Jane was the one who lost the most out of life. In Limbo, that continues to be the case. Ocean still is striving to win at her life (one who wants to win the most) while Jane can't and is eternally labeled as, literally, the loser. So, who wins and loses doesn't have to be in the context of an actual game or contest. And if you want to say there was a contest or game, then the only kind was with themselves. They were MAKING it a contest initially if anything.
Karnak has never lied. If there was never a game,, then there were never rules, and if there were never rules, then he really has never lied. Mislead? Yes. If you believe it was a game, then it would only be a game from Karnak's perspective. He would make changes, but has never actually lied.
4) Karnak's Powers and What He Was Going to Say Before His Death:
By the end of the play, at this point, it's absolutely perfectly reasonable to assume Karnak has the ability to bring all of them back if he were to be able to do everything else he has done in the show. He has never stated that he isn't capable of it, and just says that he is able to bring someone back who wins. Powers we know he is capable of are (and not limited to as far as we know) time manipulation, spacial manipulation, controlling life and death, prophecising, resurrection (we actually don't even know if he is capable of this technically, but probably is), reincarnation, and being an overall omnipotent and all knowing being. I know it is even more of a deeper dive, but if they are in a time loop and the last time we see the group, is when they are back on the coaster..... who is to say he didn't take them to a time where the accident doesn't happen? Somebody said that they are just constantly in a never ending loop on the coaster at the end cause of the screams and the gestures? But idk how we would get that when a roller coaster has multiple dips so idk how you would get the conclusion from just gestures. I would like to mention that Karnak was about to mention another prophecy before his death, so there clearly was something that we are meant to try and figure out what it could be that he didn't mention. I just know there is something significant about the number 7 that ties into it somehow, cause I haven't been able to figure out the significance of that number besides the time of when they were riding the coaster. There has to be more to it.
5) The Light:
Ok, I just know someone is going to say something about the light, and I totally understand..... but it's not enough to counter everything else that was previously mentioned. Jane and the group had different colors for the light because they both traveled different paths of their return. And also, you could easily interpret the change of light for the group to show that they were back in the carnival setting and they just made the light green because they were matching the carnival color aesthetic. It's just something that I get is subtle and should definitely be taken into consideration, but it's just not enough. You would have to examine if there is any symbolism in color within the story and if they are actually associated with anything in the play itself, which as far as I can tell.... the white light is the only symbolic color I could discern.
P.S. I'm sorry, but I flat out am going to say that the theory that Jane Doe always was Penny is not believable imo cause if you know of Legoland, people would DEFINITELY know who she was, her fingerprints, law enforcement and the school having a strong enough inpression from her criminal activity and how unhinged she was when she was alive. There's just no way her death would have gone unnoticed if she was Penny before she died. So, she was definitely reincarnated as Penny. Not resurrected. You could argue that she got reincarnated as Penny, and then that is the actual Penny from Legoland, but like........ what would be the contextual clues and evidence if that's the case? The only thing would be that Jane (whoever she was before death) and Penny both go to the same school canonically, but like...... Penny also has a brother who goes to the same school..... so even if her parents were locked up while she was dead, her brother would've known so very easily. To say she didn't have a brother pre Jane Doe would be saying so without any actual contextual evidence.

Edit: rise**
I've seen many discussions here about the rise of 'Salafism' or 'Wahhabism' in Bangladesh, and I'm genuinely curious about your concerns regarding this trend.
I’ve noticed some cringe Waz, especially on Facebook, where some individuals express misogynistic views, which receive a significant amount of support. It's important to recognize that these views often stem from cultural practices rather than religious beliefs. In contrast, Salafis generally strive to adhere to Islam as understood by the pious predecessors, avoiding cultural innovations and practices like grave worship.
From my observations, Salafis in Bangladesh are not causing disruptions. They focus on following the Quran and Sunnah without introducing new interpretations or compromises. For instance, they have strict policies about not remixing genders at social events, ensuring they pay zakah, maintaining ties with their relatives, and avoiding cultural practices not rooted in Islamic teachings. Their primary concern is to practice what they believe is the actual Islam as commanded by Allah.
Additionally, most Salafis don't go heavy on the terminology and are just basic Muslims trying to do their own stuff and striving to be perfect Muslims. It's also worth noting that "Wahhabism" is a term often used by critics, not one that Salafis use to describe themselves.
Is the concern with Salafism specifically, or with religion in general? Is the goal to see Bangladesh become more secular, with normalized views on LGBT rights, pre-marital relationships, and similar issues? If that's the case, is the worry that people are becoming more religious in general?
So, what specifically about the rise of Salafism concerns you? Is it their religious practices, their social influence, or something else? I’d love to hear your perspectives on how you think Salafism might affect social life in Bangladesh.