Symbol of the Standing/Enduring Pillar: Learn Rubinsteinic Thought
Updated: Aug 17
For what it [the philosophy of symbolic forms] is seeking is not so much common factors in being as common factors in meaning. Hence we must strive to bring the teachings of pathology, which cannot be ignored, into the more universal context of the philosophy of culture' -- Ernst Cassirer
The Enduring Pillar of Philosocom -- A Symbolic Philosophy
Some people have asked me what the meaning is behind this symbol, and they do not know why it appears on my books, as well as across Philosocom content. Well. Time to better explain. This symbol has a number of meanings....
1. The Letters
“What are monastic happiness and love? These are emotions which are raised within us not from ambition or passion, but out of acceptance and humility. Since they are available by freedom from other beings and other people, they are thus have the right to be under the title: “Individualism”.
Since monasticism/asceticism is something to be done alone with a certain detachment, they are allowed to be under one headline, which is “Solitary Individualism” -- (Taken from Bread, Water and Book).
The lone column standing in the center is actually the letter "I", with a vertical "S" hovering above it. These are the first letters in Solitary Individualism. The positioning of the letters symbolizes how individualism is best expressed under the art of being alone. And by "alone" I refer to the distancing of the self, from those who seek to oppress it under their will, and mold it according to their own selfish interests through social cohesion and ideology.
Ironically, solitude can be enjoyed and cherished together. It is often difficult, in love, to cherish one another, when others are interfering. Of course privacy is imperative in romantic love. After all, "Two's a company, three's a crowd"...
From this aspect, the circle surrounding it has no meaning, other than seperating our individuality and its solitude from the outside. This symbolizes the idea that a self exists beyond the external world.
2. The Values
“And these are the next lessons the Indie-Solitaire ought to learn on their quest for wisdom and independence: They must know to remain in their place regardless of blessing or curse, avoid unnecessary interference to be depended upon them, and finally -- acquire the merit or the flaw which is the ability to be hurt. Absorb but not be absorbed, to carry but not to be carried, rule without being ruled” (Taken from Solos Dinus: A Practical Guide for Solitary Individualism, my second book).
This is the more philosophical meaning which this symbol carries. The letter "I" serves a role of a strong and stable column as the letter S, which resembles movement, goes through the column, but it remains unaffected - stands on its ground with inner might. This was inspired by the plank stance. Time to demonstrate:
The circle which surrounds the column and the wind can be considered as a protective wall/shield which isolates them.
It can be the limit of the human consciousness, or the limit of the physical body, which corresponds Solitary Individualism’s argument that we are distinct and physically separated beings. From that it is possible to deduce that the movement inside the circle is the column (or the individual)’s inner experience -- the various urges which does not affect the column nor prevents it from standing on its opinions and beliefs like a proper plank practitioner.
The human will, without endurance and dedication, compromises its stability through inner turmoil of indecisiveness, leading to inner conflict. The column is the master of its own self, for its resolve remains absolute, despite the struggle involved in being alive.
3. Monasticism and Enlightenment
“[The society based on Solitary Individualism)] is a society in which its individuals are aware that there is a reason for their lives which is more than just searching for pleasure and avoiding suffering. [The reason] is to learn from pain and not overly praise pleasure.
It is a society where the emotional involvement between the individuals is not particularly high, but stands on the point of necessity. A harsh, strict, yet disciplined society[/organization] is of a kind that values honor and wisdom the most, and not competitiveness, [violance] nor romantic love.” -- (Bread, Water and Book)
The column, according to this aspect, symbolizes the columns which were common in the more ancient societies such as in the Greek and Roman civilizations, where philosophical discourse prospered, and made much contribution to modern society. Remembering the ancient philosophies (I add that this philosophy was partially inspired by Stoicism), the enlightenment, the human intelligence and the culture can be seen not as mere commodities. Not as mere personal assets for the ego, but as tools to rectify this world from its moral depravity.
The circle can resemble the various social, romantic and immoral seductions and temptations which threaten the Indie-Solitaire monk (Or, the person who tries to abstain from society's immoral practices). It can also resemble the boundaries which the “column” used as fortifications in order to set itself free from a tyranny of enslaving passions that may try to move it out of its standing.
4. Psychology
“As stated, Solitary Individualism claims that there are two main unions in the individual, which are not necessary ethical nor unethical, religious or irreligious, philosophical or psychological.
One is private and evolutionary - the nature, and the second -- [which is either] socio-ideological (A.K.A socially shared) or individualistic and distinctive -- the consciousness” (Hermitericum)
If we to grant Solitary/Rubinshteinic Individualism a psychological meaning, then the letter I can symbolize the self in the center -- the rational and morally-powerful super-ego. That, is while the letter S can symbolize the id-ego, which consists of the poor-planning impulse system. The O can serve as the general/"connecting" ego, which mediates both rationality, morality and virtue, alongside the inner drives of impulses.
In an Indie-Solitaire/Rubinshteinic vocabulary, the letter/circle O can symbolize "a super-vision" by us into ourselves, or a “thought above the thought”. In other words: meta-cognition. From this we can learn the value of looking both ways, prioritizing a broader perception of reality. A perception, bound to our choice.
Conclusions
It is possible to see that this ideological symbol contains various of meanings which can be up to interpretation by the beholder. The same applies to what the beholder chooses to focus on. Perception is an active proocess:
A somewhat different view of sensory perception is presented. It is supposed that the perceptual process consists of two phases: the establishment of uncertainty about some feature of the environment, and the progressive removal of this uncertainty.
The first phase demands active participation by the perceiving system; the second phase is largely a passive one. A preliminary mathematical structure for the passive phase is sketched, and some consequences of the active phase are anticipated. -- Kenneth H. Norwich
Among the core values in which the Symbol of the Standing Pillar indicates are:
They can be understood asserve as key words for the readers in Indie-Solitaire/Rubinshteinic writings.
Ms. Tamara Moskal's Feedback (And Interpretation)
"Whatever the unconscious may be, it is a natural phenomenon, producing symbols," says Carl Young, explaining symbols' importance and psychological meaning in the human psyche. Symbols are everywhere: in writing, art, road signs, coats of arms, medals, crests, and money. Logos represent ideas and thoughts beyond language. We share them to be identified and recognized.
The logo of Philosocom consists of two letters: The letter "S," standing for solitude, hovers above the "I" turned 90 degrees, the "pillar" of individualism placed in an unconventional horizontal position, forming a stable and robust base.... Here is my interpretation.
Solitude means being alone, with only one's thoughts and contemplations for company. When not plagued by loneliness, a negative feeling of alienation, or being misunderstood, solitude can be experienced as bliss and peace of mind. Without diversion of societal "buzz," it can lead to profound ideas, works of science, art, and discoveries.
Thomas Merton, an American monk, writer, and activist, wrote in his Notes for a Philosophy of Solitude: "The function of diversion is simply to anesthetize the individual as an individual, and to plunge him in the warm, apathetic stupor of a collectivity which, like himself, wishes to remain amused."
Society does not breed true individualism and critical thinking because its main objective is to remain firm through collective "spirit" led by leaders who "think" for their followers.
Therefore, withdrawal from society and a hermetic lifestyle are often stapled as unnatural and unfit. Unarguably, humans are social animals, and most people need companionship and love to thrive. However, we should remember that those who prefer solitude can also find suitable partners, fulfilling their needs for intimacy and affection outside the noisy, conventional world.
Freedom of mind goes further than Western capitalistic, materialism-driven individualism.
At the center of Carl Young's analytical psychology is individuation, the process of becoming a whole, unique individual freed from collective standards such as parental and cultural norms. We can only live genuinely fulfilled and purposeful lives after we transform, unlocking our full potential. Carl Young wrote: "The way is not without danger. Everything good is costly, and the development of the personality is one of the most costly of all things."
Philosocom's logo represents the philosophy of empathetic solitary individualism, emphasizing the greatness of human potential and contributing to a better, less biased world.
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