JayJay

JayJay

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Jun 17, 2022
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Knowledge is often considered a powerful tool that empowers individuals, expands horizons, and enlightens the mind. However, it is important to acknowledge that knowledge can also have a perilous flip side. In various works of fiction, such as the movie "The Matrix," the game "Bloodborne," and the tale of "Alice in Wonderland," we witness how knowledge, when taken to extremes or confronted with unsettling truths, can lead people down a treacherous path towards madness.

"The Matrix":
In "The Matrix," directed by the Wachowskis, the protagonist Neo undergoes a transformative journey as he delves deeper into the true nature of his existence. Initially living in a simulated reality, Neo discovers that humanity is being enslaved by machines, and the world as he knows it is an illusory construct. This newfound knowledge shatters Neo's perception of reality, leaving him torn between the familiar but false comfort of the simulated world and the harsh truth of the real one.

As Neo learns more about the Matrix, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and haunted by existential questions. The weight of this knowledge threatens to unhinge his sanity, pushing him to question his identity and purpose. Neo's encounter with a profound truth fuels his determination to fight against the oppressive system, but it also plunges him into a state of psychological turmoil, blurring the line between sanity and madness.

"Bloodborne":
In the video game "Bloodborne," developed by FromSoftware, players assume the role of a Hunter exploring the Gothic city of Yharnam, where an ancient curse has transformed its inhabitants into terrifying beasts. As the Hunter unravels the city's dark secrets, they encounter cosmic beings and eldritch horrors that exist beyond human comprehension. The game's lore emphasizes the concept of forbidden knowledge, which drives both characters and players to the brink of madness.

As the Hunter delves deeper into Yharnam's mysteries, they are exposed to forbidden rituals, arcane truths, and cosmic entities that defy human understanding. This exposure to forbidden knowledge erodes their sanity, echoing H.P. Lovecraft's concept of "cosmic horror." The Hunter's gradual descent into madness is fueled by their relentless pursuit of knowledge, blurring the boundary between reality and nightmare until they become consumed by the very horrors they sought to comprehend.

"Alice in Wonderland":
Lewis Carroll's timeless tale, "Alice in Wonderland," takes readers on a whimsical and nonsensical journey through a surreal realm. Alice, a curious young girl, stumbles upon a rabbit hole that leads her into a world where logic and reason are inverted. Through encounters with eccentric characters and baffling situations, Alice becomes increasingly perplexed and frustrated.

Alice's experiences in Wonderland reflect the potential dangers of knowledge without context or rationality. She encounters enigmatic riddles, contradictory statements, and a chaotic world governed by absurdity. The lack of coherent meaning and the constant subversion of logic challenge the boundaries of Alice's understanding, pushing her towards a state of confusion and disorientation.
Knowledge is often considered a powerful tool that empowers individuals, expands horizons, and enlightens the mind. However, it is important to acknowledge that knowledge can also have a perilous flip side. In various works of fiction, such as the movie "The Matrix," the game "Bloodborne," and the tale of "Alice in Wonderland," we witness how knowledge, when taken to extremes or confronted with unsettling truths, can lead people down a treacherous path towards madness.

"The Matrix":
In "The Matrix," directed by the Wachowskis, the protagonist Neo undergoes a transformative journey as he delves deeper into the true nature of his existence. Initially living in a simulated reality, Neo discovers that humanity is being enslaved by machines, and the world as he knows it is an illusory construct. This newfound knowledge shatters Neo's perception of reality, leaving him torn between the familiar but false comfort of the simulated world and the harsh truth of the real one.

As Neo learns more about the Matrix, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and haunted by existential questions. The weight of this knowledge threatens to unhinge his sanity, pushing him to question his identity and purpose. Neo's encounter with a profound truth fuels his determination to fight against the oppressive system, but it also plunges him into a state of psychological turmoil, blurring the line between sanity and madness.

"Bloodborne":
In the video game "Bloodborne," developed by FromSoftware, players assume the role of a Hunter exploring the Gothic city of Yharnam, where an ancient curse has transformed its inhabitants into terrifying beasts. As the Hunter unravels the city's dark secrets, they encounter cosmic beings and eldritch horrors that exist beyond human comprehension. The game's lore emphasizes the concept of forbidden knowledge, which drives both characters and players to the brink of madness.

As the Hunter delves deeper into Yharnam's mysteries, they are exposed to forbidden rituals, arcane truths, and cosmic entities that defy human understanding. This exposure to forbidden knowledge erodes their sanity, echoing H.P. Lovecraft's concept of "cosmic horror." The Hunter's gradual descent into madness is fueled by their relentless pursuit of knowledge, blurring the boundary between reality and nightmare until they become consumed by the very horrors they sought to comprehend.

"Alice in Wonderland":
Lewis Carroll's timeless tale, "Alice in Wonderland," takes readers on a whimsical and nonsensical journey through a surreal realm. Alice, a curious young girl, stumbles upon a rabbit hole that leads her into a world where logic and reason are inverted. Through encounters with eccentric characters and baffling situations, Alice becomes increasingly perplexed and frustrated.

Alice's experiences in Wonderland reflect the potential dangers of knowledge without context or rationality. She encounters enigmatic riddles, contradictory statements, and a chaotic world governed by absurdity. The lack of coherent meaning and the constant subversion of logic challenge the boundaries of Alice's understanding, pushing her towards a state of confusion and disorientation.

Conclusion:
"The Matrix," "Bloodborne," and "Alice in Wonderland" all demonstrate how knowledge, when confronted with unsettling truths or taken to extreme depths, can lead individuals down a path towards madness. These narratives caution us about the perils of uncontrolled curiosity and the consequences of unveiling profound secrets that lie beyond conventional comprehension. While knowledge can be enlightening, it is crucial to approach it with balance, discernment, and an awareness of our own limitations, lest we risk losing ourselves in the labyrinth of the mind.
-Madman
 
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Forever Sleep

Earned it we have...
May 4, 2022
9,829
It's an interesting idea. Sometimes I wonder whether there is a connection between intelligence and depression. It does seem like a lot of very intelligent people are depressed.

I wonder if part of it though is because there is still so much in this world that is unknown and unanswered. I remember being told by some friends studying A level Chemistry that everything we learnt about atoms at GCSE was (understandably) simplified but to the extent that it was more or less a lie! Not that I need to know the true nature of atoms in my line of work but it still upset me that I'd just believed all that stuff.

It's got to be more upsetting though when you are clever enough to be able to see through all the manipulative political/ religious/ cultural bullshit that controls people. Yet- what exactly underlies it? We still don't really know. I think it's even worse to be inquisitive when the answers are so hard to find.
 
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Tobacco

Tobacco

Efilist. Possible promortalist.
Jan 14, 2023
196
I hope this doesn't seem as off-topic but I was certainly deluded before. Watching videos reporting on some horrible ways people have died certainly disturbed me deeply and left me with a desire of euthanizing myself before being exposed to any of those risks.
 
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