Wow, this is really deep. Gets you thinking. I like the questions posed in this, like "Is who we are just what we think, and what is true?" and "If we base our being on another, and find that person ripped away, do we become like a building without foundation, destined to fall?". they really make you think about things. And I agree, the line "The truth is only what we see. Reality is what is." is really good. I believe that that's true and truly thought-provoking, when you sit down and think about it.

Whoa, my brain hurts.

Okay. I do my best critiquing of stories, so this might not be a really insightful review. Still, I know a little philosophy, and I'll try my best.

1)"When the mind leaves the realm of reality, and all that you were becomes question, how do you go about redefining yourself?" That stood out. Maybe not as the best question, because it's been asked before in many variations, but as a good line. Either for a story intro or on its own.

2)"Reality is what is." I agree with that one, and it's a good starting place for a lot of proofs, but it is still kinda circular. Reality is just a word we use to define what is, so therefore by definition reality is what is. All that really proves is that something is defined the way we define it. Which, again, is kind of circular because definition takes its meaning from the way we define it...you get the picture. This is why philosophy generally makes my head hurt, and why I can't major in it.

3)"And that is the great lie and flaw of humanity: taking what we see as reality, and believing that it is the only one." Now there's a solid idea. I've heard the 'reality is only what we see' concept bandied back and forth ad nauseum, but it's rare so see someone go somewhere interesting with it. I think I agree. If reality is what you see, and everyone sees something different, then there are a lot of simultaneous realities. And that opens up a nice little segue into the argument of whether it's okay to stomp on other people's realities.

4)"AN: For those like me who seem to be losing who they are." probably the strongest element of this piece, because it gave it direction. Philosophy without direction generally turns to angst, because there's so much unmapped space to be uncertain about. But if you start with a direction, an emotion, an angle of some sort, then you can usually get somewhere. That's why most of my philosophizing is usually focused behind stories. I think that's where it's most useful.

5) Anyways, I think that's about as much as I have to say, here. If you want to write a story or a poem or something, send me a message and I'll happily read it. Until then, keep thinking and keep writing.

-SC

there now i've read them all! this is genius and is now one of my favs!