It is now a well-known, heavily studied fact that the modern-day bird was once a very different looking animal, evolution in the form of a radical transformational adaptation, forced upon them by gradual changes in the Earth's environment, from which they once came, that being the dinosaur. We now know this to be fact, thanks to modern technology. Our capability to now scan these fossils, some found remarkably well preserved, still fortunately containing many things which have allowed us to discover that dinosaurs had bird brains, or more accurately, birds have dinosaur brains. With current investigations even shining light upon the reality that many of these gigantic animals, including the T-Rex, once had manes made of feathers. This drastic change from the dinosaur, resulting in the vast array of creatures we see today, from the ostrich to the albatross, even to the commonly domesticated budgerigar. Yet they all share one common trait, a significant reduction in their size, even animals which survived unchanged such as the crocodile, still shrank considerably. This shrinking of said species, having been demanded of them by environmental changes. Evolutionary adaptation, as we have covered in the past, is, in the channel's opinion, in its true sense, an adaptation of specific sets of vertebrate types, the true definition of species, not as Darwinian theory posits, of leaps between such. Thus evolution witnessed within the animal kingdom, is not indicative of a shared single ancestry, but inseparable branching from specific vertebrae or phyla groups, never proven to have leaped from one to another. As such, modern-day birds could in fact be seen as the product of de-evolutionary adaptation. This loss of size would in all probability have also resulting in a deterioration in their intellectual potential. This being due to the considerable decrease in brain mass, possibly derived from cataclysm, which deprived them of the resources needed to remain at such gigantic sizes. The reason for this digression is the channel's postulation of this same process, having once possibly occurred to Homo sapiens also. Could this explain why some of the oldest ruins are also some of the most advanced? With many remaining beyond the reach of modern man's ability to understand them, is it possible that man once had a much higher intellect than us today, due to a far greater size cranium? Simply put, were we once giants, just as modern-day birds were once dinosaurs? Legends and accounts of ancient giants can be found all over the world, also featuring in many ancient religious teachings. Additionally, many of the still unexplained sites of Earth regularly feature doorways many feet, sometimes even meters above that which is required by and for humans of our modern scale. The Terracotta Army, for example, is believed by many independent researchers, including mystery history, to have been made by a lost civilization, and their average height, intriguingly, is much taller than modern man. Many accounts exist of giants, which share similar descriptive characteristics. Red hair, double-road teeth, elongated skulls, etc. With many accounts of red-headed giant remains actually discovered and excavated all over the world, yet often all that survives of these reported events is a small news article, regularly noting Smithsonian involvement in said recoveries, yet seemingly and conveniently, always slipping away from the public domain. Lovelock Cave being another example, locals tell of it once being the home of a group of red-headed giants, which was eventually blocked and the giants burnt alive, a giant handprint still visible on a rock in the cave, presumably made by one of these individuals during their unpleasant demise. Yet what has to be the most compelling piece of evidence, fortunately still in view to suggest giants did indeed once exist, are footprints found all over the globe, once laid down upon sediment, now fossilized into solid stone. These footprints range in size up to a few meters in length, indicating that humans, at some point in the distant past, may have been even larger than many dinosaur species. This would have undoubtedly given them the capability to have moved the ancient megaliths we often cover, and also the ingenious nature of many of said sites due to a larger brain. Are these footprints proof that we too, just like the modern bird, were once monstrous in size? Yet at some point within antiquity, experienced a similar or the same cataclysmic events which forced a shrinking of our mass over many generations. Could this de-evolution have been due to what titled the axis of the Earth? When our Earth was aligned, did it have the ability to provide and sustain such growth? Once providing a suitable habitat for an abundance of resources required for the far greater size food chain witnessed during the Jurassic period? We find the evidence to support the hypothesis of giant ancient humans highly compelling. Within a place called Laos, a landlocked country in the heart of the Indo-Chinese peninsula, is probably one of the most confusing archaeological sites on Earth. We have often covered possible evidence left within countless newspaper archives, log witness testimonies, and indeed many stolen bodies of a type of ancient human far larger than we are today. Additionally, there have been many intriguing ancient giant artifacts which have been found at many sites around the world, tools, utensils, and structures. Created in such scales, they would be virtually useless in the hands of modern-sized people. And our archaeological site within Laos could perhaps be seen as one of the more compelling remnants, possibly left by this gigantic race of humans. However, what is seemingly the most perplexing mystery regarding this site is the aptly named Frogman, discovered at the center of this entire historical puzzle.  They are clearly too large for any practical use by humans of today. Numbering over 400 at just one site, the original purpose for these stone jars high up in these locations, if indeed they were manufactured by our ancient ancestors, is a question which has evaded modern explanation and may remain impossible to answer. Out of the many hundreds of jars, it would seem none were ever decorated. All remained completely blank, except one single jar. A single giant jar adorned with the image of a frogman. According to academia, the jars date from the Iron Age around 500 BC, although any compelling reasoning for this remains elusive. It is undoubtedly one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia, and it undoubtedly deserves more attention. Who carved these enormous jars? Why make them to such enormous and thus impractical sizes? Where did the stone come from? Or indeed, how were they carried to their final resting places high up on these plateaus? Were they possibly made by a race of giants? Who is our frogman character? Was this single image a signature, left by the original makers of these giant jars? Unfortunately, we may never know. We have in the past covered the remarkable legends, and in particular, the intriguing enormous tombs, which cover the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, long claimed as the resting places of some 800 or so ancient giants who once belonged to a now lost race of beings. It is undeniable that the scale of these inner chambers is of considerable size, most capable of housing remains of a size of 15 feet or more in height. There are, undeniably, many compelling pieces of written reports, and indeed photographic evidence of the discovery of ancient giant remains. Yet nearly all seemingly vanish into thin air. Many shortly following the mention of the involvement of certain academic institutions, such as the claim 3,000 or so remains claimed to have been excavated by Ralph Glidden on Santa Catalina Island, located within the Channel Islands during the early 20th century, all of which now lost. However, like the many ancient uparts we share, there are that rare few which have, fortunately, made their way into the hands of private collectors or individuals lacking any agenda but that of revealing the truth of these objects' existence. And one such scenario involves that of a Luigi Muscus, a man who actually owns farmland on the island of Sardinia, upon which he claims to have found gigantic molars of a hominid appearance. In tandem with her appearance on the program Coast to Coast A.M. in the U.S., Paola Harris shared his extraordinary photos. After looking into the artifacts ourselves, we have indeed found an argument which will undoubtedly be used to dismiss the finds as that of ancient cave bear teeth. Yet the root patterning, and indeed crown of the molar, like that of the partial jaw also shared, seemed to us to be more reminiscent of giant human skulls rather than the patterning of prehistoric bears. What's more, it must not be ignored that surrounding the claimed discovery site are indeed the aforementioned and gigantic ruins and the legends of individuals large enough to have once housed such teeth in their mouths, which all persist on the island to this day. What do you think? An ancient giant's molar and lower jaw? Or simply that of the remains of a prehistoric animal? It is a legend and indeed series of discoveries which we find highly compelling. We have, in the past, explored the incredible discovery of the mythological animal sculptures of Persepolis, now known as the Lamosu. We detailed the difficulty involved in transporting just a single example of one to London, a mere century ago. Yet it would seem a similar situation seemingly also occurred at the ancient side of Amethyst, one in which the French quietly endured and restrictively documented. Located east of Agio Tyconus, next to Limassol in southern Cyprus, strategically commanding a stunning view of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. The main acropolis of Amethyst, sitting just out of reach of the tourist track, atop the hill above. This location served also as an additional natural fortification for the site and its ancient observatory. Impressive discoveries have been made at the ruin, including ancient basins, vases, and various other utensils used by past inhabitants of varying eras. Atop the hill were two giant vases decorating the entrance to the main temple, one once dedicated to the god of love Aphrodite, each of which being 1.85 meters tall and weighing an immense 14 tons each, one of which being stolen by the French, specifically architect Edmund de Thoit during the Ottoman occupation of Cyprus, supposedly given permission to take it away to his country. It now rests in the Louvre Museum in Paris. His documentation of this ordeal we feel is a revealing insight into the clear prohibition from exposing the astonishing capabilities of ancient civilizational capability. He reservedly wrote of the ordeal of getting it back to Paris in his diary. Quote, our last day was dedicated to Amethyst, the only sanctuary of Aphrodite that we visited. There we found two huge stone vases, 3.4 meters in diameter. I could not figure out the amount that was buried in the ground and only a measure of the artifact which was sticking out. I thought if I managed to get it out of there and to convey it into the sea, it will be my biggest achievement. I will begin to study the ways and mechanisms needed to achieve this and to have it transferred. This will create a big impression in the Louvre. Again, quote, who made these vases or indeed the Acropolis itself? They were clearly astonishing vases having existed to this day and beyond and along with their sheer weight, we undoubtedly find them highly compelling.


Item number, SCP-272, Object Class. Safe. Special Containment Procedures. SCP-272 is to be contained in a small wooden box in a vault at Sector 25. Apart from this, no further containment is necessary, as the object is completely inert when not in use. Care is to be taken not to drop the item during transit. Description. SCP-272 is an iron nail, approximately 11.5 centimeters long, resembling ancient designs. Covering every flat surface are engravings of unknown cultural origin. The engravings have been described as captivating, but scary, in a majority of staff interviewed. The nature of the object becomes apparent when it is dropped onto the shadow of an individual. The nail will bury itself exactly two-thirds of its length into the material the shadow is cast on. Following this, two effects should be noted. The person whom the shadow belongs to will not be able to remove the nail by any means, and they are limited to movements that keep their shadow cast on the nail. The nail, however, may be removed by conventional means by anyone else, although those requested to do so reported a mild aversion, citing claims that, quote, it feels fair. The object was discovered during a routine sweep embedded into an exposed rock face near an abandoned air force base in Afghanistan, with a human skeleton scattered around it. It was thought to be mundane until a researcher dropped it at their feet and was subsequently pinned to the spot for 20 minutes before being assisted. Experiment log, 272A. Test subject, 1D class personnel, D2721. Surface, rock face at discovery site. Lighting, midday sun, directly overhead. Purpose, established nature of SCP. Procedure, subject was handed the nail and told to hammer it into his shadow at his feet. Results, subject complies. Once the nail had reached the two-third mark, subject could not continue. Subject attempts to move away but is unable to. Subject soon becomes fatigued and succumbs to heat stroke. Object removed. Subject given medical treatment. Conclusions, nature of the object, established. 272B. Test subject, 1D class personnel, D2722. Surface, as above. Lighting, night, minimal. Purpose, established effects at night. Procedure, nail was dropped at subjects feet and embedded itself exactly two thirds of the way in. Subject then asked to move 10 meters away from the nail. Results, object embeds. Subject complies showing no adverse effects. Subject then attempts to escape and is terminated. Object recovered. Conclusions, subject is free to move when no shadow is cast. 272C. Test subject, 1D class personnel, D2723. Surface, as above. Lighting, as above. Two hours before sunrise. Purpose, established effects of lighting changes. Procedure, nail dropped as above. Subject told to walk in a straight line away from the nail. Results, object embeds. Subject shows no adverse effects. Sunrise occurs at 6.06 local time. Subject is data expunged. Three cleanup teams dispatched. Subject's torso recovered 106 meters from object, showing signs of road rash and severe blunt trauma. Object recovered. Testing moved to sector 25. Conclusions, data expunged. 272D. Test subject, 1D class personnel, D2724. Surface, concrete floor of test facility 25H. Lighting, one standard 60-watt light bulb directly overhead. Purpose, established lighting requirements. Procedure, nail dropped on the shadow of test subject. Subject told to walk in a straight line away from the object. Results, object embeds. Subject is free to move. Object recovered. Conclusions, insufficient lighting will cause no effect. 272E. Test subject, 1D class personnel, D2724. Surface, as above. Lighting, one standard 1500-watt stadium light directly overhead. Purpose, as above. Procedure, as above. Results, object embeds. Subject trapped. Object recovered. Conclusions, lighting requirements established. 272F. Test subject, 2D class, D2724 and D2725. Surface, as above. Lighting, two stadium lights, positioned 90 degrees apart. Purpose, determine if multiple subjects can be held. Procedure, subjects positioned so their shadows overlap. Object dropped onto both shadows. Subjects told to advance away from the nail. Results, object embeds. Subject D2724 continues unhindered, but reports feeling a chill. D2725 is held by the object. Object recovered. Conclusions, object cannot hold more than one subject. Potential secondary effect observed. 272G. Test subject, 8D class. D2724 through D27211. Surface, as above. Lighting, four stadium lights, positioned in a ring around the subjects. Purpose, determine the selection mechanism for which subject is held. Procedure, subjects positioned so their shadows overlap. Nail dropped onto all eight shadows. Results, object embeds. Subject D2729 is held, 18 years of age, Caucasian, 1.8 meters, 88 kilograms. All others free to move. Reports of a scream from all subjects except D2729. All subjects except D2729 seem to shiver. Object recovered. D2729 removed from study. Experiment repeated. Subject D2726 held, 24 years of age, Hispanic, 1.6 meters, 102 kilograms. All others appear to shiver and report a scream but remain free. Experiment repeated four additional times as per the above method. Discontinued after D2727 fell unconscious. Subject given treatment for severe hypothermia. Conclusions, emerging patterns suggest that the youngest possible subject to be held will be. Additionally, secondary effect on larger groups observed. Further research pending acquisition of a larger sample group. Addendum, subjects of equal gender distribution. Ages ranging from 18 to 59. Numerous physical traits represented. 272H. Test subject, 1D class, D2725. Surface, one outdoor field, grassy. Lighting, early morning sun, approximately 9 a.m. Purpose, to determine if subject can escape by digging. Procedure, object dropped onto subject's shadow. Subject then given a shovel and told to dig out the object. Results, subject digs for 90 seconds then falls over screaming. Subject expires before medical intervention could be administered. Autopsy reveals subject died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Cause indeterminate. Object recovered. Field repaired. Repeated with D2727 in 8. Results, identical. Conclusions, subjects held by SCP-272 cannot dig the nail out. Attempting to do so is invariably fatal. 272I. Test subject, none. Surface, N.A. Lighting, N.A. Purpose, to determine the object's destructibility. Procedure, 1D class personnel. D2729 is given the object in a selection of tools and told to go to town in an attempt to destroy the object. Test area evacuated. Results, subjects selected an angle grinder, set the object in a vice and proceeded to bring the grinder upon the object. An instant later, subject is seen writhing on the ground, clutching his temples. Audio recordings from inside the room record subjects speaking in... 30 seconds later, subject expires. Autopsy reveals the cause to be a cerebral hemorrhage. Examination of the object reveals some minor damage from the grinder. Conclusions, object appears to be fully destructible, but will resist actions against it with lethal force by an unknown method. Object tested to maintain its original functionality. 272J. Test subject, 1D class personnel. D27210. Surface, concrete floor of test facility 25H. Lighting, one stadium light, positioned on a computer controlled track. Purpose, A. Determine the effects of rapid lighting shifts and B. Determine if subject can be withheld from the object via restraints, barriers, etc. Procedure, test one. Light position to cast a long shadow. Nail dropped into the head of the subject's shadow. Light slowly raised. Results, test one. Subject dragged at a proportional rate towards the object. Subject has difficulty standing. Procedure, test two. As above. Light raised very rapidly. Results, test two. As above, but at a more rapid rate. Noted that subject was unable to remain standing and accelerated upon falling. Attributed to the decrease in shadow size relative to standing. Subject acquired minor road rash. Procedure, test three. As above. Subject restraint with chains attached to their feet. Chicken wire screen placed between subject and object. Results, test three. Data expunged. Subject expires. Object recovered. Further testing with restrained subjects prohibited. Conclusions. Subjects seem to be dragged by their shadow at a rate required to keep it cast upon the object. Interpreting obstacles appear not to impede this function, although will damage the subject or in the case of barriers like the chicken wire. Data expunged. Two seven two H. Test subject. One D class personnel. D two seven two four. Surface. As above. Lighting. One stadium light in a fixed position. Roughly 45 degrees from horizontal. Purpose. Establish the effects of long-term containment. Procedure. D two seven two four position central to the room. Object is dropped onto the subject's shadow. Results. Subject held. After the third day, subject becomes unresponsive to attempts to provide nourishment. After the first week, subject heard to only speak. By the 11th day, the subject, having not eaten or drank in eight days, seemed to become agitated, rapidly shifting between mania and a comatose state. At the 14 day mark, the test is terminated. Object recovered. Subject noted to be severely malnourished, but resumed speaking English once the object is removed and proceeded to recover rapidly before monthly termination. Conclusions. Extended containment has yielded that the subject will survive for prolonged periods without nourishment, but will enter a degraded mental state. Addendum. Partial transcript of subject D two seven two four's manic speaking from day 14. Translated sections and curly brackets. Begin transcript. Dr. Kimiro. For the record, state your name. D two seven two four. Ashes burned at my tongue. I cannot taste the water boils at my sight. Dr. Kimiro. Can you repeat that? D two seven two four. I cannot sleep to screams are heard. I am not the warm the shadow steals. Dr. Kimiro. Right. How do you feel? D two seven two four. The chains they bind I cannot move the people data expunged. Dr. Kimiro. What is he saying? What is he speaking? Someone get me a translator. D two seven two four. Growing louder. Cut my flesh to ribbons that I might be free. Subject begins clawing at his skin. Data expunged. I am the prisoner of my own foolishness. Let the crows come and data expunged.  Item number SCP-255. Object class. Cater. Special containment procedures. Tissue samples and specimens related to SCP-255 are contained at BioSight 16. A purpose-built containment and research facility designed to priority beta contagious phenomenon specifications. BioSight 16 is subject to a remote location personnel rotation waiver in addition to standard contagious phenomenon preventative quarantine periods. BioSight 16 is located in the Vaitupu Atoll of Tuvalu on an island owned by Ragnarik ecological modeling Incorporated, a foundation front organization. Persons and animals determined to be infected with SCP-255 are to be secured and transported to a designated temporary holding facility prior to transfer to BioSight 16. In cases where capture of an SCP-255 carrier is exceedingly difficult or impossible, lethal force is authorized. The office of celestial anomalies is to continually track the orbit of three two one four hybris, maintain a schedule of upcoming near earth flybys and alert the research director if any changes in observed orbit occur. The next scheduled flyby of three two one four hybris is the 11th of November 2023 when it is predicted to pass within 950,000 kilometers of earth. Description. SCP-255 is an anomalous infectious phenomenon of extraterrestrial origin manifesting in most living subjects as a neurological disorder with varying symptoms. Eligible carriers of SCP-255 have thus far been observed to be organisms possessing a cerebral cortex with approximately greater than or equal to 5.4 billion neurons. Experimentation is determined that species capable of contracting SCP-255 include humans, chimpanzees, African elephants, bottlenose dolphins, false killer whales, and others. In non-human carriers SCP-255 causes through unknown means, degeneration of motor neurons and nerve cells. The rate of degeneration and severity of related symptoms is inversely related to the number of neurons the subject possesses in its cerebral cortex with less neurologically developed organisms displaying the most debilitating effects. The effects of SCP-255 on humans however is markedly more complex while degradation of brain cells in the nervous system has been noted on a limited basis in humans. A range of more unusual symptoms occur in these subjects. Individuals infected by SCP-255 can be reliably diagnosed through EEG observation and confirmation of verified markers and measurements of neurological activity. Outbreaks of SCP-255 coincide with close flybys of 3214 hybris, a relationship that was theorized using advanced statistical models following the second outbreak in 1965, and confirmed during the asteroid's 1987 close approach. Observations of 3214 hybris have determined it to be an approximately 110-meter C-type asteroid, with no anomalous properties observed at this time. The nature of the orbit of 3214 hybris brings it into close approach with Earth once every 11 years. Addendum 2551, Research Log The following is a listing of known SCP-255 outbreaks and relevant data. Estimated date of outbreak, 23rd of May, 1968. Location, Sagaing, Myanmar. Number of confirmed human cases, 86. Incidence rate, not available. The first known outbreak of SCP-255 occurred in 1968, known now to have coincided with 3214 hybris passing within 350,000 kilometers of Earth. All known infected individuals resided within 7 kilometers of the township of Maulik. Foundation assets became aware of SCP-255 while investigating an unknown illness affecting certain primates, including humans, in rural regions of northwestern Myanmar. The number of animals affected is unknown, but was estimated at the time to be between 1,000 and 5,000 individuals, primarily among forest-dwelling monkey species. All human instances in a representative sample of infected monkeys were brought under foundation control and special containment procedures enacted. In controlled laboratory conditions, animal subjects displayed advanced signs of motor neuron impairment, with a 100% mortality rate over a period of three weeks. Human subjects displayed mild neurological impairment, comparable to that experienced after a minor stroke. Experimentation confirmed that the disorder was not contagious. All human subjects were covered within 10 days and were released without incident after being informed that they were treated under a World Health Organization initiative. Estimated date of outbreak, 19th June, 1979. Locations, Akhri, Brazil, Rote Island, Indonesia, Kroger Island, Australia. Number of confirmed human cases, 11. Incidents rate, not available. A second SCP-255 outbreak occurred in 1979 in three separate regions, undetected until 19 months later when a routine review of forthcoming medical literature documented several individuals complaining of a phantom limb sensation affecting the dominant hand, simulating the spastic movement and persistent ache of an extraneous 11th digit. Foundation personnel covertly interviewed subjects claiming to be affected by this phenomenon. Subsequent research determined that all individuals resided within 25 kilometers of the 11th parallel south and were experiencing an anomalous condition. Lack of person-to-person transmission capabilities were confirmed, and disinformation measures in the scientific community were carried out, achieving effective containment. The second outbreak was classified as a separate SCP designation until 1984 when research determined it to be the same phenomenon as SCP-255. Estimated date of outbreak, 30th of May, 1990. Locations, Chihuahua, Mexico. Number of confirmed human cases, 121. Incidents rate, not available. The third documented outbreak of SCP-255 occurred in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1990, coinciding with the passage of three 214 hybrids within 550,000 kilometers of Earth. Characteristic of SCP-255, the outbreak is noted to have started in what was at the time the 11th most populous city in the 11th most populous country on Earth. Beginning in this instance and continuing through subsequent outbreaks, only human subjects have been infected by SCP-255. Effected subjects in this outbreak displayed altered circadian rhythms, sleeping for periods between three to four hours at a time, and waking fully refreshed, conducting activities, and then tiring and sleeping within an average period of seven hours, thus operating biologically in accordance with an 11-hour day. During interactions with researchers, test subjects displayed a tendency to change subjects in the middle of speaking to say hello in either English, Portuguese, or Indonesian. The languages spoken by infected subjects in the second outbreak. Subjects would state hello in one of these languages regardless of any prior linguistic knowledge, and uniformly claimed no recollection of doing so. Additionally, these subjects would address Foundation personnel as members of the World Health Organization without prompting. In all other manners, test subjects observed in this iteration of SCP-255 functioned in their altered bio-rhythm in a normal manner, before recovering and returning to a normal non-anomalous state within two to three weeks. Estimated date of outbreak, 11th of November, 2001. Locations, Keto, Ecuador. Number of confirmed human cases, 1,331. Incidents rate, 13.9%. The fourth outbreak of SCP-255 took place in an office building in the 12-day October Avenue Business District of Keto, Ecuador. At the time of the outbreak, Ecuador had a population of approximately 11 million people. Additionally, the building in which the initial outbreak was localized was 11 stories high. The fourth outbreak is the first observed instance of SCP-255 being transmitted from person to person with an incidence rate in laboratory conditions of 13.9%. Infectious iterations of SCP-255 have since been observed to be transmitted from person to person by sustained close proximity, generally within a two-meter radius, despite the lack of observable pathogens. This change in pathogenicity, along with the higher initial number of cases, was responsible for the reclassification of SCP-255 to Keto, effective the 23rd of December, 2001. Foundation operatives seized control of the building under the Established World Health Organization cover. The size of the outbreak, however, mandated heightened secrecy protocols. Test subjects were transported to biocite 16 for observation. Similar to the second outbreak, infected individuals reported experiencing a phantom limb-like sensation. However, in this event, the phenomenon was intensified greatly. Test subjects reported the sensation of seven additional limbs, originating at seemingly random points of the body, with no apparent relation to existing anatomy. While the precise nature of the additional appendages was difficult to ascertain, infected persons reported that they felt as though they had three joints, were approximately a meter in length, and had no structure analogous to a hand or foot at the end. These limbs were apparently not subject to the painful contractions and sensations normally associated with amputees. However, subjects uniformly reported heightened distress at the sensation of seven additional limbs, moving independently of their control at most times. Additionally, test subjects lost conscious control of their left arms. At most times, subjects were unable to move their left arms. However, at 1,100 hours local time each day, the left arms and hands of infected individuals would independently make motions analogous to what appeared to be the act of writing. When supplied with pen and paper, these individuals all wrote, in crudely formed script, the numbers 11, 11, 65, theorized at the time to be the date of the next outbreak, and confirmed 11 years later. All infected individuals ceased to be affected by SCP-255 within three to four weeks. Test subjects were administered broad spectrum amnestics and released to Ecuadorian authorities. Foundation assets within the World Health Organization disseminated disinformation related to an exotic strain of malaria and subsequent treatment efforts as part of containment efforts. Estimated date of outbreak, 11th of November, 2012. Locations, Brussels, Belgium. Number of confirmed human cases, 11. Incidents rate, 100%. The fifth and most recent outbreak of SCP-255 took place in Brussels, Belgium, where 11 individuals working on the 11th floor of the NATO headquarters building, all complained to medical staff of constantly hearing a set of 11 electronic tones, repeating constantly. Containment protocols were activated by Western Europe's sector personnel, and all infected subjects were transported to BioSight 16. Test subjects continued to complain of hearing the repetitive set of tones. Most subjects experienced heightened stress and irritability, as well as sleep deprivation. Infected individuals were administered sedatives to ameliorate secondary SCP-255 symptoms. Testing of this group of infected individuals revealed the incidence rate of SCP-255 was now 100%, ensuring that any humans exposed to the subjects would contract it. 11 days after the test subjects were secured at BioSight 16, infected individuals reported a cessation of the perceived repetitive tones. One test subject immediately reported hearing an electronic voice, similar to that generated by speech simulation software, repeating the Spanish word, estrella. Once the subject reported the phenomenon to researchers, it immediately ceased, whereupon another of the original 11 test subjects reported a similar phenomenon. The original cluster of infected individuals appeared to comprise a phrase in this manner, the constituent words of which were repeated in order for every new case of infection beyond this group. The phrase is transcribed below, translated from Spanish to English for this version of the document. Binary star lost, not lost, transposed dead instruction, urgent, await transmission. Upon relating to researchers this particular symptom, all test subjects ceased to display any signs of SCP-255 infection. Subjects were amnestotized per SCP-255 guidelines and released. Item Number SCP-268 Object Class Euclid Special Containment Procedures SCP-268 is currently to be maintained within data expunged, as it has been deemed that the change of use for the facilitation of escape by restricted personnel or humanoid SCP is too great. However, the possibility of use by field agents after further testing is under review. Note, Special Containment Procedures have been modified. See Addendum 268-05 for detailed information. Description SCP-268 is a Tweedwool Newsboy Cap. The design and make seem to be of Irish origin. Due to the style and fabric, it is estimated to have been created in the late 1800s to early 1900s, though fiber analysis is inconclusive. The only markings on the cap are a small label with writing in Middle Irish. Reading, the garden is the serpent's place. However, there are various indications that this label was sewn onto the cap in recent times. Due to the nature of the artifact, testing has been extremely difficult. SCP-268 seems to be a normal hat until it is worn. Anyone wearing the hat, however, suddenly and instantly becomes unnoticeable. Subjects become unmemorable, thoroughly ignorable, or taken for granted by all observers. Observers, with specific prompting, are able to later recall physically seeing the subject, but can give no specific details other than seeing a man with a hat. Observers seem to have the overwhelming feeling that the wearer is someone that was supposed to be there, and thus did not merit thought or notice. During initial testing, remote analysts completely forgot what they were supposed to be observing within the chamber, and it was not until the D-class subject wearing SCP-268 spoke out loud that he was noticed again. Removal of the artifact, vocalization, and physical interaction with observers seem to be the only way in which wearers of SCP-268 can make themselves noticeable. Once an observer has been made to notice an SCP-268 wearing individual, they slowly begin to ignore the subject once more, unless kept actively engaged by the wearer. Testing reveals that if a subject wears a SCP-268 upward of 20 cumulative hours, its effects seem to linger, with diminished potency, on the subject even while not wearing the artifact. Testing in this area has been cautious due to the possibility of containment breaches, but one incident has shown that if the artifact is worn long enough, that the effect is rendered permanent and unbreakable. Extensive research is still unable to determine whether or not electronics are directly affected by SCP-268. Observers viewing an SCP-268 wearing subject through electronic means still have difficulty acknowledging the subject's existence, and even when noticed, observers report to be unable to see the face of the individual in question. Observers note pictures of SCP-268 wearing individuals as being blurry, and digital media such as surveillance cameras is reported to become grainy and unfocused. Research is unsure whether these alterations are extant and physical, or merely perceived due to SCP-268's properties. It should be noted that although capturing SCP-268 through visual electronic means has been difficult, motion sensing, weight sensing, heat seeking, and similar devices all trigger correctly when encountering an SCP-268 wearing subject. Addendum 268-01 SCP-268 is noted to have some similarities to SCP-180. SCP-268, however, does not seem to function on inanimate objects, and more importantly, does not directly steal the identity of its host. While SCP-180 causes its host to become unrecognizable after SCP-180 itself is removed and placed on another object, this seems to be a side effect of its function of identity theft and transfer. Meanwhile, SCP-268 could be said to steal the identity of long-time wearers, as they become irrevocably forgotten. This has caused some speculation as to whether the items share similar origins, or whether the many similarities they share are merely coincidental. Addendum 268-02 At Agent B's request, and after approval by Dr. B and Dr. Klein, SCP-268 is being used with agents in active field duty. Results thus far have been favorable. Addendum 268-03 Field testing has been suspended. Though Agent B appears to have been on payroll and on records, no personnel, either on site or in higher command, remember knowing or hearing about an Agent B. Further tests should be conducted only on D-Class personnel, and on no single individual for longer than 10 hours. Addendum 268-04 SCP-268's effects seem to strengthen and become permanent, as individual subjects wear the artifact for extended periods of cumulative time. There is a market difference in the potency of SCP-268's effect on someone wearing it for the first time, and someone who has worn the artifact upwards of five hours on other occasions. For example, someone who has not worn the cap before seems to dispel its effects merely by speaking. Those who have worn the artifact on several occasions for extended amounts of time seem to be able to ask observers questions and receive answers, with the observer having little to no recollection of the event. In one test, a subject who had worn the artifact for upwards of 15 hours was able to ask standing personnel the test chamber's password, nearly causing a containment breach and the escape of D-Class personnel. The security personnel in question reported being unable to recall parting with the information in question. Dr. Klein Addendum 268-05 SCP-268 is missing. Its absence was discovered early in the morning by agent and research analysts, and in its place was a note reading, thanks, I needed my hat back, LS. A full investigation of this security breach has been launched. Item Number SCP-286 Object Class Euclid Special Containment Procedures SCP-286 is to be kept in a secure containment cell at Site-19 that allows an open, secure perimeter of at least 50 meter radius around SCP-286. Only D-Class personnel are permitted to have direct physical contact with SCP-286, and only as part of an approved experiment. Update, LS-719-2000 experiments with SCP-286 are hereby suspended, until further notice. Surveillance cameras are to be positioned to allow 360-degree monitoring of SCP-286 during experimentation. Recordings shall be maintained and catalogued of all Sigma states exhibited by SCP-286. Update, LS-0311-2000 as of Incident I-2865. Surveillance of SCP-286 is to be continuous, and any initiation of a Sigma state is to be immediately reported to Overwatch Command. Outside the immediate project directorate, the SCP-286 Sigma state archives and associated material are to be restricted to level 4 access. Under no circumstances are identified instances of SCP-286-1 or SCP-286-2 to be prevented from having contact with SCP-286. 5. Description SCP-286 is a carved stone game board, measuring 83 centimeters on a side. It bears markings consistent with the Chinese game of Lu Bo. Based on artifacts found with SCP-286 during recovery, SCP-286 has been dated to at least the Shang Dynasty, though all attempts to date the carvings directly have been inconclusive. Analysis of SCP-286's composition has shown high concentrations of iron and nickel, and crystalline microstructures consistent with If any higher order mammal touches SCP-286, it will initiate a Sigma state. A Sigma state is indicated by the appearance of 12 tokens on the surface of the game board. The tokens appear to be constructed of the same material as SCP-286. Six tokens are dark, absorbing 75% more ambient light than the board's surface, while six tokens are light, emitting 75% more ambient light than that which actually strikes them. Apparing with the tokens on the game surface are two 18-sided dice, apparently made of bronze. As with the game tokens, a direct physical examination of the dice has proved to be impossible. The dice share the anomalous reflective and absorption properties shown by the game tokens, one light and one dark. Otherwise, the dice appear consistent with dice found in non-anomalous Lu Bo sets recovered from various Chinese archaeological sites. A Sigma state will also manifest SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2 to play a game. SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2 are higher order mammals who have suffered temporary alterations in patterns of movement, cognition, behavior, and vocalization. SCP-286-1 will appear agitated, movements will become jerky and imprecise, vocalizations will be quick, stuttering, and aggressive. SCP-286-2 will appear sluggish, movements halting and slow, vocalizations will be low-pitched, throaty, and tend to be monosyllabic. Subjects capable of human speech will converse, but only to their opposite number during a Sigma event. Such conversations, or monologues in the case of a subject facing a non-human opponent, are conducted in a random sequence of human languages, sometimes shifting multiple times within a single statement. Only 45% of the recorded conversations between SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2 have been successfully translated to date. The subject who initiated the Sigma state will become an instance of SCP-286-1 if they touched SCP-286 on an illuminated surface, or they will become an instance of SCP-286-2 if they touched SCP-286 on a surface that is in shadow. In either case, the subject will take a seated position to one side of the board, instances of SCP-286-1 will take a position on the side nearest the light game tokens, instances of SCP-286-2 will take a position on the opposing side, nearest the dark game tokens, and roll one of the two dice manifested by SCP-286. After the dice rolled, some other higher order mammal will appear within 47 meters of SCP-286, and become the subject's opposition, SCP-286-2 in the case where the subject is SCP-286-1, or SCP-286-1 in the case where the subject is SCP-286-2. This selection appears related to the results of the first die roll. After appearing, the subject's opposition will take a seated position facing the subject, and will commence playing the first move. Gameplay then consists of SCP-286-1, an SCP-286-2 alternately rolling dice, and moving pieces on the board in complex patterns. A game is won when the center square contains all of one side's tokens, and only that side's tokens. A winning move concludes a Sigma state. During a Sigma state, SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2 will show no reaction to any external stimuli that does not physically interfere with SCP-286-1, SCP-286-2, and their interaction with the game. If something disrupts an ongoing game, then either SCP-286-1 or SCP-286-2 will stand and vocalize a statement that most commonly translates as forfeit, less commonly as draw. This event will also conclude a Sigma state. When a Sigma state concludes, players cease being designated SCP-286-1 or SCP-286-2, and game tokens, dice, and the subjects opposing player all vanish. All observed subjects, and those opposing players who have been identified and examined, have shown no physical after-effects from interaction with SCP-286. However, all cases have shown a marked increase in spirituality and interest in religious subjects, including, but not limited to, adoption of new belief systems, taking on a vows, speaking in tongues, and prophetic visions. Further winning player, this new spirituality will tend to take an optimistic, messianic character. For the losing player, attitudes will tend toward the apocalyptic. Addendum 1. Technical note, TN-286-55. SCP-286 is possible relationship to divination and or revelation. Historically, Lubo was not only a game, but also used as a method of divination. The various spots on the game board corresponding to the sex-agenery cycle used by Chinese to recount the passage of time, since the earliest written texts. Given the propensity of subjects to have prophetic visions, subsequent to their participation in a Sigma event, it has been theorized by several researchers that the moves during a Sigma event may themselves be of some prophetic significance. While the possible significance of individual moves during recorded Sigma events is ongoing and so far inconclusive, it has been determined that the act of winning does appear to correspond to significant events beyond the game itself. In particular, every instance of SCP-286-1 winning has been tied to intensification of sunspots, solar flares, and generally increased solar activity. SCP-286-2 winning has been associated with significant tectonic events, including because it is not known if these events were predicted by one side winning, or caused by one side winning, experimentation on SCP-286 has been suspended as an unacceptable risk. Addendum 2 Document TR-286-27E excerpted translation of dialogue between SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2 during Sigma event number 27. Forward D-class test subject was a male Caucasian, 44 years of age, identified as SCP-286-1 after initiation of a Sigma state. Opposition player SCP-286-2 was an as yet unidentified Hispanic female, approximately 20 years of age. The Sigma state lasted for 68 minutes, at which time SCP-286-1 achieved the winning move. During the Sigma event, the players conversed in 25 known languages and approximately 15 unknown languages. 30% of their dialogue was undiscipherable or in an indeterminate language, marking this episode the most completely translated yet recorded. Begin transcript, 1300 hours, date undisclosed. SCP-286-1, you move rotate slowly and precisely as untranslatable matter earth universe. SCP-286-2 have possessed patience my our brother and still quiet silence, untranslatable mind thoughts brain. SCP-286-1, untranslatable. SCP-286-2 laughs, distress, discomfort, displeasure, untranslatable to you. SCP-286-1, why would I untranslatable? Your sins, perversions, abominations. SCP-286-2 laughs.  Untranslatable matter earth universe disgusts me. SCP-286-2, you untranslatable in that meat skin. This amuses me. SCP-286-1, untranslatable. SCP-286-2, move process sequence. SCP-286-1, every time, moment, eternity, my untranslatable closer. I must will shall illuminate enlighten this untranslatable. SCP-286-2, size, move process sequence. SCP-286-1, you are too comfortable undisturbed, enslaved, bound, chained, with an untranslatable meat doll puppet. Do you untranslatable love arousal untranslatable? SCP-286-2, move process sequence or forfeit. SCP-286-1, untranslatable. SCP-286-2, untranslatable, exiled, banished. Me to matter earth universe. Untranslatable, no understand me more than you. SCP-286-1, untranslatable, will no understand me and be consumed engulfed destroyed by knowledge understanding. SCP-286-2, but, brother, I am so much closer. End transcript, 1312, date undisclosed. Addendum 3 Incident report, I-2865. SCPs involved. SCP-286, SCP-286-1, SCP-286-2, SCP-4351. Date, 311, 2008. Location, SCP-286's containment area, Site-19. Description, at 531 UTC, standard security monitoring SCP-286's containment area detected the unauthorized presence of Dr. SS, a Foundation researcher temporarily assigned to Site-19. Most recently assigned to the study of SCP-435. All experimentation on SCP-286 had been suspended for the preceding eight months, and no activity with the object had been approved. A security team was dispatched, reaching Dr. S as she entered SCP-286's containment area. Upon arrival, the security team discovered the presence of Dr. LW, a researcher assigned to SCP-286, already seated behind the dark side of SCP-286. SCP-286 showed the signs of already being in a Sigma state. Both researchers showed behavioral anomalies, consistent with SCP-286-1 and SCP-286-2. Believing an unauthorized experiment was underway, the security team restrained Dr. S before she could seat herself at SCP-286. In response, Dr. L stood and vocalized what has been identified as vulgar Latin words for grand forfeit. The Sigma state concluded at 545 UTC. Neither researcher could provide any explanation of how they were affected by SCP-286. Dr. S's last recollection was having a cup of coffee at a staff commissary on the other side of the Site-19 complex from SCP-286, while Dr. L reported that he had been reading emails in his office when he blacked out. Simultaneously, with the cessation of SCP-286's Sigma state, there was a sudden emergency and an SCP-4351 unexpectedly entered an active state, moving erratically and data expunged, impacting the ocean basin, causing and data expunged. Contingency 435XK Alpha had been initiated, but she was cancelled when SCP-4351 came to rest three minutes later. Note, SCP-286 classification is hereby upgraded to Euclid. 05- Item Number SCP-288 Object Class Safe Special Containment Procedures SCP-288 is to be kept in a locker, with only security personnel of level two clearance are higher given the combination. They are currently contained in the small velvet-lined black box they were retrieved in. Personnel who have worn the rings during testing are to undergo full psychological exams afterward, and their experience is recorded. Description SCP-288 consists of a woman's engagement ring, hereafter referred to as SCP-2881, and matching men's band, hereafter referred to as SCP-2882, both silver in appearance, the ring containing a small diamond. They are relatively plain, and bear no marks as to their origin or make, but staff routinely describe them as seeming like, very nice wedding rings, if a little plain. They are completely normal in every sense, and have been damaged by endurance testing, and subsequently repaired through typical jeweling practices, and their effects are only observable while worn. When SCP-2881 is worn by any adult female in a relationship, she immediately becomes what has been portrayed in popular media as an ideal housewife. Women describe this experience as if they are not in control of their body, merely observing their own actions. They lose all ability to form their own opinions, and instead automatically agree with the opinions of their spouse, and display very few negative emotions, if any. They seem to gain an instinctive knowledge of cooking and baking, in the style considered to be the quote, traditional American style, including such dishes as apple pie, or macaroni and cheese. These dishes are always professionally made, regardless of prior skill. A similar knowledge is evidenced in the spheres of cleaning and light repair. Subjects regularly display the ability to sew and knit, even if they were not able to do so before Donning SCP-2881. Along with this knowledge, they feel an innate urge to cook, clean, and mend things around their home incessantly. They lose the will to have a job of their own, and become exceedingly obedient and loyal to their spouse, as well as religious and authority figures. Many wearers of SCP-2881 exhibit a fondness for rather modest dress, and are uncomfortable when wearing pants or more revealing clothing. They also develop a fondness for children, and if they do not already have children, express the urge to have them. When SCP-2882 is worn by any adult male in a relationship, he undergoes a similar change, taking on the characteristics of popular media's portrayal of an all-American dad, whether or not he has children of his own. Men describe the experience similarly to women, in that they feel they are not in control of their actions. He shows loyalty and obedience to political, religious, and authority figures, and an innate duty to his current professional management structure. He will work exceedingly long hours without complaint, and maintains an upbeat and motivated demeanor at his work. No matter the nature of his former personality, he becomes friendly and easy to approach, good with kids, and fiercely loyal to his spouse. He is always willing to help around the house, and willing to please with a shoulder rub. Men with children become attentive, engaged fathers, and men without children express a strong desire to have them. When used collectively, SCP-288 seems to recreate a model of a stepford marriage. While this seems ideal and relatively harmless, SCP-288 has been responsible for numerous crimes, including spousal abuse, murder, and suicide. Both women and men report feeling trapped while wearing SCP-288, and out of control of their own life. After extended periods of wearing SCP-288, they often have intense feelings of depression and personality displacement. On a more sinister note, somebody wearing either instance of SCP-288 will take virtually any manner of abuse from a spouse without a word, or raising a hand to defend themselves. In transsexual or transgender individuals, the ring appears to react to their gender identity. Therefore, a transsexual or transgender individual assigned male at birth would react to the female ring, rather than the male ring, whether or not they were pre- or post-gender reassignment surgery. Homosexual subjects are affected by their actual gender.   The potential for SCP-288 to create a domestic slave proves disturbing to some, and seems useful to others, and records show that it has been used in such a fashion before. Preliminary testing of SCP-288 has proved inconclusive. The rings themselves display no physical anomalies compared to a normal wedding ring of similar type. It is theorized that the rings profile their subjects memetically, drawing on the experiences present in the subject to influence their behavior upon activation. This theory is supported by SCP-288's ability to differentiate subjects based on their self-perception of gender, rather than their physical sex. SCP-288 was discovered by Dr. Wrights and data expunged. Thankfully, her boyfriend grew wary of her extreme mood changes, and called the emergency SCP contact number she had left for him, delivering SCP-288 into the Foundation's hands. I'm just glad I got suckered into it before somebody else did, even if it was horrible. Dr. Wrights. It should be noted that both instances of SCP-288 resist being separated, and wearers may feel compelled to buy or even steal the rings in order to keep them nearby. Addendum 288A. It has been revealed through extensive backtracking of SCP-288's history that it has been associated with upwards of 25 instances of homicide between 13 and 15 suicides, and two reported cases of spousal abuse. It has regularly resurfaced in pawn shops across the United States for at least 80 years, though all attempts to track it past the early 20th century have failed to reveal further evidence. Item number SCP-258. Object Class. Safe. Special Containment Procedures. SCP-258 is to be kept at a standard storage vault with a key card locked to be accessed only on approval from the supervisor of Site 15. SCP-258 is to be stored in a 2 meter by 2 meter basin, which is to be emptied twice a week by approved D-Class personnel. All personnel interacting with SCP-258 are to be rotated no less than twice a month. While using SCP-258 is not directly harmful in any way, all who have utilized it have expressed a desire to do so again, ranging from the wistful to the vehement. All personnel interacting with SCP-258 are to be screened for underlying mental instability. After incident 2581, cleaning personnel are to be issued light hazmat suits while interacting with SCP-258. Description. SCP-258 was recovered from Maine after parents of local school children reported that stories of a sad bouncy frog their children had been spreading were true. Agent F confirmed the nature of the object and Foundation personnel replaced it with a replica without incident. SCP-258 appears to be a simple bouncing playground rider, seemingly designed to fit children of elementary school age and shaped like a stylized green frog with rotating handles on either side of its head. SCP-258 has milky white eyes with what appeared to be streams of white paint running down its face as though it were weeping. Numerous attempts have been made to remove this substance from SCP-258. The green paint comes off with normal paint removal techniques, but the white substance, thereafter designated SCP-2581, cannot. It only fades with time, observed to depend on various factors, including length of time utilized in the extent of the emotional burden relieved. SCP-258 constantly appears to weep streams of SCP-2581 at a constant rate of approximately 0.12 liters per hour. When a subject sits on SCP-258, grasps its handles, and begins rocking back and forth, they report that a feeling of peace and contentment watches over them. The eyes of the object then begin leaking SCP-2581 at an accelerated rate, relative to the effect it has on its user's state of mind. Though this substance cannot be removed from SCP-258 once the seat is vacated, it remains in liquid form during use, and will drip from the object onto the ground. Testing of this material afterward has determined it to be a mixture of plain white paint, human tears, and skin secretions of the American bullfrog. How SCP-258 generates SCP-2581 is unknown. The direct effect of SCP-258 only lasts for as long as the subject remains seated, though several subjects suffering symptoms of chronic depression have reported a lasting positive effect, resulting from some insight they gained while riding SCP-258. Repeated use of SCP-258 by a subject has shown to be mildly addictive, and Agent W had to be restrained and struck before regaining self-control. The results of allowing mentally unstable subjects access to SCP-258 is unknown, pending further testing, though it is likely that any subjects suffering from severe depressive symptoms would cause SCP-258 to produce uncontrollable amounts of SCP-2581. Addendum 2581. After D-3354 committed suicide following repeated skin contact with SCP-2581, the direct effects of contact with the substance were reexamined. Continuous skin contact with the fluid appears to transfer some of the emotions suppressed during use of the SCP, and the prior user was reevaluated, revealing she was recovering from data expunged. Item number SCP-252. Object Class. Safe. Special Containment Procedures. SCP-252 is to be contained in a 150 cubic meter aquarium reinforced with high tensile steel plating. Guards are to be specially trained in waterborne combat techniques, and armed with Model B-74H harpoon rifles, with high capacity electrical discharge shafts. The tank is fitted with 15 remotely activated depth charges, which are to be detonated simultaneously if a containment breach is imminent. A breeding pair is maintained under the direction of marine biologist Dr. Personnel should not approach the containment tank unless they have been previously prepared for the anomalous effects of the animals. Additional specimens of SCP-252 may exist in the wild. Current specimens are considered sufficient, and further acquisitions are not a priority. Containment of information regarding encounters will consist of standard cover story 53, drunken sailor, and administration of amnestics as necessary. Description. SCP-252 is a subspecies of docyticus gigus. Mature specimens are noticeably smaller than average, reaching no more than 1 meter in length, and weighing a maximum of 40 kilograms. Dissection shows the absence of an ink sac and an increased density of chromatophores, approximately 20 times the normal adult average. Behavior is identical in most ways to mundane specimens, except when hunting or threatened. When a member of SCP-252 detects prey, they exhibit aggressive behavior and move towards the target at maximum speed, while rapidly cycling their chromatophores. This color shifting has a hypnotic effect on prey animals that make visual contact, causing them to cease all defensive behavior and attempts to flee until grappled. When threatened by a predator or otherwise agitated, SCP-252 rapidly metamorphs into an unidentified aquatic life form of extreme size, with an indeterminate physiology, an extremely destructive demeanor. Physical attributes in this state are in a constant state of change. Size fluctuates between 50 and 75 meters in length, with no fewer than 50, and occasionally, as many as 200 appendages of various natures. Appendages shift constantly between suckered tentacles averaging 5 meters in length, insectoid limbs terminating in barbed pincers, and humanoid arms and legs ending in sharpened talons. Details and positions of appendages on the body also vary randomly, with the only constant being a cluster of tentacles around the head, obscuring the mouth area. It is not currently known how this rapid growth is achieved. Due to the potential for a containment breach, no research on the matter is currently authorized. All animal life, excluding other SCP-252 and mundane squid species, will attempt to escape the vicinity by the most direct route possible. This fear response can cause the targets to harm themselves as they flee into hazardous conditions or ram repeatedly into container walls. Roughly 95% of subjects encountering an enraged SCP-252 develop a phobia of cephalopods. It is not known if this is an additional anomalous effect or a normal behavioral reaction to traumatic experiences. Upon review of security footage during containment, Dr. White has determined that SCP-252's metamorphosis is in fact an advanced hallucination induced by the shifting pattern of chromatophores. These hallucinations cause the victim to see SCP-252 as a titanic sea creature with an excessively large number of tentacles. Specific details vary greatly from subject to subject, but the hallucinatory creature consistently presents as a greatly exaggerated cephalopod, with tentacles clustered around the mouth area, additional appendages with talons or pincers, and the general impression that all features are fluid and randomly shifting. Subjects removed from visual contact with SCP-252 will remain convinced that their hallucinations were a real sea monster and will attempt to rationalize any logical contradictions inherent in their delusion, such as a 100 meter monster swimming in a 10 meter enclosed tank. This rationalization and the lingering phobia is thought to be a form of post-hypnotic suggestion. Subjects viewing video of agitated SCP-252 who have never been exposed directly experience a much less severe fear reaction and are able to perceive the squid despite the hallucinations. Subjects describe the illusory monster as fake-looking and nonsensical, but still find it moderately frightening. After second-hand exposure, subjects develop a partial immunity to the full effects of direct exposure. Repeated direct contact after inoculation by video further lessens the effects. A climatized subjects can develop a complete immunity to the fear effect and experience only the vaguest awareness of the hallucinations. Addendum SCP-252 came to foundation attention after numerous reports of sea monster sightings by commercial fishermen off the coast of Agent P.A. secured a specimen at greater than usual personal danger. Commendation for performance above and beyond the call of duty recommended. Said agent allowed himself to be exposed to SCP-252's effects during first contact. Initial containment procedures were based on his reports of the specimen's size and physical capabilities resulting in an excessive expenditure of resources. Disciplinary action recommended pending oversight review. Item number SCP-292 Object Class Euclid Special containment procedures SCP-292 is to be kept at site 72 in a guarded room in a locked padded container set up to avoid movement of or damage to SCP-292. Access to SCP-292 is prohibited without level 3 authorization. Site personnel must report all incidents of deja vu or related symptoms to site administration. Description SCP-292 is a 60 second brass hourglass 10 centimeters tall. When all its sand is at the bottom an SCP-292 is flipped over.  Either the sand runs out normally after one minute or SCP-292 is knocked over on its side. If SCP-292 is knocked over anomalous properties do not again manifest until all the sand in SCP-292 is in one bulb. At no time has SCP-292 ever been observed to be flipped over a second time within 60 seconds except when knocked over as above. Anytime SCP-292 is upright and all its sand is in its bottom bulb and a subject attempts to flip SCP-292 over with the intent to flip it again before all its sand runs out the subject and people nearby suddenly experience deja vu. The intensity of deja vu is inversely proportional to a person's distance from SCP-292. The subject is often momentarily stunned by the experience. Persons experiencing deja vu from the same event often describe similar recalled experiences. It is believed that when SCP-292 is flipped over a process is started in which if SCP-292 is flipped again before its sands run out time flows in reverse to appoint a couple of seconds before SCP-292 was initially flipped. Time then flows forward again as if SCP-292 were never flipped. Deja vu would thus be a side effect of this process. Prolonged exposure to SCP-292 can cause nausea, migraines, vertigo, hallucinations, seizures, and symptoms consistent with temporal disjunction, somatic psychological or both. Addendum 1 Experiment 292-31 Procedure Subject 030101 was instructed to flip SCP-292 over and then shoot subject 030102 to death and flip SCP-292 back over before it runs out. Results As subject 1 reached for SCP-292 both subjects as well as other personnel in the area reported feeling deja vu. Subject 1 exhibited elevated levels of adrenaline while subject 2 exhibited pronounced apprehension in the presence of subject 1. Addendum 2 Experiment 292-46 Procedure Subject 040101 was instructed to flip SCP-292 over, wait 30 seconds, and flip SCP-292 back over. When deja vu was experienced, subject 040602 was instructed to do the same thing. When deja vu was experienced a second time, subject 040603 was instructed to do the same thing. Results As subject 1 reached for SCP-292, all subjects experienced deja vu as expected. Subject 2 hesitated and was instructed to flip SCP-292. While reaching for SCP-292, subject 2 fell to his knees. Subject 1 doubled over and subject 3 staggered. Subject 3 was instructed to flip SCP-292 and as he reached for SCP-292 all subjects appeared to exhibit temporal shock for 10 to 15 seconds before falling unconscious. Temporal symptoms subsided within 5 to 7 days, while visual and audio hallucinations persisted for several months more. Addendum 3 Incident 292-04 While preparing for experiment 292-75, Dr. Rowan suddenly clutched SCP-292 to his chest and reported he had just experienced deja vu. Dr. Rowan said that he felt like he was about to drop SCP-292 and if he did, something bad would happen. Dr. Rowan has hypothesized that Dr. Rowan had indeed dropped SCP-292, but instead of breaking, SCP-292 reversed the flow of time until a moment before it was dropped. If SCP-292 does in fact possess such a self-preservation system, the potential consequences, data expunged. Reclassification to Euclid approved until more information on SCP-292's properties can be gathered and analyzed. Item Number SCP-251 Object Class, Euclid Special Containment Procedures SCP-251 is to be kept in a locked container at all times. No one is to enter the container alone. If anyone is found to have been left alone in the container for any amount of time, they are to be treated as violently hostile and terminated with extreme prejudice. The container is to be guarded by armed personnel at all times and guards should never allow anyone, regardless of clearance level, to move the artifact or be alone with it. Sounds of screaming, gunfire, and fires will be heard from within the container. This is normal. Description Origin Unknown SCP-251 consistently appears to be a small snow globe. Attached is a series of photographs taken of the same artifact over time. This indicates that the snow globe is at least partially animate. However, one viewed directly by multiple people, there is no apparent movement, except by a perpetual blizzard. SCP-251 has not been moved since its arrival at Site-19, but the snowflakes have never ceased falling. The scenes depicted in SCP-251 are all extremely violent or morbid, occasionally depicting something fantastical, while mostly depicting more realistic brutality. All those who have been alone with SCP-251 for any amount of time have later displayed extreme violence, xenophobia, and emotional distress. SCP Orientation right now, and make sure you don't miss any of our upcoming videos.


economic disruptions, adversely disadvantaged poor and low-income households. The COVID-19 pandemic financially destabilized low-income households and made it more difficult to maintain domestic utilities, including broadband internet and Wi-Fi connectivity, landline communications and cable television services. Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and the Cabinet of Ministers remain committed to poverty reduction and ensuring vulnerable households have equitable access to important commercial services. Honoring his pledge to put people first, the government of St. Lucia led by Hon. Pierre has successfully leveraged its relationship with telecommunications provider and key corporate partner Flow to provide vulnerable households with reliable and low-cost ICT services through its home communications relief bundle. So this 5000 households and this program this morning is just part of the government's commitment to putting people first and the government's commitment to helping people of lesser means. The government is not made up of men and women who were in the higher income groups and we sang the public of St. Lucia for the opportunity given to represent them and our job and my commitment as Prime Minister is to improve the quality of life of the people of St. Lucia and that gesture with the with the support of Flow who have been with us in St. Lucia for quite a while, Flow has come in different names, came in wireless, what else? Came in wireless, Lyme and now it's Flow but they have been consistent in the supply of service to St. Lucia and I'm happy with what they are doing now and again on behalf of the government of St. Lucia I want to thank them and say to the senior minister he did tell me that he would have pushed a little bit and he succeeded that's why we're all dressed in blue So thank you very much Flow. The official signing ceremony to initiate Flow's Home Communications Relief Bundle was held on July 15th The Home Communications Relief Bundle will benefit up to 5,000 homes and families throughout the island Speaking on behalf of country manager Chris Williams commercial manager Anselm Mathraer lauded the numerous socioeconomic benefits that can be derived from the Flow Home Communications Relief Bundle To show you today caps an almost three-year journey and that's that's an event he would not have wanted to miss Notwithstanding the message I bring on his behalf is one of tremendous pride a deep sense of satisfaction and finally being able to get this initiative approved and implemented and an abundance of hope because of the amazing possibilities that will come from awakening and unlocking the academic and creative potential of the children and the families who didn't have readily available internet access before Research conducted in 33 OECD countries by Erickson most of you would know leading global ICT provider after the little the world's oldest management consulting firm and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden confirm that broadband availability and speeds are strong drivers in an economy I think we all know that the city quantifies the isolated impact of broadband speed showing that increasing the broadband speed for an economy can increase the GDP by up to 0.3% the report also concluded that for every 10% 10 percentage point increase sorry in broadband penetration GDP increases can be as high as 1% senior minister with responsibility for telecommunications Honourable Stevenson King and his team successfully negotiated faster broadband speeds without increasing the initial $20 monthly cost of the flow home communications relief bundle flow in response to the numerous challenges of connectivity has stepped to the plate and presented a proposal to the government for consideration government accepted what flow has proposed which makes provisions for connectivity up to 5000 households at a reasonable price of $20 we were successfully negotiating a higher speed which I consider to be a reasonably good compromise and I should state that when the original proposal was presented it was five megabits per second today you heard Mr. Mathre indicate that it has been increased to 15 megabits and this is certainly an achievement and Prime Minister did promise you that by the time the negotiations over I'm hoping that we can get to 15 and flow has flowed and delivered


We are we are officially a team Aaron again. I hate to be a bandwagon, but dude last episode can we talk about it? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the channel. My name is Jack the Busser. I should know be today We were so 80 of our attack on Titan watch through called from you two thousand years ago I'm sure how it's gonna tie in but the last of us so absolutely blew our minds finding out that Aaron knew all Along what was going to happen since the power of the attack Titan is to see those memories of the future attack Titans So he inherently Manipulated Grisha in that way, but now the question is where do we go from your aids? It's at the point where I can't even remotely predict what's going to happen in every single episode because it just plot twist after plot twist We're gonna hop right into it If you need a channel chop us up hit that be with also missing a future episodes I'm a fat like on this one. Let's get started with episode 80 of our attack on Titan watch through I'm ready to have my mind blown 20 more times She didn't even send a chance. Yeah Oh He's precise with that His time him and tight form looks so badass though It's like a mix of like beast and attack Titan really like the guy that gave him Yeah, the owl Yeah Grisha's like scared of Aaron clearly The rumbling I Literally don't know if I feel bad for Zeke though. I just don't know We have to be team Aaron, dude Because he knew he would God dang Touched his glorious hand royal blood You have no power here. Oh unless oh She's going I thought Aaron had the control. No, I guess not. He doesn't have royal blood What Still doesn't have royal blood. Oh my god Zeke's just gonna stop him if he gets out She's the one who makes the chain true. Yeah She cannot be stopped Like the attack fight.   It's like flashback style.  Yeah, that's probably what this is I wonder if that tree is like the representation of that tree in a place. They are now yeah from the book Yeah, like where's Zeke and Aaron are? Oh, yeah Where the coordinates and the pads or whatever? What is that? Fairly sure. Oh Kind of reminds me of the tree though. Yeah, the lights.  Oh Damn very first Geez, why was that just there? I'll be a That's where I began Why do you think they allowed or she allowed them to use her as a Titan though Well, no, it's probably just broken. Yeah, like to a point where like she felt like she had to will to like fight against them Yeah It just makes me think more and more that the most important part of everything is a story as a child No, she she took the hit. She's also a child in this other.  Oh, so they're the three pads and now there's so many To keep the Titans alive Yeah, that is so gross she's like trapped in this eternal purgatory sculpting Titans Oh My god She can't be Exactly nervous Yeah, there's so many Her eyes. Oh my god. Oh my god, but the episode is about to end. I would be so mad Like realizing she can make a choice. Yeah, he was actually able to change her the Titans on the walls Oh my god that visual with Aaron's head. Oh my god It's here They've all been crafted.  I need to read that actually. Oh That's the thing from the intro with all the colossals around it. Oh my god. I Guess that's the attack Titans like true power. That's Aaron Well, where's Zeke then they realize that Aaron actually like didn't betray them I'm just I'm actually really glad they realized it though Dude the whole screen is shaking the rumbling.  Oh Is it all or nothing?  It might have been God Who knows you're like halfway through the season and the rumbling already started so I think some other stuff Yeah, because this is like this isn't even either plan It's in between both because they thought Aaron was gonna use it to like protect Elia But now he's just gonna kill literally everyone else But why why do that and so I guess cuz the power of the Titans has come to a close like they can actually fight back Ladies gentlemen that has been it for episode 80 of our duck on Titan watch through I literally waiting week the week is so painful. Don't comment down below. We thought the episode without my reaction I am so excited to see how this story keeps progressing. I'm so intrigued by literally everything And there's always a hope you guys have a wonderful rest of the day as per usual. I'll catch you in the next one This piece


Individualism, a Reader, edited by George H. Smith and Marilyn Moore, narrated by James Foster. 15. From Voluntary Socialism, Francis Dashwood Tandy Voluntary Socialism, Denver, Francis D. Tandy Publisher, 1896 This selection is from Francis Tandy's provocative, self-published book titled Voluntary Socialism. Like Benjamin Tucker and other individualist anarchists of his day, Tandy sometimes used the word socialism to mean a system of voluntary social cooperation or voluntarism, in contrast to state socialism. One of the few modern writers to mention Tandy was Robert Nozick in Anarchy, State and Utopia. Nozick included Tandy's name in a list of individualist anarchists who advocated competing protection and justice agencies instead of a sovereign monopolistic government. Economist and historian Murray Rothbard subsequently became the best-known proponent of this type of free market anarchism, a position that remains popular among some modern libertarians. In this selection from Voluntary Socialism, Tandy presents a theory of egoism that was based on the ideas of Max Stirner. Contrary to many negative interpretations of survival of the fittest, Tandy maintains that this process requires a high degree of individual freedom and social diversity, that it recognizes the welfare of the individual to be of paramount importance, and that it will result in the general welfare. It should also be noted that Tandy was a social determinist, as were many of his anarchist contemporaries. The term survival of the fittest, first used by Spencer and afterwards endorsed by Darwin, is in many respects more exact, but even it is not proof against the carelessness of the untrained mind. A large number of people think that the fittest are those individuals who best conform to their standard of ethics. The word is only used to signify those who can best adapt themselves to their environment. It is easy to see that in a country where food is scarce, those individuals who had religious objections to killing and eating their aged parents would stand a poorer chance of surviving than their less punctilious brethren. In this case the cannibals would be the fittest to survive, while judged from our ethical standpoint the others would probably be considered more moral. The survival of the fittest must of necessity remain inoperative until a certain amount of variation exists. If all individuals were alike there could be no fittest to survive. The smaller the amount of this variation the slower must the change be. Thus the species which manifests the greatest variety among its individuals is most likely to adapt itself quickly to changed conditions. Any species in which variation is unknown and which has become a fixed type must suffer total extinction if its environments change. The only reason the lowest forms of life have continued to exist in spite of almost universal change is that the changed conditions do not affect their limited environments and so the species remains constant. Selection presupposes variation and operates only through the most relentless competition. By the extinction of those individuals which are least able to adapt themselves to their environment the species develops those characteristics which have proved beneficial to the surviving individuals. Applying these conclusions to social reform we see that permanent improvement in human society can only be found under conditions which are favorable to the development of different characteristics among its members which recognize the welfare of the individual to be of paramount importance and which foster the freest competition in order that welfare may become general. The foolish philanthropy so prevalent today which would prevent the procreation of the unfit and which seeks to lessen competition must be unqualifiedly condemned. To limit the number of births even of criminals is to limit the variation of the species. Any such action makes the perfect adaptation of us to our environments less speedy and less sure. The wider the variation the greater chance there is for the production of favorable types. Then competition is absolutely essential in order to weed out the unfit and to make the variation beneficial to the race. It is impossible for a few self conceded lady novelists to tell what individuals will prove the fittest or what combination is necessary to produce such individuals. If the teachings of evolution are true all external force which limits the procreation of any individuals whether good or bad or restricts competition must result disastrously to the human race. From this standpoint the present social system is condemned on every hand. It places a special premium upon one characteristic the ability to get money at the expense of every other. It fosters a spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism and so places the welfare of the country above that of the individual. It denies the first essential of free competition, the right of every individual to the free use of the earth and hedges us around with restrictions of all kinds. Unfortunately most of the proposed reforms seek to intensify these evils instead of to remove them. The habits of the lower animals the growth and development of plants and the motion of the heavenly bodies may all be generalized and the laws in accordance with which they act may be stated. May not the motives of human action be also subject to generalization. This is a question to which the old school of philosophers gives a negative, the modern school, an affirmative answer. The fact that a person reads or writes a book devoted to social science presupposes an agreement with the modern idea. It is only when human action is generalized that a science of society can be found possible. Such a science must consist of generalizations of human action and deductions from those generalizations. If men are free moral agents, that is, if they can act of their own volition regardless of the rest of the universe, any generalization of their actions is impossible. Even if under such conditions any general statement of their past actions could be made, it would be valueless, for there would be no guarantee that they would again act in a similar manner under similar circumstances. Anyone that admits the possibility of a social science is thereby committed to the doctrine of necessity, that is, that a certain individual placed in certain environments of necessity acts in a certain manner. This being assumed it becomes of the very first importance to discover the fundamental law of human action, for on this law all sound theories of social reform must depend. The Theist declares that we should always act in accordance with the commands of God. Admitting for the sake of argument the existence of God, why should we obey him? Immediately the answer suggests itself. God, being the supreme ruler of the universe, it is the height of folly to antagonize him. He can heap disasters from which there is no escape on those who disobey him and is capable of rewarding with eternal joy those who uphold his honor and glory. We must obey the commands of God and deny ourselves in this life in order that we may reap joy's eternal. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth where rust and moth do corrupt and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither rust nor moth do corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal. This is the essence of the Christian religion. The altruist maintains that we should love our fellow man and act for his good. If we love our fellow man the sight of pain in him will make us unhappy and his happiness will cause us pleasure. So we proceed to ameliorate his pain and increase his happiness in order that we ourselves may be happy. But why should I love my fellow man? If I don't love him or feel badly when he suffers I certainly will not put myself to the trouble of helping him unless I know that he will help me in turn when I shall need it. You should act for the greatest good of the community, says another. Why should you, except in so far as the good of the community is liable to result in good to you? Even if you owe the community anything, why should you pay? Still the same answer. If you don't it will be the worse for you. But now up comes another and says you must act from a sense of duty. Duty to whom? To God? I owe him only such obedience as he gains through my fear of punishment or hope of reward. To my neighbor? What do I owe him? Only that consideration which we agree to accord each other for our mutual good. To society? To my family? To the state? The same answer applies. Turn which way you will, the idea of duty entirely disappears. John Stuart Mill says, the internal sanction of duty, whatever our standard of duty may be, is a feeling in our own mind. A pain more or less intense, attendant on violations of duty which in properly cultivated moral natures rises in the most serious cases into shrinking from it as an impossibility. Its binding force, however, consists in the existence of a mass of feelings which must be broken through in order to do what violates our standard of right and which, if we do nevertheless violate that standard, will probably have to be encountered afterwards in the form of remorse. Thus there are two forces which cause us to pursue a right course of action, the external force or fear of retaliation and the internal force or fear of our conscience. The conscience has been considered by many as the distinctive attribute of man, the spark divine in the human breast. Darwin, however, found many evidences of it in the lower animals. Really there is nothing mysterious about it. At the moment of action man will no doubt be apt to follow the stronger impulse and though this may occasionally prompt him to the noblest deeds it will more commonly lead him to gratify his own desires at the expense of other men. But after their gratification, when past and weaker impressions are judged by the ever-enduring social instinct and by his deep regard for the good opinion of his fellows, retribution will surely come. He will then feel remorse, repentance, regret or shame. This latter feeling, however, relates almost exclusively to the judgment of others. He will consequently resolve more or less firmly to act differently for the future and this is conscience. For the conscience looks backward and serves as a guide for the future. We must by no means underestimate the important part which this internal force plays in deciding the happiness or unhappiness of most men. But both the internal and the external forces which deter us from a wrong course of action operate upon our knowledge that such a course will ultimately result in unhappiness. This is the only ultimate motive of action. If every individual always attempts to attain the greatest amount of happiness, the doctrine of necessity follows as a logical deduction. Given a complete knowledge of all the environments in which an individual is placed and a complete knowledge of that individual's conception of happiness, this latter includes an exact idea of his intelligence and we could determine with mathematical certainty what course of action he would pursue. That this exactness is never reached is due to the practical impossibility of obtaining all the necessary data, but it is surprising how accurate the keen observer of human nature often is in foreseeing the actions of another. This accuracy will be found to increase or diminish in proportion to more or less correct estimates of the actor's character and environments are formed. Conan Doyle gives us a glimpse of the possibilities in this line in his famous Sherlock Holmes stories. If, on the other hand, men do not always act from motives of self-interest but sometimes from selfish and sometimes from unselfish motives, it is impossible to generalize their conduct in the slightest. In which case, as above stated, a science of society is absolutely unthinkable. The absurdity of such a position need hardly be pointed out in spite of the voluminous works which have been written in its defense. So we are justified in maintaining that all action resolves itself into an attempt on the part of an organism to place itself in harmony with its environments, that is, to increase its happiness, or what is the same thing, to decrease its pain. Such is the philosophy of egoism. This is the only theory of psychology which is in harmony with the doctrine of evolution for it is a sine qua non of that competition which is so essential to natural and sexual selection. In accordance with this principle all our actions may be divided into two classes, those from which we expect to derive pleasure directly, and those from which, though often unpleasant in themselves, we hope ultimately to gain more happiness than pain. When a man goes for a walk on a pleasant afternoon, he expects to derive pleasure from the walk. But when, on a cold, wintry night, he walks several miles through the snow to go to a dance, the walk becomes only a means to attain happiness. In other words, he sacrifices his immediate pleasure for one which is greater, though more remote. The two possible courses of action are perpetually conflicting with one another. We pursue one course or the other according as our experience and intelligence may prompt us. So many of our actions are the result of sacrificing the immediate to the remote or pleasure that people begin to look upon that sacrifice as something noble, forgetful of the fact that it is only a means to attain greater happiness in the end. Experience teaches us that it is often advisable to sacrifice minor points for the benefit of others in order that we may either escape the pain of self-reproach or that we may reasonably expect others to help us when we shall need it. This is a purely egoistic course of action. We can often perform great services for others at the cost of very little trouble to ourselves and we often need assistance which others can give us without much inconvenience but which is invaluable to us. These exchanges are for mutual benefit. When people lose sight of that mutual benefit and say we must sacrifice ourselves without any hope of reward, they get altogether beyond the pale of reason. If self-sacrifice is good, the more we have of it the better and the man who gives away all that he has except just enough to keep him alive is the finest member of society, but now a paradox is manifest. If the self-sacrificer is the noblest member of society, the one who accepts that sacrifice is the meanest. So to manifest due humility we should debase ourselves by permitting others to sacrifice themselves for our good.  A can sacrifice himself by permitting B to sacrifice himself by condescending to allow A to sacrifice himself and so on as long as you like. If self-sacrifice is good, to sacrifice oneself for the benefit of the lower animals from whom no return of the kindness can be reasonably expected is still better. Since we cannot even breathe much less eat, drink or be clothed without destroying life, suicide becomes the only moral course. Now the same old paradox confronts us again. The fulfillment of duty is a source of happiness from which the self-sacrificer should flee.  Mental gymnastics of this nature may be highly amusing, but they are hardly satisfactory when offered as a substitute for a philosophical system. Yet this is all the self-sacrifice theory or altruism as it is called has to offer. It is absurd whichever way it is approached. It requires but little imagination to trace the effect of the spirit of utilitarianism operating upon this useless self-immolation and transforming it into the modern idea of self-sacrifice. People often find it necessary to submit to temporary pain in order to gain more permanent happiness. Gradually the cake of custom hardens, the means are mistaken for the end and the whole trend of human thought is perverted in consequence. Egoism as such does not teach us how to act, it simply states why we act as we do. It is merely an analysis of the motives of action, but on the result of this analysis all true ethics must rest. In declaring that all action is the result of an attempt on the part of the individual to secure the greatest possible happiness, the egoist merely asserts a fact. Having discovered this fact he will base a theory of conduct upon it with the end in view of obtaining the greatest amount of happiness. He will sacrifice an immediate pleasure for one more remote when it seems good to him and not when it appears otherwise. Thus he says to himself, I will countenance the killing of animals for my food because the good to be derived from so doing is greater than the disadvantages. But I will discountenance unnecessary cruelty first because cruelty to animals makes a man brutal in his nature and such a man is liable to injure me or someone I love, secondly because the sight or even the thought of unnecessary pain is unpleasant to me, and thirdly because I derive no benefit from it. So with regard to all his actions with other men, after taking into consideration the feelings of satisfaction or remorse he will experience from a certain act, the chances of the action exciting the resentment or commendation of the rest of the community and the effect of setting an example which is liable to be followed by someone else tomorrow and cause a similar course of action to be applied to him, after taking all these and similar factors into consideration he will, if he be a wise man, be governed by the highest expediency. If all our acts are attempts to gain greater happiness, it behooves us to exert all our energies to the attainment of that end. This gives us a direct rational basis of ethics. The idea of duty is absolutely lost. Actions appear to be good only insofar as they minister to our happiness and bad insofar as they cause us pain. The term right is synonymous with wise and wrong with foolish. The highest morality is to devote all our efforts to attainment of happiness, leaving others free to do the same. The golden rule must be stated negatively and made to read Mind Your Own Business. As egoists we are bound to assume that others are seeking their own greatest happiness and as long as they do this it is impertinent to interfere with them and foolish to set an example which will probably be followed and result in interference with our own affairs. If others attempt to meddle with us we are justified in acting towards them in such a manner that they will find the pain resulting from such a course far outweighs the pleasure and consequently will not be tempted to repeat the experiment. The egoist should abstain from all interference with others and resent any similar liberties they may take with him. He is not even justified in meddling with another's business for his good. He is bound to assume that everyone is wise enough to know what constitutes his own happiness. If he isn't he will suffer the consequences and know better next time. Every individual should be brought to understand that he is responsible for his actions and will suffer the consequences of all his mistakes. This is really inevitable. The attempt to evade the law of individual responsibility invariably results disasterously. It leads people to suppose that they can act foolishly and not suffer the consequences and when their folly finds them out there is no one to help them. The doctrine of individual responsibility is a corollary of egoism. It is self-reliance instead of self-sacrifice, dependence upon self instead of upon others. To develop this feeling it is only necessary to give people a chance to practice it. To say that I am my brother's keeper is to admit that he is also mine. Devote yourself to being happy and I will do the same. If we all succeed the social question will be solved.  Enlightenment makes selfishness useful and this usefulness popular. This has been Individualism a Reader, edited by George H. Smith and Marilyn Moore, narrated by James Foster. Copyright 2015 by the Cato Institute. Production copyright 2015 by the Cato Institute.