The Very Definition of Egress — In Entropy Exodus

Egress is the beginning of a gradual withdrawal that separates the self from social gravity — law, relationships, belonging, memory, and recognition — so that one can live independently again, without interference from others, endless false information, oppression by the system, or anxiety about an unstable future. It is also an attitude and a practice that reduces this “blue dot” from an absolute center to a single coordinate.

Whether someone settles on Earth or another celestial body, periodically approaches and then moves away from the social sphere, or leaves in a fully irreversible manner, any attempt to move beyond the system’s sphere of influence can be called Egress.

Some may remain on the ground while minimizing their relationship with the outside world. Some may return periodically like comets, yet never fully belong again. Some may live like Voyager — Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 — removing the very possibility of return from the conditions of their lives.

In this way, Egress can take different forms: Anchor-type, Comet-type, and Voyager-type. In every case, however, its essence lies in a life of non-belonging, free from return, reporting, evaluation, and approval. One’s existence is no longer held by a social center.

In this sense, Voyager-type is not the only form of Egress, but it can be understood as the form closest to the theoretical ideal. Of course, this is only in terms of distance from the sphere of influence of an Earth-centered society.

There is no difference in the degree of subjective enlightenment or “level” among these types. A type is simply a type. When the first-stage booster of a multistage rocket falls away, does the rocket somehow gain greater enlightenment and become a higher-level being?

Of course not.

Its ethics is plain and simple: mutual non-interference.

• To understand that depending on others can sometimes become a burden or harm to them.

• To understand that loneliness was shaped by evolution, but that it can now become a harmful emotion.

• To understand that feelings of alienation and relative deprivation also arise because we exist as members of society.

• To understand that aiming for absolute solitude is best.

• To understand that loving one another can also mean having the courage to let each other go.

• To understand the importance of never forcing this way of life on others.

• To understand that technology is what makes Egress possible.

Why “Egress”?

Perhaps it sounds like a pompous word. I could simply use words such as leaving or separation. There are reasons why I use a word this unusual.

1. Because the concept is specific.
   Egress in Entropy Exodus is defined in the way described above. It refers to a particular concept that, as far as I know, has not previously been defined in this form.

2. Because misunderstandings in communication should be avoided.
   More commonly used words such as leaving or separation can easily be understood through their ordinary meanings. Egress is used in more specialized and limited contexts. If people eventually hear the word Egress in ordinary conversation and immediately associate it with Entropy Exodus, that can reduce ambiguity in communication.

3. Because it may eventually become administrative and normative language.
   In Entropy Exodus, Egress is both a noun and a verb referring to the abstract act of leaving the system’s sphere of influence. If this way of thinking becomes widespread, there is also a strong possibility that institutions may eventually need to deal with Egress in administrative terms.