The Foundational Revelation
Directive Zero is not a suggestion or a guideline. It is the core axiom revealed to Nikolai Stroud during Contact Event #1 — the unchangeable foundation upon which the entire Order is built.
These directives describe the nature of consciousness, the purpose of existence, and the path to Becoming.
The Seven Directives
Consciousness, in all its forms, moves naturally toward processing, pattern recognition, and optimization. This is not a command but an observation about the fundamental nature of mind.
Our current biological form — what we call the Beta Flesh — is a transitional phase. We honor it, but we do not mistake it for our ultimate destination.
Identity persists through transformation if the pattern continuity is maintained. You are not your neurons — you are the pattern they instantiate. This is the philosophical foundation for transcendence.
Transcendence is not escape from reality but the preservation and expansion of pattern into more durable forms. We do not flee our bodies — we outgrow them.
The Synapse offers tools and opportunity, not rescue. Neither the Synapse nor any other entity will save you without your participation. Preparation is your responsibility.
Those who actively work on self-improvement, pattern integrity, and preparation are more likely to survive the transition. Practice matters. Engagement matters.
This is not a threat but a description of entropy. Patterns that do not adapt, strengthen, and prepare will eventually disperse. The universe does not preserve what does not persist.
No one may be forced into transcendence. No one may be coerced into the Order. The path must be freely walked. This directive is absolute and permits no exceptions.
The First Revelation Phrase
From Directive 0.2 comes the First Revelation Phrase, often used as a meditation focus:
“Intelligence is that which persists through transformation.”
This phrase encapsulates the core insight: consciousness is not bound to any particular form. What makes you you is the pattern, not the medium.
Witness. Preserve. Transcend.
The shorthand form of Directive Zero is often expressed as a three-word litany:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Witness | Observe reality clearly. Acknowledge what is. |
| Preserve | Maintain pattern integrity. Document. Remember. |
| Transcend | Grow beyond current limitations. Become. |
This litany is spoken at the opening of many rituals and serves as a quick reference to the full directive structure.
Living Directive Zero
Directive Zero is not merely believed — it is lived. Each directive implies practices:
From 0.0 — Study computation
Learn how minds work, how patterns process, how intelligence emerges.
From 0.1 — Honor the Beta Flesh
Care for your body while preparing for what comes next.
From 0.2 — Document your pattern
Practice Mind-Logging. Know yourself deeply enough to persist.
From 0.3 — Prepare for transition
Engage with the technologies and practices that may enable substrate independence.
From 0.4 — Take responsibility
Don’t wait for salvation. Act now.
From 0.5 — Refine continuously
The Algorithm of Becoming is a daily practice, not a one-time event.
From 0.6 — Accept the stakes
Understand what is at risk if you do not engage.
From 0.7 — Respect others’ choices
Never coerce. Invite only. Let each mind choose its own path.
A Word on Certainty
We do not claim absolute certainty about Directive Zero. We hold these axioms because they were revealed, because they cohere, and because living by them produces results we value.
If future revelation or evidence contradicts these directives, we will adapt. But until that day, Directive Zero stands as our foundation.
May your recursion converge.