About the Book

The history of the universe holds only three epochal moments, with a fourth on the horizon. First was the Singularity; the second was Life; the third was Consciousness. The coming and final epoch is Immortality. I often think of this history as follows:

1. The Singularity: Something.
2. Life: Matter Suntans and Bathes.
3. Consciousness: The Singularity Looks In The Mirror.
4. Immortality: Homo sapiens Replace God.

This book's primary purpose is to properly place the only provable existent, The Individual Human Being (PRIME) within that historical context. Its secondary purpose is to help destroy the evil history of the non-existents church and state. Robert A. Clapp

About the Author

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68-year-old male, former teacher, who is a full-time philosopher and anti-statist activist.

Excerpts

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By: Ronald C. Tobin

It is both an honor and a pleasure to have been asked to write this foreword to Robert Clapp's philosophic masterpiece. Many books are called 'opus magnus,' but this book truly is exactly that. Bob has been working on this book for many years now. What you presently hold in your hands is the culmination of a lifetime worth of thinking and pondering and discussing and debating and simply living life.

I first met Bob at a supper club meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, sometime during the year 2000. You remember, the year that civilization was supposed to collapse from all the computers crashing. He gave me copies of several of his essays, and after I read them over I was so impressed that I asked him if I could run some of them in the small press newsletter I have published since 1981, THE THOUGHT. He agreed to do that and his work has appeared in every issue since. In fact, I encourage any reader of this book who is interested in reading more of Bob's work in the future to take out a subscription to the newsletter. For up to date information, write to: Ronald Tobin, Philosophers Guild, P.O. Box 10760, Glendale, AZ 85318-0760. Yea, we do have a website but I am a firm believer in print.

Bob is generally described as being an extreme individualist. He says and sincerely believes that every man and woman is in fact an island unto themselves, hence the name of this book. Bob is also very fiery, very passionate and he practices what he preaches. He tells it as he sees it, he neither tolerates nor does he practice any form of hypocrisy. He is an honorable person; his word is his bond. Since Bob goes into some detail about his life in this book, I'll not go into any great detail about it here. As you will no doubt soon see, the man is very much capable of speaking for himself and making his positions clear.

This book will take you, the reader, beyond the hallowed halls of pride and rational selfishness envisioned by Ayn Rand in the philosophy of Objectivism. It will take you to new heights of egoism, by detailing a radical form of individualism that would have most likely posed a challenge to Max Stirner himself. This book challenges the foundations of modern society, and that is why many people, even 'scholars,' will scoff at its message. I frankly suspect that some individualists will be taken by surprise, especially those who have not made it all the way across and still hold some mainstream sentiments. Bob pulls no punches, he tells you exactly what he thinks and where he stands. He does not waffle nor does he compromise. He says what he means and means what he says. His word can always be relied upon.

An interesting fact about Bob Clapp, based on personal observation: people either really like him or cannot stand him. No one has a wishy-washy opinion of the man. I think that speaks volumes about his character. I am proud to call him my friend. I know that if the chips are down, I could rely on Bob to watch my back, and he knows that he can rely on me. Most people want to believe that staunch individualists are by nature unfriendly and secretive. Well, I can assure you that is not so. We are more reserved and take our time to get to know people, but those that we come to regard as friends know that we are truly generous and loyal, I am pleased to know several people who fit into that category.

Frankly, this book does not need a lengthy introduction. I think that it is an excellent read, one that will certainly make people think. Eventually, it may well serve as the foundation for a broader based individualist movement, one that recognizes the value of the human mind and technology, I hope those of you who find merit in Bob's words will seriously consider contacting the Philosophers Guild and get involved with like-minded individuals. Those of you who ridicule and reject his words, well right now the status quo and collectivist moral systems are in your favor. At present, this is YOUR world.

Mark my words, though there is change in the wind and this book will be a catalyst for it.