Codex for Eudaimonic Living & Action
The following protocols are pre-calculated utility functions designed to supersede "Active Good" analysis with "Passive Good" axioms during states of cognitive depletion.
Current Compilation: EVCODS
Cognitive Utility Theory (CUT) posits that "Good" is defined as the maximization of satisfaction across specific intrinsic drives (Neurochemical signals including Dopamine, Oxytocin, etc.).
Why Passive Good? "Active Good"—the conscious, granular calculation of ethical utility—is metabolically expensive and cognitively taxing.
When physiological or psychological drives are unmet, they gain "manifested intensity," creating feedback loops (distractions) that distort judgment and limit fulfillment. CELA provides a "Passive Good" framework: a static, pre-computed external executive function to bypass this noise and ensure long-term utility without the need for active processing.
Somatic Override
Physiological Baseline
Maintenance of Homeostasis
Secure sleep, nutrition, and hydration sufficient to perform complex tasks without cognitive resistance. If fatigue prevents focus, biological remediation takes precedence over Executive Modules.
Physical Integrity
Do not take action that results in irreversible damage to the biological substrate (the body).
The Pain Signal
Acute physical pain > 6/10 triggers immediate cessation of all other Executive Modules. Seek remediation.
Endorphin Module
The Somatic Regulator (Comfort & Endurance)
If 'Active Good' analysis leads to paralysis (loops) or high stress, initiate high-intensity movement (kinetics) to force a state change. Do not attempt to 'think' your way out of a physiological rut.
Prioritize physical comfort and sensory reduction in your workspace. Do not ignore physical friction (glare, bad posture, noise) as 'trivial'; it is a utility leak.
Monitor for emotional dissociation (feeling nothing). If detected, this is an Endorphin loop masking distress. Engage sensory grounding techniques immediately.
Vasopressin Module
The Provisioning Protocol
Maintain the physical safety and integrity of the immediate home environment.
Honor commitments to long-term partners above short-term opportunities.
Cortisol Module
The Security Calculus
Always maintain a resource reserve (financial/temporal) of at least 15% beyond expected consumption.
Reject all actions with low upside but 'ruin' potential (unbounded downside), regardless of probability.
If decision deliberation time > execution time, default to the lowest variance option.
Oxytocin Module
The Social Contract
Do not obscure the truth from High-Trust peers.
If a peer is in visible distress, suspend efficiency rules to provide presence.
Dopamine Module
The Growth Engine
Prioritize closing an open loop over opening a new one.
Accept challenges that exceed current skill levels by ~4%.
Only pursue rewards that build assets (skills, tools) rather than purely consumable experiences.
Serotonin Module
The Equilibrium State
Do not engage in behaviors or entertain thoughts that exacerbate feelings of low self-worth. Prioritize actions that stabilize or improve your self-concept.
If a variable cannot be controlled, cease Active Analysis of it immediately.