What is OÚSIA?

Originally introduced by both Plato and Aristotle, οὐσία, or oúsia (pronounced oo-SEE-uh) is a foundational term in Greek philosophy. Plato used oúsia to depict ultimate reality, eternal “being,” and the true essence of a thing, while Aristotle defined oúsia as “substance” or “essence”—the fundamental reality or property that grounds an individual entity.

Today, it is typically translated as “essence,” “substance,” or “being.” While its meaning has evolved with time—depending on the philosopher and/or the era—it generally refers to what something is in its most fundamental state—the core reality that remains, even if external appearances change—which we believe not only applies to ultimate truth and reality, but also characterizes “first principles”, or the fundamental precepts by which we choose to live, which are also defined as the most basic, foundational truths which cannot be deduced or broken down any further.

And since our ultimate mission here is to “seek, discover, assimilate, & disseminate Truth,” then the name OÚSIA—representing ultimate truth, reality, and/or first principles—effectively captures the core tenet of this site.

Okay, so what is OÚSIA Magazine?

Though OÚSIA Magazine’s mission is “To Seek, Discover, Assimilate, & Disseminate Truth,” and our abbreviated description is “philosophy & lifestyle website,” in reality it is much more.

Yes, we are seekers of knowledge, wisdom, and ultimately Truth—but that quest necessitates the inclusion of many facets of life: personal development, health & wellbeing, ethical/principled living & stewardship, reason & scholarship, theological/spiritual beliefs, keeping abreast of relevant news & current events, and even arts & entertainment—and of course, just plain, healthy fun!

So the reality is, OÚSIA Magazine is a confluence of many significant subject matters: philosophy & psychology, science & technology, sociology & theology, health & wellbeing, arts & entertainment, impactful news & current events, etc.

That being the case, since we have characterized OÚSIA as representing core reality, objective truth, and/or first principles, then all of the aforementioned topics and quests are best pursued with a fundamental foundation of knowledge, wisdom, objective reality, and, ultimately: TRUTH.

Or: OÚSIA.

So, within the primary guiding framework of “Seek, Discover, Assimilate, & Disseminate Truth,” OÚSIA Magazine intends to share carefully curated content that explores life, develops thoughts & ideas, educates & informs, and ultimately inspires people in any and every way that can be helpful for becoming the best they can be, reaching their fullest potential, and living a principled, meaningful, productive, fulfilling life.

And, of course, to have fun in the process!

Also: The importance of Contemplation

We hold that the “pursuit of Truth” is not the defense of a static dogma or the status quo; it is an active, rigorous journey of discovery. To find what is true, we must investigate ideas, examine the abstract, challenge presumptions and premises, and work through complex thoughts and concepts.

For this reason, OÚSIA Magazine publishes, among many more objective categories, a Contemplations section. These articles and essays are investigative, speculative, philosophical, and—as the name implies—contemplative in nature; thus, we do not claim these thoughtful examinations to be final or conclusive, or even positively true. Rather, they represent the intellectual rigor required to examine deep conceptual frameworks—such as existence, ethics, human nature, stewardship, and even the unknown. 

In short, our Contemplations present intellectual forays into, or toward, Truth, thus fulfilling the “to seek & discover” opening half of our primary mission statement.

Come join us!

OÚSIA Magazine isn’t intended for the masses that live by default, who crave mindless videos, clickbait, and endless ephemera; it is intended for the unique, mindful individuals who are hungry for objective truth and—via “the examined life”—striving for a meaningful and fulfilling existence within an increasingly shallow and corrupted culture.

Sound familiar?

Then if you, too, are a mindful seeker of knowledge & wisdom (sagacity); intent on continuous personal growth, self-mastery, and achieving your highest potential (ethopoeia, aretē); strive toward principled, ethical living & stewardship (phronēsis); and ultimately, on a lifelong quest for objective Truth (oúsia)—then join our growing community in the quest for knowledge, wisdom, and Truth by signing up for email updates below. You’ll receive exclusive member updates, along with our periodical digital publication OÚSIA Magazine delivered straight to your inbox!

“Truth is eternal, and therefore divine; so the quest for Truth is, for me, a spiritual one.”
~ Rand Eastwood, Founder & Publisher, OÚSIA Magazine