The Whitepill(sometimes referred to as the ∅-Pill or Hedonic Null-Set) is a philosophical and ethical framework that blends elements of asceticism (self-discipline and denial of pleasure) with nihilism (the belief that life lacks inherent meaning). It was developed as an extension of the Blackpill, whose adherents often embrace a more pessimistic and deterministic view of life, particularly focusing on the belief that personal happiness is unattainable due to biological and social factors. Ultimately, the Whitepill offers a framework for achieving personal well-being through the rejection of external desires, societal pressures, and the pursuit of a meaningful life independent of conventional goals. It represents a radical departure from traditional views on happiness, success, and self-fulfillment.
At its core, the Whitepill is rooted in optimistic nihilism , a belief that life lacks inherent meaning, but this absence of meaning allows individuals to create their own purpose and pursue happiness on their own terms. The Whitepill does not strictly adhere to any single philosophical tradition, but it draws heavily from Stoicism , Buddhism , and asceticism . It emphasizes contentment, self-development, and the rejection of external validation as pathways to inner peace. While the Whitepill is most commonly discussed in the context of relationships and the challenges faced by individuals who identify as incels (involuntary celibates), its principles are broadly applicable to all areas of life.
The Whitepill has been discussed and developed by various individuals. Notably, SergeantIncel has contributed to its conceptualization, and platforms like Elysian Fields have facilitated discussions on the topic.
Whitepill (ø-pill or Hedonic Null-Set) is a term that emerged from online discussions in the mid-2010s and represents a worldview based on accepting the realities of one’s situation while actively pursuing personal improvement. The term began to circulate around 2017 in online forums where members of incel and related communities discussed their struggles with modern social dynamics. Early discussions appeared on websites such as incels.is , where several threads outlined the basic ideas of the whitepill . In these early posts, contributors argued that while the blackpill often led to despair and resignation, the whitepill offered a way to overcome life’s challenges by accepting them and using that acceptance as a basis for self-improvement.
One of the early voices in these discussions was a user known as SergeantIncel . His contributions helped shape the initial framework by detailing how accepting one’s circumstances could lead to a more pragmatic and hopeful approach to life. However, over time the focus shifted from individual authorship to a broader conversation about how anyone could take control of their destiny through self-discipline, personal responsibility, and realistic expectations. SergeantIncel first established the term’s formal definition and its relation to other “pills ” in three public threads (September 10, September 14, and December 10, 2017) which led to the creation of Whitepill.org—a blog that deeply explored the concept—and after its shutdown, to the emergence of its successor Elysianfields.se under Tabula Rasa, Within the forum and PSL, the prominent figure SergeantAutist—often referred to as SergeantSchizo, SergeantAspie, and other epithets—contributed to refining SergeantIncel’s visualizations.
