Odd thought: Our world made us to see itself. What if atoms were made in a way that allowed them to be capable of arranging themselves in a way that permitted comprehension of atoms?
This circular argument implies matter itself has a will toward the complexity necessary for self-awareness.
Tag: mind
- Theme: Systems
Does emergent consciousness require consciousness?
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1–2 minutes - Theme: Self
The opportunity to steal tells you a lot about yourself
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1–2 minutesI had the opportunity to walk away with over $200 worth of lumber yesterday. I walked back inside, found somebody, and paid for it.
I thought about stealing, which contradicts who I think I am. However, it became more painful to do the right thing once I was open to a cheaper option: I opened my mind to justifications and rationalizations.
I talked myself into paying by considering that 1) I am not a person who causes problems for myself tomorrow by taking a shortcut today, and 2) If I want to be a good person, it has to be done every day in the most minor ways.
- Theme: Self
Consciousness Luddite
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1–2 minutesWhen we begin to understand consciousness, we will turn it into a tool. We will create with it, harness it, enslave it, and manipulate it.
Which is not understanding consciousness; it is using it. Can we leap this phase into wisdom? - Theme: Self
You are a puppy
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1–2 minutesThe nature of consciousness is open, accessible, curious, and unconditionally loving. If we can let go of the chatter in our heads (insecurity, anxiety, and problem-solving), our inner puppy can come out to play.
- Theme: Self
Unhooking the problem solver solves problems
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1–2 minutesThe helpful problem solver in your head connects ideas, plans for the future, and draws conclusions from the past. Because it won’t shut up, we think the chatterbox is who we are, but that is our "small self."
If you can ask yourself: "what is here now when there is no problem to solve?" you can relieve the problem solving and tune into greater awareness. - Theme: Self
Triggering
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1–2 minutesAny probing question forcing a reconsideration of self is indeed triggering, but why do we hide, victimize, or lash out when asked to look inside? or respond honestly?
We exhibit a deep defense mechanism: some part of our psyche knows personal insight can destroy us. - Theme: Self
Planning as avoidance
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1–2 minutesAssessing inefficiencies and perfecting systems is a unique and meticulous cognitive labor. It can also become a safe harbor by which to avoid reality.
When mental labors never manifest or encounter reality or peers, it is disguised. It is either masking laziness or a deep fear of failure.
When thinking negates doing, your planning steals you from the world. - Theme: Self
Hierarchy’s abusive logic
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1–2 minutesThose in authority become assured of their beliefs: "Since I am in power, it must be due to the quality of my thinking and dedication."
Unfortunately, when their patronizing, narrow-minded edicts meet resistance, they can only see the dissention as rebellion: "Can’t you see this is not only for your own good, but the good of all?"
Any response from below is inherently nonsensical, simply because it is from below: "If your thinking were correct, you would be in my role."
And yet, if the arguments do make sense (logic) then to maintain their role (identity) the authority must revert to bullying to maintain status (coercion). "Do it, or else." - Theme: Growth
We are paid to test our foresight
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1–2 minutesThe work begins before the “work.”
Most of our work is knowing what to prepare for: foresight from former floundering.
The dynamic moment of doing the work (the moment we charge for) is the testing ground against which we gauge our mental models, and appear worthy of the challenge.
- Theme: Self
Our consciousness is managed by our body.
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1–2 minutesOur feelings spring forth as ideas from our consciousness. Yet, where and why do these arise?
There is a complicated interplay we casually neglect of how our body -an endocrine system of humors- both moderates and produces feeling: it both feeds notions to consciousness and works to dispel wayward ruminations.