Human consciousness
I think therefore I am.
Inside my skull there is a gelatinous mass that is bull of billions of neurons with trillions of dendritic connections. It functions like a supercomputer providing me with self-awareness, a sense of identity and consciousness.
That is spectacular. But even more remarkable is the fact of most of what it does happens below the radar. My body and the world is constantly monitored and responded to, my subconscious sorts, stores and responds.
I have awareness of this amazing universe.
I am conscious.
I believe that this consciousness is the result of all that biology. That does not reduce the wonder of it for me. It leaves me with a multitude of questions.
What would the universe appear like to me if I had more senses to detect magnetism, infra-red, X-ray and the entire myriad other sources of energy? We are so poorly equipped.
Do other people have the same consciousness as me?
Do animals and even plants have a similar consciousness?
Is it possible that we can build computers who are really conscious?
Can I improve my level of consciousness?
Will science ever fully understand how a group of cells can, through chemical and electrical forces, create the mystery of consciousness?
Can’t say anything you have lost me – apologies for appearing thick.
Wait and see what the rocket launched last week has to offer.
Astronomy has really kicked off big time throughout the world, it’s never had such detailed and organised programmes of research all working together in tandem – and only because of the internet. That was the key factor in communication and now that this has been achieved I think we’ll be seeing considerably faster information results.
I watched a doc the other night where just one research centre is excavating small parts of our universe at 80 planets/stars at a time, looking for the minutest wobbles of gravity that may therefore determine possible life forms. Not only that but because we now know just how far from a power supply that any planet needs to be from it’s star, they don’t waste time with those without these credentials. The base equation being our approximate distance from the sun. But if Earth was just another 10% plus or minus difference in terms of distance there would be no life on Earth. Mind boggling.
So it’s Planet Xenon for summer hols 2025, book early!
Already booked on the off-chance!
I’m putting a lot of faith in your suggestions. This launch better work!
You don’t think that the internet might form such a complex network of interlinking that it could actually gain consciousness do you? That would be interesting!
Funny you should say that, because just last night on BBC news 24 was a report on the computers of tomorrow that will be controlling other computers. Basically meaning that we won’t really have to do anymore thinking. The end is speeding up to the nigh!
No thinking? That already what the media industry has achieved!
Indeed, the mainstream stuff has got to an all time low level.
But I think that’s simply because the average person on the street is given loads more exposure. It’s come a long way from say the 70’s, with Fawlty Towers & Dad’s Army etc.
By sheer accident I flicked onto this show the other night called (I think) Tattoo Fixers. Good grief – never have I seen such a chav fest. It was Lowest Common Denominator personified.
On the other hand there really is some great stuff on BBC2 & 4 and to be fair dotted around Ch4 & 5. It appears to me that BBC1 & ITV have taken the biggest slips.
I would also say that BBC Radio 2, 4 & 6 are brilliant.
There’s some good stuff if you search but most of the stuff is trite, shallow and nondescript.
That’s OK. That’s not being thick. It’s me – I’m a biologist having a rant. That’s all. I find the concept of consciousness fascinating and incredible.
Yes but you are extremely intelligent, I did not do University or anything like you experienced, I am just me – what you see is what you get.
That’s fine with me. I like the honesty and straightforwardness. Too many people are frauds.