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PREVIOUS MONTHS: November 2009
A THEORY OF CONSCIOUSNESS: 2nd November 2009
Determining exactly what the “conscious” nature of humanity is, is an essential element in determining how people behave, think and perceive the world around them. Be patient, if you have time, please read … and comment.
For countless millennia people have asked the questions – who am I? What happens when I die? Does a part of me live on?
From extensive experimentation (other peoples), we at Alt3 have developed a clear theory of consciousness that has gone a long way in helping us understand many of the complexities of society based human behaviour. This all stems from the complexity of the cortex. A single thought does not make awareness. Neither does a single memory, neither does a single instinct or response or thought of well being. What makes awareness is:
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the overall collection of thoughts
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the level of activity and “chatter” between the brain cells and the different sections of the brain
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retention and access
A single molecule of water does not make “wetness” – and yet a collection of water molecules create the sensation of wetness, of tangible water. It’s the same with thoughts and brain activity and the subsequent “awareness”. Consciousness and awareness is particular to the individual – and so grows or fades with the actions and ability of the individual. Likewise, if the individual dies, so does the consciousness of the individual. The prime motivation of each person is, subconsciously, to secure the survival of their gene pool – and to increase the level of awareness as a mechanism of survival.
It can be clearly shown that although the human mind can be equated to the proverbial iceberg with conscious thought and decision making being only what can be seen above the surface, yet the real psychological engine being highly active beneath the surface, the level of awareness is directly linked to the level of stimulation and subsequent activity experienced by the brain. This can be internal or external stimulation. A good point to make is that when, for example, using public transport in some developed countries, the passengers can often be seen staring numbly into space. Yes there is an issue about personal space but the fact is they are deliberately closing themselves off from stimulation, and more often than not do the same when at work. This is the normal state of being for many. Consequently, after a working week of a distinct lack of stimulation, and definite boredom, there follows a weekend of extreme over-stimulation as if the mind and body attempt to create balance … yet with many unwanted results.
The recurring weekly cycle is a shallow existence. It eventually wears down the individual who deep down expects more. Likewise with the wrong type of expected stimulation, the individual is left open to external influences. At times, these external influences may be harmful and extremist.
Children who for endless hours sit in front of television or in front of computer games clearly do not gain a lot of stimulation. Their imaginations are not being activated.. Consequently their behavior as they grow up is often not what is normally expected … or acceptable.
The world is changing. From beneath what we see the world is changing – and this is very different to the previous changes each generation has brought into the world.
As the crush to conform increases, not only in the developed world, and with a decrease in behavioral stimulation, it is very, very clear what this means for society as a whole. It is also clear what this means for organisations and governments as the entire scope and scale of social dynamics transforms. It is also clear where the commercial opportunities are. Smart organisations, and governments, will always want to be ahead of the curve – yet too many are way behind the curve because they fail to take into account that the world is changing – and so spend vast amounts of finite resources running to catch up. Those who are aware of the changes taking place and plan ahead will be the ones to gain commercial advantage. Those who continue in a state of denial and ignorance will be the ones who spend a lot running to stand still.
Which one are you?
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