The Rich Roll Podcast Annaka Harris On Why Consciousness Just Might Be Fundamental To Reality
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Mar 10, 2025 
Annaka Harris, a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the audio documentary series 'Lights On,' dives deep into the enigma of consciousness. She discusses whether consciousness is fundamental to the universe or merely an emergent property. The conversation highlights transformative experiences, including a psychedelic journey that dissolved her sense of self. Annaka explores the intricacies of perception, the relationship between consciousness and AI, and how altered states can lead to profound insights, inviting a reevaluation of existence itself.
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Fundamental Consciousness
- Consciousness is more than complex thought; it's the fundamental experience of feeling.
- This basic level of consciousness is the real mystery, not just higher-level human cognition.
The Hard Problem
- Neuroscience may not fully explain consciousness; the 'hard problem' of subjective experience remains.
- We assume consciousness emerges from complexity, but lack clear evidence for this.
Defining Felt Experience
- Defining 'felt experience' is elusive, understood only through direct experience.
- This profound concept requires interdisciplinary investigation beyond neuroscience, physics, or philosophy alone.
