441. Dreams, Stories, Psychedelics & Consciousness | Tor Nørretranders

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Apr 18, 2024

In a thought-provoking discussion, Tor Nørretranders, a Danish author and expert on consciousness, explores the intricacies of human perception and the interplay between emotion and experience. They delve into how storytelling and social interactions shape our awareness. The conversation touches on 'kayak anxiety,' the transformational potential of psychedelics, and the importance of natural food sources for well-being. Nørretranders also highlights the relational nature of leadership and the significance of embracing complexity in human connections.

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INSIGHT

Consciousness as a Reducing Function

Human consciousness drastically reduces sensory input (11 million bits/second to 16 bits/second).
This reduction allows us to focus on relevant information and share awareness with others.

INSIGHT

The Role of Shared Attention and Language

Shared attention and pointing are fundamental to consciousness development.
Language facilitates sharing compact awareness, calibrating perceptions with others.

INSIGHT

Experiencing Predictions, Not Raw Data

We experience our own interpretation of sensory input, not the raw data itself.
Predictive processing suggests we experience predictions of the future, constantly creating stories.

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