Annaka Harris, a New York Times bestselling author and producer, delves into the fascinating realm of consciousness. She discusses the idea of consciousness potentially being a fundamental aspect of the universe, even existing in simple objects. The conversation also highlights meditation techniques that can reshape our perception of self and reality, providing relief from suffering. Furthermore, Annaka explores the interconnectedness of identity and existence, urging listeners to challenge their intuitions and broaden their perspectives.
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insights INSIGHT
What is Consciousness?
Consciousness, in its most basic form, is the fact of felt experience, from simple sensations to complex thoughts.
This fundamental mystery arises from the arrangement of non-conscious matter, posing a challenge for science.
insights INSIGHT
Why Care About Consciousness?
Everything we experience and care about is conscious, making it central to our existence.
Understanding consciousness enhances our world view and relates directly to our personal experiences.
insights INSIGHT
Oneness and Suffering
Deep scientific inquiry reveals interconnectedness and oneness in the universe, mirroring insights from meditation.
This challenges our sense of separation, a primary source of suffering.
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Douglas Harding's "On Having No Head" is a seminal work exploring the nature of self-perception and consciousness. Harding's unique approach challenges the reader to question their ingrained assumptions about the self and the nature of experience. The book uses simple yet profound exercises to guide the reader towards a direct experience of reality, free from the limitations of conceptual thought. Through these exercises, Harding aims to reveal the inherent freedom and spaciousness of consciousness. The book's impact lies in its ability to facilitate a shift in perspective, leading to a deeper understanding of one's own being.
The Candy House
Jennifer Egan
In 'The Candy House,' Jennifer Egan presents a series of interconnected stories that follow the lives of multiple characters over several decades. The novel centers around Bix Bouton's technology, 'Own Your Unconscious,' which enables people to upload and share their memories. This technology has profound effects on society, creating 'counters' who exploit desires and 'eluders' who resist the allure of this digital collective consciousness. The book is characterized by its diverse narrative styles, including omniscient narration, first-person plural, epistolary chapters, and even a chapter composed of tweets. Egan's work is a moving testament to human longing for connection, family, privacy, and love, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing digital world[1][2][4].
Waking Up
A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion
Sam Harris
In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.
Conscious
A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind
Annaka Harris
The Case Against Reality
Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes
Donald Hoffman
In this book, Donald Hoffman challenges the notion that our senses report back objective reality. He argues that evolution has sculpted our minds for fitness, not to accurately represent reality, leading to a mismatch between our perceptions and the true nature of the world. Hoffman introduces the concept of 'Fitness Beats Truth' and uses analogies like the computer desktop to explain how our consciousness interacts with the world in a way that is useful but not necessarily reflective of underlying reality. He also proposes 'Conscious Realism,' suggesting that conscious agents create the perception of an objective reality, rather than the other way around.
How to think about consciousness without breaking your brain.
Annaka Harris is the New York Times bestselling author of CONSCIOUS: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind and writer and producer of the audio documentary series, LIGHTS ON. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Nautilus Magazine, the Journal of Consciousness Studies, and IAI Magazine, and she is also an editor and consultant for science writers, specializing in neuroscience and physics.
In this episode we talk about:
What consciousness is—and why we should care about it
The question of whether or not consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe (so literally—is consciousness embedded in the chair I’m sitting in?)
Why thinking about this mystery can create a sense of awe (a reliable antidote to suffering)
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
