10% Happier with Dan Harris A Mystery That Matters | Anil Seth
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Jun 27, 2022 
Anil Seth, a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience and author of "Being You," delves into the nature of consciousness and self-awareness. He explores how our brains create the experience of consciousness and the comforting idea that the self is impermanent. Seth shares personal insights from his battle with long COVID, challenging perceptions of free will and emotional resilience. Additionally, he addresses the future of AI and its implications, suggesting that understanding consciousness can spur significant personal transformation.
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What is Consciousness?
- Consciousness is subjective experience, from the redness of red to the pang of jealousy.
- Defining consciousness scientifically is challenging, unlike other scientific concepts.
The Hard Problem of Consciousness
- The hard problem of consciousness asks how physical matter creates subjective experience.
- Anil Seth suggests focusing on the "real problem": exploring specific aspects of consciousness, like the self and free will.
Why Consciousness Matters
- Everything matters because of its impact on conscious experience; otherwise, nothing would have meaning.
- Understanding consciousness connects us to nature and helps us understand our place in the universe.
