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The "Self" Is An Illusion | Thomas Metzinger | Escaped Sapiens #72
The Escaped Sapiens Podcast
Exploring Meditation, Self-Awareness, and the Denial of Mortality
Meditation involves focusing attention on specific sensations, such as those associated with breathing, and requires a gentle, non-egoic effort to maintain this focus, which can often be aided by a high level of precision. This practice reflects a unique aspect of humanity, as it connects to the broader theme of self-awareness and the awareness of mortality. Humans possess a tendency to deny mortality, a coping mechanism intertwined with the self-model, which can divert focus away from uncomfortable truths like personal flaws or inevitable death. Children typically grapple with the concept of mortality around ages eight to ten, often eliciting strong emotional responses. This insight points to a fundamental process in the brain that creates simulations of a 'perfect' existence, avoiding thoughts of death, thereby reflecting a general computational principle. This denial of mortality impacts how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them.
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