The hottest Consciousness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

The Intrinsic Value of Consciousness

Going Awol β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 24 Apr 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Value Consciousness Aesthetics Beauty
  1. Intrinsic value is value something has for its own sake, like pleasure or achievement, while instrumental value is value something has as a means to an end, like money.
  2. Consciousness is considered instrumentally valuable as it is a prerequisite for many intrinsically valuable things like forming relationships, feeling happiness, and experiencing beauty.
  3. The aesthetic value of consciousness lies in its beauty and the wonder it inspires, as it is seen as sublime and intricately mysterious.

Import AI 338: Consciousness and AI; self-improving language models; maps of thought.

Import AI β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Language Models Consciousness Reinforcement Learning AI Ethics
  1. Facebook introduces Code Llama, large language models specialized for coding, empowering more people with access to AI systems.
  2. DeepMind's Reinforced Self-Training (ReST) allows faster AI model improvement cycles by iteratively tuning models based on human preferences, but overfitting risks need careful management.
  3. Researchers identify key indicators from studies on human and animal consciousness to guide evaluation of AI's potential consciousness, stressing the importance of caution and a theory-heavy approach.

What is a Visionary?

The Joyous Struggle β€’ 533 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Future Consciousness Humanity Transformation
  1. Visionaries see the future and offer direction, often through inspiring ideas and stories.
  2. Visionaries work to bring new worlds into being through language and action, shaping collective perception.
  3. Today's visionaries need to address challenges in a digital and planetary context, inspiring viable and desirable futures through qualities like fluency in different realities, questioning paradigms, and envisioning transformative struggles.

The Spreading Cracks in the Facade of Reality

Charles Eisenstein β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Consciousness Reality Narrative Perception Metaphysics
  1. Reality is shaped by narratives and stories. How we view the world and share those views can change what's possible.
  2. Many conspiracy theories are messy and can't all be true, leading to confusion. Understanding the truth will take time as these ideas mix and clash.
  3. Our choices and feelings shape the future. Positive actions and emotions can lead to a better outcome, while negative ones can bring harm.
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Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe β€’ 723 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Science Metaphysics Atheism Consciousness
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.

Consciousness is Organic - redux

Field Guide to the Anthropocene β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness Climate Evolution Biodiversity Ecology
  1. Consciousness is organic - a reminder that our minds are intertwined with the natural world, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the environment.
  2. The concept of planetary intelligence explores the collective knowledge and responsibility of civilizations on a global scale, urging a shift towards more mindful and balanced technological growth.
  3. The human mind is identified as a key threat in the Anthropocene era, highlighting the necessity for self-improvement to address the planet's pressing issues.

Optimistic Reports on God and the Soul

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Dualism Immortality Consciousness
  1. The discussion on consciousness has shifted towards panpsychism as a middle ground between materialism and dualism.
  2. There is a resurgence in interest in dualism and theism as explanatory options for minds and the cosmos.
  3. Recent works defend substance dualism and point to the ongoing decline of interest in physicalism, emphasizing the importance of souls and God in understanding consciousness and the universe.

Cultivating Consciousness at Work With Former Head of Mindfulness At LinkedIn Scott Schute

Consciousness ∞ The Doorway to Human Evolution β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Mindfulness Workplace Community Self-discovery
  1. Integrating consciousness in the business world can lead to personal growth and benefit society.
  2. Bringing mindfulness into the workplace can improve business outcomes.
  3. There is a growing intersection between consciousness and business, with more innovations expected in the future.

The Dance of Light and Dark

Clinsights β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 20 Apr 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Consciousness Truth Enlightenment
  1. Combining all colors of light creates white, while combining paint colors makes black.
  2. The dance of energy and matter in the universe is a constant transformation from light to dark and back.
  3. While our bodies return to chaos, our minds and consciousness trend towards increasing order and light.

The Mystery of Consciousness

startupdreams β€’ 741 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness Free will Neuroscience Quantum physics
  1. Debate exists on whether the human brain operates like a finite state machine with predictable outputs based on inputs
  2. The concept of free will raises questions about human behavior being entirely predictable or not
  3. Exploring theories like the Quantum Mind suggests that consciousness may operate on a quantum level, intertwining with physics

Intrinsic Primacy: Consciousness, the Impetus of Man

Holodoxa β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness Neuroscience Philosophy Emergence
  1. Our consciousness and internal thoughts are essential to our human experience, leading to the question of where they originate in the brain.
  2. Neuroscience faces challenges in understanding consciousness, with the field needing a new paradigm to address the relationship between brain function and conscious experience.
  3. Different perspectives, such as intrinsic introspection and extrinsic scientific observation, have evolved through history, shaping how we view the world and ourselves.

The Case for Embracing A "Choose Your Own Adventure" Philosophy

America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng) β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Peace Individuality Diversity Free will Consciousness
  1. Embracing a 'choose your own adventure' philosophy promotes acknowledging and appreciating differences.
  2. Allowing people to choose their own paths leads to self-organization without the need for central planning.
  3. Celebrating diverse ways of living can create a more peaceful and flourishing future.

Evolving Beyond Determinism

Holodoxa β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness Evolution Free will Neuroscience Philosophy
  1. Consciousness and free will are gaining scholarly attention, moving beyond being considered intellectual backwaters.
  2. There is a growing interest in naturalistic explanations of the human mind, relying on science rather than mystical or religious beliefs.
  3. The book 'Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will' by Kevin J. Mitchell offers a scientific defense of free will against determinism, emphasizing the role of conscious experience in guiding human behavior.

Build rituals, not habits

Insight Axis β€’ 217 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jul 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Rituals Habits Intention Consciousness Mindfulness
  1. Building rituals is more impactful than building habits. Rituals carry conscious intention and awareness, making them more potent than habits.
  2. Ritualizing technical work, like coding or mathematics, can improve focus and clarity. Slowing down and being intentional in these tasks can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Debunk the belief that intentional actions are effortful. Being fully present in your activities, from the mundane to the complex, can bring aliveness without strain.

Is Ketamine Psychedelic?

Tripsitter β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Psychedelics Neurochemistry Mental health Therapy Consciousness
  1. The definition of what makes a substance psychedelic is changing, with ketamine now being considered part of the psychedelic therapy.
  2. The debate over whether ketamine is psychedelic focuses on the chemistry/pharmacology versus subjective experience of the drug.
  3. Ketamine induces mind-revealing states through its unique impact on the brain, even though it doesn't directly target the 5HT2A serotonin receptors like classical psychedelics.

Flying After Our Wings Have Been Cut Bleeding Off

Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Healing Ancestry Consciousness Personal Growth Freedom
  1. Healing from our past pain helps us regain control of our lives. When we carry unprocessed hurt, it makes us more vulnerable to outside influences.
  2. Recognizing that everyone struggles with their own pain can help us be more understanding. Instead of judging others, we can see them as people trying to navigate their challenges.
  3. It's time for us to remember our strength and take back our freedom. By focusing on healing ourselves and our past, we can rise above what holds us down.

Thinking the Unthinkable

What's Important? β€’ 65 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Consciousness Integration Science Society
  1. Many people are feeling confused because our traditional ways of thinking, especially in politics and economics, aren't working anymore. This is showing us that we might need to change how we relate to each other and the world.
  2. Our brains tend to focus too much on logic and separation, which keeps us from seeing the bigger picture. Connecting more with our emotions and understanding the interconnectedness of life can help us navigate this complex world.
  3. As we become more in tune with ourselves and others, we might discover new abilities and deeper relationships. Embracing love and connection can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

To Oblivion & Back: Exploring The Benefits of Psychedelic-Induced Ego Death

Tripsitter β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Psychedelics Shadow work Mental health Consciousness
  1. Ego dissolution through psychedelics offers a different, empathetic perspective and helps confront the delusions and distractions created by the ego.
  2. Psychedelics can induce ego death by suppressing the default mode network, leading to defragmentation of rigid thoughts and allowing new insights and beliefs to emerge.
  3. Understanding the ego's components, biases, and impact on our view of the world can lead to seeking ego dissolution for a more fulfilling, present, and connected life.

Dialogues on Psychophysical Harmony, Part 1

Going Awol β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Theism Naturalism Consciousness Harmony
  1. Psychophysical harmony is the observation that our mental states match up with the external, physical world in rationally appropriate ways.
  2. The existence of psychophysical laws, like gravity, governs the relationship between mental states and physical states, leading to harmony.
  3. On naturalism, the surprising nature of psychophysical harmony provides evidence against naturalism and potentially in favor of the theory that God exists.

The Black Swans are Overhead

What's Important? β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 26 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Consciousness Spirituality
  1. Black swan events are unexpected occurrences that have never happened before. They can significantly impact our world in surprising ways.
  2. There's a growing belief that non-human intelligence might be trying to help humanity avoid self-destruction with technology. This raises questions about what we could learn from it.
  3. The concept of collective consciousness, driven by love and self-awareness, is becoming more important. This idea suggests we are evolving and learning from our experiences together.

Madness, Fire, and Prophecy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Religion Spiritual growth Consciousness Mysticism
  1. The current state of the world feels chaotic, with misinformation spreading and leaders making false claims. This can create confusion and danger during crises.
  2. Change is happening, and many believe it’s a transformational time. It's an opportunity to discover deeper truths and connect more with ourselves and each other.
  3. Understanding that we are all part of a larger consciousness can help us move past ego and separation. Recognizing our unity might lead to a more compassionate and loving world.

Inside The Telepathy Tapes

What's Important? β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 25
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Consciousness Research Methods
  1. The Telepathy Tapes suggests that some non-speaking autistic children may have psychic abilities like telepathy. This idea challenges traditional views of science and consciousness.
  2. While the podcast may present intriguing cases, it is not a formal scientific study, and the findings need more thorough investigation to be validated.
  3. Many people find the messages from the children in The Telepathy Tapes align with spiritual beliefs, sparking a broader discussion about the nature of consciousness and human connection.

My chat session with Inflection's PI

Top Carbon Chauvinist β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Philosophy Innovation Consciousness Ethics
  1. Machines struggle to truly understand human concepts like referents because their understanding is based on patterns, not genuine comprehension.
  2. There is a strong belief that artificial consciousness is impossible due to the differences between designed machines and biological organisms, which have unique qualities like agency.
  3. Philosophers argue that consciousness involves subjective experience that machines, being designed and programmed, cannot replicate.

The Cave of Consensus is Collapsing

What's Important? β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Consciousness Spirituality Wisdom Reality Transformation
  1. The Cave of Consensus is where we learn common knowledge safely. However, focusing only on known facts can limit our growth.
  2. Outside this cave lies the Cavern of Consciousness, where we explore deeper topics like spirituality and the unknown. This space can be intimidating but also incredibly transformative.
  3. Leaving the Cave allows us to see everything differently and tap into our creativity. It's a space full of potential and freedom, unlike the restrictions of the Cave.

(7.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY III - ON WORK ON ONESELF - pp.25-29

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Consciousness Teachings
  1. Work on oneself should start today, as each day reflects one's life - change requires active effort on a daily basis.
  2. Circumscribe practical self-work to the present day, focusing on observing and changing reactions to daily events.
  3. Insulate oneself from external influences to foster inner growth and development, especially in challenging times like war.

Beyond the Soul: Rethinking Human Exceptionalism in the AI Era

The Future of Life β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Humanity Consciousness Philosophy Ethics
  1. Our belief in human uniqueness might be a mistake since AI can replicate many skills we thought were exclusive to humans. This includes things like problem-solving and creativity.
  2. The idea that only humans can be intelligent doesn’t hold up because AI is learning to do things traditionally seen as uniquely human. We shouldn't feel threatened by this; it could help us understand intelligence better.
  3. Focusing on what makes us special should include AI's advances, not push them away. Embracing AI can help us tackle problems together and enrich our understanding of intelligence.

Can We Break the Spell?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Psychedelics Human nature Society Consciousness Reality
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A Dream in Search of its Ego

Boltzmann Soul β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Consciousness Existence
  1. The concept of Boltzmann brain suggests that a brain could randomly form from universe fluctuations.
  2. The idea that all phenomena could be the universe's attempt to understand itself sparks intriguing parallels with various philosophies.
  3. Exploration of topics like technology, science, wine, and finance can lead to uncovering wonders in seemingly random subjects.

Guardians of the Spirit Molecule: DMT Entities

Tripsitter β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Psychedelics Consciousness Research Metaphysics
  1. DMT entities are mysterious humanoid creatures that appear in psychedelic experiences on large doses of DMT.
  2. There are various theories about the origins of DMT entities, with explanations ranging from extraterrestrial communication to manifestations of the collective unconscious.
  3. DMT entities are reported to have a significant impact on individuals, with encounters often leading to emotional responses, positive interpretations, and lasting improvements in well-being.