Unearned Wisdom

The Mind Possessed - Religious Experiences and Brain Mechanisms

"The Mind Possessed" explores the phenomenon of possession through various cultural and historical lenses, examining how altered states of consciousness are induced and interpreted. We discuss these states as it relates to the psychological and physiological mechanisms. Also, exploring how these states relates to social media and modern times.

The Elephant and the Blind by Thomas Metzinger - Book Review

I found this book to be a thought-provoking exploration of pure awareness and its implications for human consciousness. Metzinger's approach is both philosophical and empirical, drawing on a wide range of sources to provide a nuanced understanding of MPE. The book raises many important questions about the nature of self, the role of consciousness in the universe, and the ethical challenges of mind-altering technologies. I was particularly interested in Metzinger's discussion of the "contraction principle," which describes how the subpersonal property of phenomenality is misrepresented by the brain as the personal property of selfhood. I also found his concept of "epistemic openness" to be helpful in understanding the experience of pure awareness. Overall, I believe that this book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of consciousness. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy of mind, contemplative practices, or the future of artificial intelligence.

A Headless Way - A Poem

Seeing Reality as It Is: The Headless Way's experiments are designed to help individuals see reality without the filter of their personal narratives or conditioned views. This is akin to the Zen emphasis on seeing one's original nature or experiencing reality without delusions. - Study the image

Be Wary of Mind Killing - A Poem

The poem "Be Wary of Mind Killing" highlights the dangers of polarization - reduction - seduction - framing - and marginalization of thoughts and beliefs in our society. I see this poem as a warning to individuals to be conscious of their thoughts and beliefs and resist the attempts of those in power to control and manipulate them. Polarization - for example - divides communities and individuals into opposing camps and erodes our ability to empathize and understand the nuances of complex issues. Seduction persuades us to relinquish our autonomy and follow a predetermined path that may ultimately lead to our demise. The poem calls us to keep an open mind - to embrace our unique selves and our diverse communities. The power of resistance lies in our ability to recognize the threats to our freedom and autonomy and to assert our right to think - feel and act as individuals. Ultimately - the poem prompts us to live a life that is our own - guided by our own values and beliefs - and not by the whims of others.

Become Who You Are - A Poem

As the author of this poem - I believe that "Become Who You Are" speaks to the idea of individuality and self - determination. The poem highlights the struggles that come with thinking for oneself and living life by one's own standards. Society often pressures individuals to conform - and those who choose to break from tradition and create their own path can face judgment and anger from others. - The poem emphasizes the importance of self - control and the ability to command oneself. Without it - we may find ourselves at the mercy of other people's whims and desires. On the other hand - those who possess self - control and can obey their own moral code find true wealth and satisfaction in life. - The poem also suggests that truth is often found in simplicity. By focusing on our own actions and living a life with integrity - we achieve a wisdom that transcends the fickle opinions of others. In short - the poem encourages us to become the best version of ourselves - to take ownership of our lives - and to find joy in simplicity.