Donald Hoffman - Consciousness, Mysteries Beyond Spacetime, and Waking up from the Dream of Life

[@teddyjackson1902]

What’s fascinating to me is the deeper we get into comprehending the nature of reality, the more grains of ancient philosophy and spiritualism become relevant. People have sensed these realities without mathematical or scientific proof for thousands of years.

[@adambartlett6277]

Exactly. I think the ancients had a much better understanding of reality than we do and we're only just starting to catch up

[@theoryfish3491]

The true genius of the Hoff is his empathy. He is acutely aware of when his field of study flies so far above the average viewer, it actually makes him uncomfortable, so he manages to bring at least a part of it back down to earth and delivers a kernel of 'ah hah!'. At least to the people with no scientific background (like me) who are still totally fascinated with how he views 'reality'. Respect Don. Respect.

[@kayakMike1000]

You're simping on a dude who discovered that which was known 2300 years ago.

[@jenninotmany7060]

Everyone deserves to comment politely without being insulted for their thoughts despite online trend to the contrary . Simping ? Bit rough.

[@PNNYRFACE]

Somebody needs a hug

[@TheWorldTeacher]

Idealism: Metaphysical Idealism is the view that the objective, phenomenal world is the product of an IDEATION of the mind, whether that be the individual, discrete mind of a personal subject, or otherwise that of a Universal Conscious Mind (often case, a Supreme Deity), or perhaps more plausibly, in the latter form of Idealism, Impersonal Universal Consciousness Itself (“Nirguna Brahman”, in Sanskrit). The former variety of Idealism (that the external world is merely the product of an individual mind) seems to be a form of solipsism. The latter kind of Idealism is far more plausible, yet it reduces the objective world to nothing but a figment in the “Mind of God”. Thus, BOTH these forms of Idealism can be used to justify all kinds of immoral behaviour, on the premise that life is just a sort of dream in the mind of an individual human, or else in the consciousness of the Universal Mind, and therefore, any action that is deemed by society to be immoral takes place purely in the imagination (and of course, those who favour this philosophy rarely speak of how non-human animals fit into this metaphysical world-view, at least under the former kind of Idealism, subjective Idealism). Idealism (especially Monistic Idealism), is invariably the metaphysical position proffered by neo-advaita teachers outside of India (Bhārata), almost definitely due to the promulgation of the teachings in the West of Indian (so-called) “gurus” such as Mister Venkataraman Iyer (normally referred to by his assumed name, Ramana Maharshi). See the Glossary entry “neo-advaita”. This may explain why such (bogus) teachers use the terms “Consciousness” and/or “Awareness”, instead of the Vedantic Sanskrit word “Brahman”, since with “Brahman” there is ultimately no distinction between matter and spirit (i.e. the object-subject duality). At the risk of sounding facetious, anyone can dress themselves in a white robe and go before a camera or a live audience and repeat the words “Consciousness” and “Awareness” ad-infinitum and it would seem INDISTINGUISHABLE from the so called “satsangs” (a Sanskrit term that refers to a guru preaching to a gathering of spiritual seekers) of those fools who belong to the cult of neo-advaita. Although it may seem that in a couple of places in this treatise, that a form of Monistic Idealism is presented to the reader, the metaphysical view postulated here is, in fact, a form of neutral monism known as “decompositional dual-aspect monism” (“advaita”, in Sanskrit), and is a far more complete perspective than the immaterialism proposed by Idealism, and is the one realized and taught by the most enlightened sages throughout history, especially in the most “SPIRITUAL” piece of land on earth, Bhārata. Cf. “monism”. N.B. The Idealism referred to in the above definition (and in the body of this book) is metaphysical Idealism, not the ethical or political idealism often mentioned in public discourse (e.g. “I believe everyone in society ought to be given a basic income”). Therefore, to distinguish between sociological idealism and philosophical Idealism, the initial letter of the latter term is CAPITALIZED.

[@judithmcdonald9001]

I have been fortunate to have taken several teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is trained not only in a wide breadth of teachings on his subject, but also in how to teach to the three levels of listeners at the same time. it is an enviable talent. I got in trouble one time by saying someone wasn't a good teacher. I didn't mean he wasn't a kind, thoughtful and learned person, but that he hadn't learned how to put teachings into the minds of the listener. I, obviously, was the least skillful of all!!

[@javadhashtroudian5740]

In1967 I was a radical materialist Atheist until I heard of LSD-25 in a scientific seminar. After ingesting 100mcgm of pure Sandoz I had an experience that I could only verbalize as coming face to face with god. I also thought that reality was a feely from Brave New World (VR in today's technology). After much more science, software engineering, AI, philosophy, meditation, about 20 psychedelic experiences in that 57 years I'm now an adherent of Advaita Vedanta. Consciousness is primary. Your theories are wonderful and give us more clues about the hard problem of matter (how come objects persist in waking lucid dream) Thank you very much. Tat Tuam Asi.

[@tom-kz9pb]

I will never trust spiritual wisdom from a chemical so much as I suspect a drug producing powerful effects of fantasy on a human brain.

[@PEM-zt5rd]

LSD is one hell of a drug. God damn

[@frun]

Advaita teaches us, that there is only one consciousness kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mTdmSmZZeln5Y

[@egglion7931]

Ishvara Gita has been very insightful to me

[@hydrorix1]

I would give anything to get my hands on some real Sandoz! BTW, do you know why it is LSD and not LAD?

[@tiffanyjoleenbowserdimeco6294]

This is such a beautiful discussion. It really illuminates a famous statement from Christ “You are the light of the world “…. We don’t HAVE consciousness… we ARE consciousness. The one consciousness playing all the parts. The amazing thing is… when your mind is “Still”… and you aren’t aware of your personal sense of self… you are deeply at peace. “The peace that passeth ALL understanding”. Thank you 🙏🏽 for this gem.❤️

[@brandoncornwell52]

Professor Hoffman is taking, and I’m not presuming that there’s no basis for it, the most difficult position on this matter and I applaud his boldness, his creativity and honestly, his optimism. I personally hope that he is proven correct, that there is no physical basis, no substrate. That is a much more exciting and open-ended, and I would argue that the position actually sets the stage of reality as a mind-blowing and perhaps bottomless mystery. The discussion of TOE, left me even more stunned. The ego of the scientific community (human ego universally appears the same) would argue this assertion. After all, the physics community had the nerve to propose ‘a theory of everything’ to begin with, so they will stick with a traditional, physical fundamental foundation for reality. There will be a powerful push-back. I am astounded. Great video. I never imagined that Reason would ever open its eyes and see fundamental reality. At the same time, there is no doorway into the fundamentals of consciousness that doesn’t demand that we use the entryway of reason- otherwise you will lose your mind and adversely harm health. Professor Hoffman is experiencing this right now, but his reason may preserve him. Excellent video

[@kh9242]

The scientific consensus is that space-time exists independently of perception. The physical universe, including the fabric of space-time, operates according to laws that do not require an observer. Misinterpretations of quantum mechanics should not be used to make broad claims about the nature of space-time itself

[@auntiethetical]

@@kh9242 The “scientific consensus” is changing.

[@auntiethetical]

Thank you for mentioning the ego of the scientific community and of humanity in general. I have begun to think of this as “anthropic arrogance.” We have an unsupported belief in the importance of our existence. Perhaps that is necessary in order to persist during the triviality of a human lifetime.

[@user-nf79]

16:52 "the brain is merely an icon in our headset, it's not the truth, it has NO CAUSAL POWER"🔥🔥🔥! Exactly Prof. Hoffman! The 'heart' (in the metaphysical sense) is what is fundamental. And it is only through the heart that Reality as it truly Is can be accessed.... That's why all ancient/timeless spiritual practises stress the need for the constant purification of the heart, and mind, non attachment to the World (as it's not the Ultimate Reality), and so forth.... ✨🕊️❤️

[@panmigacz3121]

I found the pun in the end of Your text very funny and accurate, sir 😊

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Doubtless this appeared on my KZbin feed because of the many videos I've been watching on Dzogchen, the non-dual tradition of Buddhism. It is called the Great Perfection. They have been exploring this question for over a thousand years and from what I've absorbed of that exploration, Professor Hoffman has come to the same conclusion. We are riding a wave of energy and our response to everything is influenced by the human body that carries us and the lifetime of experiences we've had that impact perception. And it all is unfolding within awareness. We live in our skin and carry our karma but really are dancing with the energy of the universe. I've found especially helpful videos by James Low who began his journey hitchhiking from Scotland to India during his summer breaks in the 1960's. He has 800 videos on his KZbin channel.

[@specialeeffexx]

Thanks for the recommendation! ❤

[@Find-Your-Bliss-]

Thanks! I’m interested in consciousness since my first LSD experience in 1972. Wild ride!

[@danielbrigham3233]

Phases patterns movement moments, end now?

[@thinkingcitizen]

Advaita Vedanta and Zogchen ❤

[@myfemax]

The world as a simulation, what the ancient traditions have been saying for millennia

[@FlorisV82]

Might be one of the clearest expositions of his thoughts I have seen so far. Perhaps even more so than in his book. Thanks for this!

[@drmoe1953]

I agree. Best summary of his multiple interrelated subjects I have seen.

[@johnramirez5032]

What if we are neurons in a brain of the universe. How dies anything exist ? How does it know what to do? Where is all the information it gets to exist? I think everything in the universe is concious . Aka God. Two tiny parts of a human explosion into a mini big bang or there own. 9 months later we inter to the world and we look around and become a part of the whole. 99.9 percent of all species that ever inhabited the earth are gone. Why are we here ? We are part of a whole.

[@misspippi8788]

I totally agree! The interview was absolutely wonderful as well.

[@frankayala3718]

@@drmoe1953poppooppppppppplppplpp

[@chrisjarmain]

Hoffman and his perspective towards the end as to why conciseness exists, it is rather similar to the perspective held by the late Alan Watts. Much in the idea that there is conciseness, each sentient being has its own perspective, but each and every conscious being shares the same conciseness in and of itself. My own perspective (however true) is that conciseness and everything that is considered as 'other' than myself is also myself. In Alan Watts' own words, you are the universe experiencing itself.

[@PaganMinn]

I love Alan Watts.

[@heatherstrigens258]

I seem to have a much more comfortable way of understanding Alan Watts. So if what Mr Hoffmann is saying is more or less equivalent to the teachings of AW, then I understand. So thanks for your comment!🕊️

[@deanayer3822]

This video ends with an Alan Watts summation - I completely agree.

[@theuniques1199]

Alan Watts said "the answer is always who's asking the question" which means if you're asking the question what is reality it's actually you as reality asking the question. Right now and the knowledge of right now is eternity therefore right now is always dreaming itself as a physical sense of itself right now. That's why Alan Watts said what happens once always happens once because right now is always dreaming itself as this same exact physical sense of itself right now, right now never changes itself as a reproductive state right now.

[@InfiniteRadius]

From my experience as a non-mathematically gifted human, I really do feel Prof. Hoffman is totally on the right track. If you can understand his insight, then it should be apparent that we live in a highly personal reality.. ~ Know this, you are immortal, deeply loved and revered. We are all One, we give from ourselves to ourselves ~ And once you know this, what does that mean in your current life and your relationships to everything else? This understanding brings on another whole dimension of living in this body and circumstance. Love to you all in your endeavours ❤

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

If we are immortal………….what comes next ?

[@mrkeopele]

you are god

[@evilo2178]

Mr. Hoffman, you have absolutely hit the nail directly on the head when explaining what cautiousness is and what it is doing and by extension what we are doing here. I just wanted to let you know that you explain things very well. These are concepts that attempted to convey to others before but when you're up ready to hear them, you don't have the ears to hear them

[@tobyw9573]

I assume that spellcheck has changed "consciousness" to "cautiousness" above. ???

[@gummotheclown4388]

‘Consciousness’ bro it’s CONCIOUSNESS.

[@panmigacz3121]

​@@tobyw9573he should be more cautious 😂

[@EvaM222]

Don, you are brilliantly building a bridge between science and spirituality! I wish I had a recent PhD in algebraic geometry. It would be awesome to work with you. BTW: mysticism should be recognized as a legitimate tool in science because The Reality is ultimately mystical.

[@James-ll3jb]

Then a Ph.D in algebraic geometry is a waste of time.😅

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

Information is available to everyone. How much of that information any one person knows does not justify authority in/of that information.

[@James-ll3jb]

@@rafaelgonzalez4175 Why not?

[@judithmcdonald9001]

@@James-ll3jb Well that depends. I sure wish I'd studied geometry every time I start to build something!!! your statement sounds like there is an ultimate use of time that will give basis for reality and for what end? Every moment counts..

[@James-ll3jb]

@@judithmcdonald9001 Nothing in my statement implies otherwise. Have you ever read "Zorba the Greek"?

[@brendafosmire6519]

Hoffman is a brave man to follow the science so deeply that ‘academic accepted science’ falls apart. He has followed a level of truth so deep that knowing falls apart.

[@SW-jt3sl]

Prof Hoffman is fascinating listening

[@ajR_tv]

What he is saying is absolutely beautiful. I hope there is more scientific research into this and FAST, like when the atomic bombs were created, FUNDING NOW! The world needs this after such horrific atrocities. This is unity, imagine what we could create and discover together again.

[@kayakMike1000]

Sigh... His ideas are untestable and what use do they have? It sounds like a solution trying to solve what the Buddhists figured out 2300 years ago.

[@kayakMike1000]

I wouldn't call much of what he does science. It's woo woo.

[@kayakMike1000]

Not saying anything we haven't heard before. Plato's allegory of the cave comes to mind. Though, in that idea, the shadows on the wall were created by something real.

[@frankr.6578]

Besides the insights he affords and delivers, what fascinates me most about Donald is his humble crystal-clear devotion. Thank you, Donald!

[@awen777]

I remember when the world came together for me for the first time. It was at my grandmothers and she had a farm. She had just finished making a cake for my first birthday. I remember being lifted up and she smelled of baked bread and flour. She walked holding me to the porch outside around mid afternoon and set me down next to the cake. I was dazzled by the intensity of the sun after being in the shaded kitchen and lost my balance. I stuck out my hand to catch myself and put it right into the butter frosting cake. Everyone laughed. When I told them this years later they agreed it all happened as I remembered it. Somehow in those moments my consciousness came together and formed a small but complete world. It was a defining moment.

[@nagodio]

I was meditating and when i came out of it. I came to the realization the interconnectedness of all things in the universe by comparing it to a vast organism. In this analogy, the universe functions akin to a living being, with Earth representing a tiny yet integral cell within its grand body. Just as cells work together to sustain the health of a body, humanity plays a role in maintaining the equilibrium of the universe. This perspective highlights the interdependence of all life forms and emphasizes our responsibility in nurturing the harmony of the cosmic order. It's a captivating way to contemplate our existence within the vastness of the cosmos and our interconnectedness with something greater than ourselves. In this metaphorical framework, the concept of cancer could be likened to destructive forces such as Hitler and wars, which threaten to disrupt the harmony of the cosmic order. Just as cancerous cells endanger the health of an organism, these destructive forces jeopardize the balance and well-being of the universe. Humanity's struggle against such destructive forces mirrors the body's immune response to combat cancer, working diligently to prevent them from overpowering and harming the larger whole. It underscores our collective effort to preserve the integrity and vitality of the cosmic order, ensuring that harmony prevails over discord.

[@judithmcdonald9001]

Well put. And what about slime mold? LOL

[@lauramapani3627]

Interesting....ive been thinking about this. Glad to know someone else is thinking the same too

[@margad-erdeneamgalanbaatar5028]

nice ai comment

[@tiffanyattenborough8784]

I like this concept.. Well said

[@alligatorsarecoming78]

This is what i learned on mushrooms.

[@salmanuel4053]

I have watched more than a score of Hoffman interviews but this one caught him in a particularly expressive and informative state. Notions of "a mathematical theory of consciousness" would seem tame if you imagined a mere neural-net exercise. From Donald Hoffman, it means to "look outside of spacetime" to a rarefied realm where mathematical objects stand staring at us like silent Obelisks, a realm without substrates where "consciousness is fundamental." He is both challenging and entertaining.

[@peterbroderson6080]

The moment a particle is a wave; it has to be a conscious wave! Nicola Tesla states, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration” Gravity is the conscious attraction among waves to create the illusion of particles, and creates our experience-able Universe. Max Planck states: "Consciousness is fundamental and matter is derived from Consciousness". Life is the Infinite Consciousness, experiencing the Infinite Possibilities, Infinitely. We are "It", experiencing our infinite possibilities in our finite moment. Our job is to make it interesting!

[@James-ll3jb]

B.S.😅

[@charlesgallagher1376]

Wave breaks down to particle when encountered with a receiver.

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

Wave function communication. Consciousness. The ability to travel faster than light wave function. The field is around the photon. The field arrives before the photon. The wave function is inside the field.

[@adon2424]

To us, the wave function is just math, a tool, probabilities. This is because we do not have very, very. small, sterile, and precise detectors to isolate and investigate the characteristics of a single wave function "particle " at the quantum environment. The best that we can do is investigate with statistical probability, which we call the "wave function." Entities which prefer to exist as a wave, have all capabilities to utilize all the features of their wave function existence. We do not because we are physical. We do not even comprehend it. It breaks down, and let's us know that we are not the proper entity to interface with the "wave function" relating to existence as a field.

[@James-ll3jb]

@@adon2424 How can an entity e.g. a particle "prefer to be a wave" if it is not a conscious agent?

[@Death0fM]

No system can fully model itself, just as water cannot raise above its own level. I deeply appreciate how this perspective is complicit with easily observable patterns/ deductible laws in our reality

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

Listen to niwapatha thero sermans unbelievable

[@marcobiagini1878]

I am a physicist and I will explain why our scientific knowledge refutes the idea that consciousness is generated by the brain and that the origin of our mental experiences is physical/biological . My argument proves that the fragmentary structure of brain processes implies that brain processes are not a sufficient condition for the existence of consciousness, which existence implies the existence in us of an indivisible unphysical element, which is usually called soul or spirit (in my youtube channel you can find a video with more detailed explanations). I also argue that all emergent properties are subjective cognitive contructs used to approximately describe underlying physical processes, and that these descriptions refer only to mind-dependent entities. Consciousness, being implied by these cognitive contructs, cannot itself be an emergent property. Preliminary considerations: the concept of set refers to something that has an intrinsically conceptual and subjective nature and implies the arbitrary choice of determining which elements are to be included in the set; what exists objectively are only the single elements. In fact, when we define a set, it is like drawing an imaginary line that separates some elements from all the other elements; obviously this imaginary line does not exist physically, independently of our mind, and therefore any set is just an abstract and subjective cognitive construct and not a physical entity and so are all its properties. Similar considerations can be made for a sequence of elementary processes; sequence is a subjective and abstract concept. Mental experience is a precondition for the existence of subjectivity/arbitrariness and cognitive constructs, therefore mental experience cannot itself be a cognitive construct; obviously we can conceive the concept of consciousness, but the concept of consciousness is not actual consciousness. (With the word consciousness I do not refer to self-awareness, but to the property of being conscious= having a mental experiences such as sensations, emotions, thoughts, memories and even dreams). From the above considerations it follows that only indivisible elements may exist objectively and independently of consciousness, and consequently the only logically coherent and significant statement is that consciousness exists as a property of an indivisible element. Furthermore, this indivisible entity must interact globally with brain processes because we know that there is a correlation between brain processes and consciousness. This indivisible entity is not physical, since according to the laws of physics, there is no physical entity with such properties; therefore this indivisible entity can be identified with what is traditionally called soul or spirit. The soul is the missing element that interprets globally the distinct elementary physical processes occurring at separate points in the brain as a unified mental experience. Some clarifications. The brain doesn't objectively and physically exist as a mind-independent entity since we create the concept of the brain by separating an arbitrarily chosen group of quantum particles from everything else. This separation is not done on the basis of the laws of physics, but using addictional subjective criteria, independent of the laws of physics; actually there is a continuous exchange of molecules with the blood and when and how such molecules start and stop being part of the brain is decided arbitrarily. Brain processes consist of many parallel sequences of ordinary elementary physical processes occurring at separate points. There is no direct connection between the separate points in the brain and such connections are just a subjective abstractions used to approximately describe sequences of many distinct physical processes. Indeed, considering consciousness as a property of an entire sequence of elementary processes implies the arbitrary definition of the entire sequence; the entire sequence as a whole (and therefore every function/property/capacity attributed to the brain) is a subjective abstraction that does not refer to any mind-independendent reality. Physicalism/naturalism is based on the belief that consciousness is an emergent property of the brain. However, an emergent property is defined as a property that is possessed by a set of elements that its individual components do not possess; my arguments prove that this definition implies that emergent properties are only subjective cognitive constructs and therefore, consciousness cannot be an emergent property. Actually, all the alleged emergent properties are just simplified and approximate descriptions or subjective/arbitrary classifications of underlying physical processes or properties, which are described directly by the fundamental laws of physics alone, without involving any emergent properties (arbitrariness/subjectivity is involved when more than one option is possible; in this case, more than one possible description). An approximate description is only an abstract idea, and no actual entity exists per se corresponding to that approximate description, simply because an actual entity is exactly what it is and not an approximation of itself. What physically exists are the underlying physical processes. Emergence is nothing more than a cognitive construct that is applied to physical phenomena, and cognition itself can only come from a mind; thus emergence can never explain mental experience as, by itself, it implies mental experience. My approach is scientific and is based on our scientific knowledge of the physical processes that occur in the brain; my arguments prove that such scientific knowledge excludes the possibility that the physical processes that occur in the brain could be a sufficient condition for the existence of consciousness. Marco Biagini

[@owaisahmad7841]

I wish I could read your brilliant comment separately in pdf.

[@NondescriptMammal]

If your argument only proves that "the fragmentary structure of brain processes implies that brain processes are not a sufficient condition for the existence of consciousness", then it has not refuted anything... Because to prove that X implies Y only proves that X strongly suggests the likelihood of Y being true. Therefore nothing has been conclusively proven, other than the implication itself. And because nothing has been proven beyond an implication... which is not the same as a factual conclusion, or an indisputable truth... neither has anything been refuted.

[@NondescriptMammal]

At best, the conclusion reached by your argument can only be stated as: Our scientific knowledge strongly suggests the incorrectness of the idea that "consciousness is generated by the brain and that the origin of our mental experiences is physical/biological". To imply a claim is insufficient to prove that claim. To imply something is to strongly suggest its likelihood, whereas to prove something is to establish its certainty. To imply a claim is to admit the possibility that the claim might be incorrect. And even that would depend on the rigorous validation of the argument, and the argument itself contains at least one statement where a subordinate claim is also only implied, as opposed to being a logical consequence deduced from the preceding statement.

[@caspera1844]

Emergent properties aren't just concepts , they are directly related to physics and reality. Therefore your argument is faulty. Take for instance a crystalline structure, on the tiniest order it is composed of single atoms or molecules but in conjunction and with certain patterns (systems) on the larger scale we have special or new properties, or compared to a different phase of that matter too. Or take ant colonies, a single ant obviously can't produce the complex architecture the colony builds. Much much more examples of emergent properties. Planes, cells and the human body, planets, meteorology, fluid dynamics etc. There is absolutely no reason it doesn't also go for consciousness. And you certainly don't give a good argument.

[@marcobiagini1878]

@@caspera1844 All of your examples conforms my point; emergennt properties are just sunjective and abstract concepts or subjective classifications of underlying physical processes or properties, which are described directly by the fundamental laws of physics alone, without involving any emergent properties. Emergence is nothing more than a cognitive construct applied to physical phenomena, and cognition itself can only come from a mind; thus emergence can never explain mental experience since, in itself, it implies mental experience. By the way, claiming that consciousness emerges from physical processes without ever providing the beginning of a logically coherent physical explanation of its supposed emergence from physical processes is tantamount to claiming that consciousness magically appears without any explanation and is nothing but nonsense.

[@williamdehaven9125]

I think a Donald Hoffman comes along about every one hundred years.

[@terjes7471]

The intro-statement from Hoffman sounds quite alot like an expression of the perspectives that Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) outlined in his famous Kritik der reinen Vernuft/Critique of pure Reason. Here, as many will know, Space and Time are understood as being Anschauungsformen - Ways/forms of Seeing - that our Consciousness creates and which are a priori (goes before) all and any experience. So, Space and Time are not 'out there', they do not have any physical reality in themselves, but are structures in and of Consciousness

[@jolima]

Exactly! I also thought he should have maybe better read Kant then trying to find “truth” with Darwin

[@ionatanaflamestyle]

Great comment

[@floepiejane]

So... what do we walk through (exist in), and why can we not revisit the past? Space-Time isn't just a form of perception; it is practical as well. Right?

[@nabuk3]

The problem is, that our brains only present an approximation of reality does NOT mean there is no reality. That's patently illogical, not deep or "brilliant" as Hoffman thinks, or so many viewers here buy into. If there is no reality, they neither you nor he nor this video exists. Do you really believe that?

[@ArjunLSen]

@nabuk3 you haven't understood the Hoff at all. Brains are not real either, but also projections of consciousness as are all phenomenal processes including evolution. As such the brain is an evolutionary development designed to filter out anything not conducive to survival in the material environment. But all of this is a highly structured protection of universal consciousness which is the only ontological primitive. Until you have understood how radical the Hoff's position really is you cannot find the relationship between the brain perceptions and 'reality out there'. The fact is, strong objectivity is no longer a compelling view; weak objectivity as a projection of consciousness which determines the states of phenomenal subjects and objects is the compelling view today.

[@innerlight617]

Don Hoffman! i am a fan!

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

Please be kind enough to listen to niwapatha thero sermons unbelievable

[@barbarakane9887]

i love the ideas and the demeanor of Donald Hoffman!

[@wagfinpis]

Hofmann is working on emotional reconciliation with the scientific rabbit hole of his studies. This is very brave and also crucial to productivity. The quality of discovery will be proportionate to the commitment of the whole.

[@backwardthoughts1022]

there is no scientific rabbit hole...there is just good science physicalism is an irrelevant added-on metaphysics of the scientific data. no scientific instrument has ever measured blue, or any other appearance.

[@justicewillprevail1106]

Out if all the scientists and research documentations I've seen, dr. Hoffmann explanation is the best one.

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

No, plz be kind enough to listen to niwapatha thero sermons unbelievable

[@jaroslav6109]

Very much similar to how Buddha is explaining what we are, well actually rather what we are not. Excellent talk

[@AdvaiticOneness1]

More like Advaita vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. Buddhism considers Emptiness as the ultimate reality. Advaita vedanta considers Non-dual Consciousness as the ultimate reality.

[@AdvaiticOneness1]

@@jackroberts416I understand what emptiness is. However, some Buddhists would deny that it is consciousness. The idea of "clear light" or "luminosity" (prabhāsvara) as an aspect of consciousness is more commonly found in later developments within Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna (Tibetan) Buddhism rather than in early Theravāda texts. These conclusions of the ultimate reality as pure consciousness ( chitt/ Chaitanya Jyoti/ sva-prakasha) were already explained by the Hindu philosophers way before any school of Buddhists who reached to this conclusion much lately. I talked about advaita because Donald Hoffman had already did a podcast with Swami Sarvapriyananda an Advaita vedanta monk, where he discussed in deep about the headset analogy and the similarities in the philosophy of vedanta.

[@steveflorida5849]

​@@jackroberts416Jesus speaks of doing the will of God -- God the father. The human personality having a conscious relationship with the universal Spirit.

[@jackroberts416]

​@@steveflorida5849 True.

[@jackroberts416]

​@@steveflorida5849 True

[@chaunceyrash5067]

A great thinker pushing boundaries.

[@dontuttle]

Wow! Who needs caffeine with talks like this.

[@MizJaniceResinArt]

The part where he says space-time is not fundamental therefore an object in space-time cannot be where consciousness arises from...whew. Twisted my brain Right up. I had to stop it, rewind it, relisten, repeat, repeat, repeat. Man! I still can't Quite wrap my mind around the idea...

[@HeavyMetal45]

I get zooted before I listen to Hof

[@VoloBonja]

@@MizJaniceResinArt consciousness can arise from objects that are not fundamental. Why would it be a problem? What really needs explanation is how matter can be created from non-material thing? Hoffman doesn't explain that, at all.

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

I am new to this channel, but adept in Dr. Don Hoffman's therum on reality. If anyone else here is also familiar with Dr. Hoffman's therums, and feels those awkward silences while he continues on about his philosophies and theories, i salute you. We are not really here but we are portals brought together by KZbins odd algorithms.

[@nabuk3]

I assume you are saying this tongue-in-cheek, but you actually make an important point: that if Hoffman is right and there is no reality, then none of us are real, and his video is not real, which kinda defeats the purpose of his doing it and undermines his core thesis.

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

@nabuk3 wow, I am first stunned by this idea. Then speechless, cause holy shit, who saw that coming. Yet after some meditation I have this to offer you respectfully. If most people view this illusion as real and scoff at open thinking, then illusion or not it still has a manifested form to indulge the senses. Therefore, spreading the word, making others aware, the grip on this physical web that binds us, may start to lose its grip. That open minded aspects may be absorbed even if with heavy skepticism. Which i assume you are one of them, due to your mental presence here. Its only natural to be skeptical, when we live in such a poor lie. Yet we have been so socially conditioned to believe and never ask questions, we begin to push back on any ideology that goes against that torture. As science today proves that if we start to think differently, our lives begin to manifest new pathways for us to follow for better survival rewards. This process is known as neural plasticity, and epigenetics. If it is right or wrong, I chose to believe in it with all of my life force. It is much more blissful than this current conglomerate of lies, corruption on a political, religious, infrastructural agendas. My heart can not take the evil anymore, therefore I must make changes to overcome the insanity I see so many endure, including loved ones. Regardless of how you take my rebuttal, I offer you my sincerest gratitude for the exchange and pray for you a life of peace and prosperity to the highest. Be safe my fellow human and know that now we are entangled, we have become one.

[@Wednesday51]

what does it all mean?

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

@Wednesday51 it simply means that we are the controllers of our own world. We can not control anyone else's reality just our own. So if we want to change the world, we must change the way we interpret the world. Be the example.

[@undercoveragent9889]

The claim that consciousness is more fundamental than the material existence of a spacetime environment that can support causality is utterly absurd. In order for a thought to flow, there must be a place from which it can flow 'from' and _another_ place where it can flow 'to' and that flow _must_ occur over 'time'. Take the concept: 'God said, "Let there be light," and there was light and He saw that the light was good.' Clearly, since God's desire to create light preceded the act of _creating_ light and God's appreciation of His creation _must_ have followed His _act_ of creation, even _God's_ 'thoughts' must occur in a spacetime-like environment.In other words, the existence of an environment that can support causality is prerequisite to the existence of a conscious God. 'Consciousness' is a lot like music in that absent a 'space' in which to arrange the instruments and a 'time' over which a performance can unfold. it is utterly devoid of meaning. There is no getting past this obstacle to Hoffman's philosophy. The mere existence of 'consciousness' is the fatal flaw in his entire world-view. Q.E.D.

[@xge555]

Donald is good at getting every angle of the "consciousness is fundamental" with great humility of a true scientist and sensitivity to spiritual aspects.

[@NondescriptMammal]

Wouldn't a "true scientist" be concerned about the fact that his theory has zero empirical or scientific evidence to support it in any convincing way?

[@solararcana88]

​​@@NondescriptMammalyes you are correct but as it is a new field of research it might require a novel approach and the development of new tools of analysis and construct. Also, if this new field of research is aiming to study constructs that are "outside" of the "headset", while all the existing sciences would study constructs that are within the headset, then the tools and research methods that we're familiar with wouldn't be compatible or implementable in the new field. If we can't explain it yet, it doesn't mean we won't be able to understand it later. Also a true scientist should always be curious. That's how things are discovered.

[@NondescriptMammal]

@@solararcana88 Fair enough, you make good points. I appreciate that he has the humility to admit that it is all hypothetical at this point, and that is to his credit as a scientist.

[@waynzwhirled6181]

This is just fantastic. Mesmerizing. I'm not a mathematician nor a physicist, but learned Transcendental Meditation over 45 years ago, so I am no stranger to the exploration of consciousness. I've been listening to Professor Hoffman for the past few years and I'm all in on his work. I absolutely love this stuff.

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

Please be kind enough to listen to niwapatha thero sermons unbelievable

[@tunahelpa5433]

Of all the videos ive watched (i have not watched them all), this is the best explanation from start to finish of Dr Hoffman's theory.

[@donlimuti8659]

Thanks for your post ...It got me to take another go at the video. And I am on board ...This is the best! ...And Thanks to the moderator Naill Mckeever ..... All the best to Donald Hoffman----He is fearless!!!

[@loriedmundson782]

Many thanks to both of you for the interview. Your channel is one of my favorites. Dr. Hoffman is a rock star! ❤❤❤ His theories are so interesting and have helped me heal from past experiences. Also, they have been pivotal in aiding me to construct a "head set" that allows for more enjoyment of love, beauty and laughter in my day. You two are truly needed in our world. Thanks again.

[@ALavin-en1kr]

I love his perspective. It is so great to have this to push back against the reductive biological perspective of Darwinism which has dominated the culture for so long. In a higher age it was known that humans did evolve, from a uniquely human prototype; it was known that there were fourteen different versions of the human to a uniquely human prototype in one universal cycle. Humans did not evolve from another species whose prototype was not the human prototype. Also language was a given based on actual physical sounds. Sanskrit was the first of the Indo-European languages. Now R. Dawkins is coming up with how language started basing it, of course, on biology. Consciousness is still the hard problem and mind is little understood. It is realistic to see consciousness as fundamental, and mind as elemental, emerging with quantum events, and that more than likely will eventually be known to be the case. Thanks D. Hoffman. I love ❤your videos.

[@julianterris]

Wow. "Positive geometries and decorative permutations". The implications of this are profound. It reminds me of Prof. Sam Vaknin's work. It seems to me that science really is close to defining -or at least defining "The Field" and if that is so, perhaps we are really close to being able to manipulate Space/Time and travel within it. Thank you for sharing some of the insights gained.

[@THEmomentumJUNK1E]

Wonderful title. " Waking up from the dream of life" reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: Dreams are the life we wake up to, when we wake from the dream of life.

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

Please be kind enough to listen to niwapatha thero sermons unbelievable

[@THEmomentumJUNK1E]

@@roshandikkumbura9255 I will do so. Thank you Sir!

[@THEmomentumJUNK1E]

@@roshandikkumbura9255 I can't understand Hindi. Does he have any sermons in English?

[@jonijefferys]

Totally relating to Don.. Its really f'd up waking up to all this at once! I mean Ive uncovered answers to a life's worth of questions (Jesus to aliens) in a month and learned how to communicate with my angels and guides in the process. Thank you Universe!🙏 And thank you youtube and podcasters😍

[@judithmcdonald9001]

Congratulations! There is no ultimate but we are bombarded by ways to get there.

[@roshandikkumbura9255]

Please be kind enough to listen to niwapatha thero sermons unbelievable

[@AsifKamalfars]

we need more people like professor donald hoffman

[@MaskedUfologistShow]

I wish Don Hoffman would talk more deeply than I have yet heard him talk regarding UFO reports and paranormality in general.

[@derekc180]

Until he does comment on UFOs, you can read Passport to Magonia by Jaques Vallee.

[@mrkeopele]

i have a neurodivergent brain and have been testing everything and collecting data my entire life, now 67, and at 16 minutes so far he is on track, let's see where he goes..HE IS AUTHENTIC, and i like authenticity, so he really can't be wrong unless he chooses another priority other than authenticity.. nice share by this man, and stimulatingly accurate

[@Piperdreams]

I like his creativity, his humbleness in admitting he doesn’t know and supports enquiry to be open to find out. I appreciate his efforts in consciousness for this is an area of my interest. “Consciousness is fundamental” and “Consciousness as a social network ” “Consciousness fusion” “why be stuck with space at all” . Someone described consciousness like wifi we can’t see it but we know it’s there because we - we experience it’s capabilities… is consciousness the source of everything experiencing itself in infinite possibilities it doesn’t care how and that we are collection agents? man mathematical Science is certainly an extraordinary adventure into theory … my brain hurts but I like the feeling of learning!

[@rodolforesende2048]

When Donald speaks that space and time are part of our "headset" to "play" with "reality," I cannot help but think about the importance of the creation and evolution of "concepts." and metaphors. We can discuss conscious and unconscious processes (as Freud, Jung, and others have done), but we can also consider the field of computing, where we talk about processes, memory management, memory allocation, etc etc. Similarly, we can think of our brain as having unconscious processes that manage the "CRUD" (Create, Read, Update, Delete) of all our memories, which are organized in different hierarchies.

[@jeffmcloud5212]

Professor Hoffman is a brilliant man. His statement that we think of ourselves as tiny little objects in space-time reminds me of an NDE story that was on KZbin a few years ago where a woman was shown that she actually was bigger than the universe. Professor Huffman's belief that space-time is actually a tiny little data structure in our consciousness is intriguing and one that I suspect is true.

[@VoloBonja]

"woman being bigger than universe" is a good description of Hoffman bullshit theories

[@x-manus2476]

righton JM I instantly thought of the collapsable double slit wave theory, I want to know if consciousness survives Death ?

[@VoloBonja]

@@x-manus2476 double slit experiment has nothing to say about consciousness after death. Or you see some connection between those?

[@x-manus2476]

@@VoloBonja no sir, two separate items

[@wildmanz8233]

I've read DH's book and working thru his FBT Theorem technical papers. The problem I'm having is that the foundation is evolution not spacetime structure and everything that falls out from that (e.g. standard model, particles, chemistry etc) ....but Darwinian evolution is a process that involves the change of an object (animal, plant etc) over time...the inherent setting is in spacetime. I guess I'm of the frame of mind that DH attacks most strongly in the book: it seems that we see a limited perspective of reality eg 400 to 700 nm light vs the entire EM spectrum. And we don't directly perceive whole classes of particles (e.g . neutrinos). Then again, the Nobel prize in physics 2022 went to research showing that fundamental particles like photons do not experience spacetime anything like we do... ...definitely a lot to think about 😅 Great interview 👍

[@hanifmusani2599]

Super interesting, I love the humility of Hoffman when he starts to explain the terminology to make it simple to understand.

[@angelmoon8114]

This is bang on!!!💥 This was questioned and seen as a very little girl at age 6. One evening when my mom walked down the hallway and turned the corner. I told her and to myself that she no longer existed when I could not see her also, I experienced like a witnessing of parts of the body, it came to me that I didn’t have a head. I couldn’t see my face. I wanted to claw my way out of this body. It was like I was the room, the space all of it. It was like I didn’t know what my hands were or my feet were anymore. That words are made up that no one knew anything. It was kind of like what’s now described as the Headless Way by Douglas Harding. What Donald Hoffman is speaking on is spot on with what apparently happened here as a child. And it also matches up to what a lot of what’s called radical non-duality speakers are apparently speaking on as well.

[@szlvid6]

Great subject, and discussion! Thanks!🌱

[@LiamClancyWizardsBrew]

Donald Hoffman’s theories on consciousness, particularly his "Interface Theory of Perception," argue that what we perceive is not a direct representation of reality but rather an evolved interface that helps us survive. This theory proposes that our perceptions are akin to a desktop interface on a computer, hiding the complex "reality" behind icons that are easy to interact with but do not represent the true nature of the underlying processes. Hoffman's Key Concepts: 1. Interface Theory of Perception: Our perceptions are evolved shortcuts to help us navigate and survive in the world, not accurate representations of the objective reality. 2. Conscious Realism: The idea that consciousness, rather than the physical world, is the fundamental component of reality. According to Hoffman, space-time and physical objects emerge from consciousness. Potential Fallacies and Criticisms: 1. Ontological Subjectivism: - Fallacy: Hoffman’s stance can be seen as ontological subjectivism, where reality is fundamentally dependent on our perception of it. This view neglects the existence of objective reality independent of our perceptions. - Just because human perception is limited does not mean that an objective reality does not exist. This perspective fails to acknowledge the scientific method's ability to reveal aspects of reality beyond direct human perception. 2. Anthropic Bias: - Fallacy: Hoffman’s theory could be critiqued for anthropic bias, the assumption that human perception uniquely determines the nature of reality. - While our perceptions are tailored for survival, other species perceive the world differently. This diversity in perception across species suggests that perceptions are varied adaptations to the same underlying reality. 3. Non-Falsifiability: - Fallacy: Hoffman's hypothesis may suffer from non-falsifiability, meaning it is structured in a way that it cannot be empirically tested or refuted. - For a scientific theory to be robust, it must be subject to testing and potential refutation. Hoffman's views on consciousness as the basis of reality can be seen as metaphysical speculation rather than scientific theory. 4. Misinterpretation of Evolution: - Fallacy: Hoffman interprets evolution as prioritizing survival utility over truth in perception, but this interpretation can be considered a false dichotomy. - Evolutionary processes can and do favor accurate perceptions when they enhance survival. While perceptions are not perfect, they are often reliable enough to allow organisms to interact successfully with their environment. 5. Existential Dependency: - Fallacy: Hoffman’s claim that neurons and the brain don't exist without perception seems to imply a form of existential dependency that conflates epistemology (study of knowledge) with ontology (study of being). - The existence of neurons and the brain is substantiated by extensive empirical evidence. Neuroscientific studies show that brain activity can be measured and studied independently of any single individual's perception. Balanced Perspective: While Hoffman's theories provoke thought and encourage deeper exploration of the nature of perception and consciousness, they often stretch into philosophical rather than empirical domains. It's important to distinguish between useful metaphors or frameworks for understanding complex phenomena and claims that can be scientifically validated. Hoffman's ideas stimulate valuable discussions about the limits of human perception and the possible foundational role of consciousness, but they should be approached with critical scrutiny and a clear understanding of their speculative nature.

[@VoloBonja]

Thanks for spending time to explain fallacies. I wonder how the theory based on so much fallacies is still so popular. At least on the net. p.s. I think his theory is testable. He can show how matter is created from consciousness. That would prove his theory and disprove rival theories

[@valavoort]

Thank you!

[@chuckw4947]

Thank you for this important interview....for decades I have consistently tried to urge conversations on this point, which for ages has repeatedly been noticed and/or hinted at by a wide range of indigenous cultures, pyschonauts, near death experiencers, alien abductees and others...nice to have the woowoo factor dispelled in such a coherent manner....now that the door is open, future discussion should invite input from all quarters....

[@tyamada21]

A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'... My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to an NDE... Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave. The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist. For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment. The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing. The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence. The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists. Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’. On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication. For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything. NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.

[@user-nf79]

16:52 "the brain is merely an icon in our headset, it's not the truth, it has NO CAUSAL POWER"🔥🔥🔥! Exactly Prof. Hoffman! The 'heart' (in the metaphysical sense) is what is fundamental. And it is only through the heart that Reality as it truly Is can be accessed.... That's why all ancient/timeless spiritual practises stress the need for the constant purification of the heart, and mind, non attachment to the World (as it's not the Ultimate Reality), dying to the false self/ego-mind, non-duality and so forth....🕊️... However an undisciplined mind, or empty mind can be harmful too. A balance is required to both develop the mind's capacity to reason, with the heart's capacity to see and feel beyond the mind and matter... And this is the task of being an Eternal soul in a finite human body on Earth for a limited time.... ✨

[@user-nf79]

54:12 "Nothing inside space-time exists when it's not perceived. Spacetime itself does not exist when it's not perceived" 🔥🔥🔥 Interestingly in Islamic philosophy there is a parable that supports this view, and it goes sth like this: And when there is no one left circling the Kaaba, i.e. no one left actively interacting with The One, no one consciously bearing witness to that which is Beyond Spacetime, the True Universal Self, He (The One) will roll up the fabric of Spacetime for it will no longer be serving its purpose. The dream will end. Everyone will then 'wake up' (by the sound of the Trumpet) to the True Reality, the next Realm of existence beyond Spacetime. - As Hoffman says towards the end, Death is not the End. Indeed, it is just the beginning of a totally new realm of experience. ✨✨✨

[@ajbufort]

Excellent! This man's perspectives on consciousness and reality are the way of the future, period. So much points to these conclusions. His thoughts touch so much on those being considered within the UFO/UAP/paranormal/parapsychological spheres : our human life as but one avatar experience in a vast, infinite ocean of experiences to name one of the most mind-blowing ones. Thank you for this interview! Subscribed! Looking forward to more.

[@Dumprune]

WE are all fractals of an infinite Mandelbrot set.

[@ElGatoMarcus]

Even if true this statement adds nothing. Why? Who? When?

[@NondescriptMammal]

What is this supposed to even mean?

[@floepiejane]

How can we be if space and time are illusions of conscious perception?

[@GeezerBoy65]

You don't say! My, my.

[@localcragdirtbag8049]

I was building virtual spaces for neuroscience research, studying fractality, and working towards a doctorate when I went fucking coo coo. Went away, and im better now... -ish. You're right tho mandelbrot set houses all of the patterns that make up life like on galactic quilt. Makes me wonder if it's turtles all the way down after all.

[@shanastroskyphazer8172]

Awesome podcast Thanks Donald for working out for us how to think in vast new ways ! I`m grateful for that ! Thanks for your tremendous insights !

[@sentinaludo1489]

I am completely engaged with all the reasoning and rationality in the conversation. If you add the perspective of the different dimensions that everybody is subject to and is affected by, then I think you start to open the portal into the mind. There are other states of being or realms that cannot be detected with the senses in this limited sphere of existence. Regardless of what we devote our life to and exchange the one precious commodity we cannot make more of,time, when God determines our time is finished in this age, we will ascend or descend in our being. It is what we have built our life upon that will remain, and Theology, Philosophy, and Science do harmonize. It isn't just one or the other.

[@richardatkinson4710]

Brilliant interview. There’s too much to comment on fully. I think up to around 40-45 mins it’s pure genius. I’ve read Hoffman’s book, and I have to say that the only worry I have up to that point is the claim that our perception of fitness payoffs is not at all representative of an external reality. The best conceptual picture we have of reality is that electrons “out there” emit photons which impact on our sensory surfaces creating similarly discrete or granular neural processes. Somehow the mind interprets this as a world of continuous entities (including the space-time continuum itself) including such things as dangerous predators and nutritious foods - our fitness payoffs, certainly, but these must correlate with the sources of the photons. Similarly, the brain cannot be just an avatar: it has been described as the most complex object in the universe, a depth of detail which would be nonsensical for a mere icon. Likewise, we should not throw away evolution like Wittgenstein’s ladder - it may not be fundamental, but it is still true, and it is the architect of that complex brain. That, in fact, is exactly where those critical philosophers went wrong. They assume Hoffman’s argument inevitably rejects its own premises, when that is an unnecessary step. After 45 minutes Prof Hoffman is - to use Sabine Hossenfelder’s excellent terminology - “lost in math”. Human ingenuity has created and continues to create endless beautiful mathematical structures, endlessly seductive. Remember David Hilbert’s joyous declaration: “From the paradise that Cantor created for us no-one shall be able to expel us.” That’s just the bare bones of an engagement with Hoffman’s work, which I would say must be on the right track.

[@ashred9665]

... takes a lot of courage to do what Don is doing ... we need frontier work in science ...

[@SianeNiMhorain]

I am fascinated by Professor Hoffman's ideas. His ideas go way beyond the 'headset.' It's not merely 'thinking outside the box' but thinking outside the 'headset!' We need more like Prof. Hoffman to crack some nuts wide open. Tremendously interesting and inspirational. Thank you so much Prof. Hoffman.

[@markallinson8350]

"It is indeed an opinion strangely prevailing amongst men, that houses, mountains, rivers, and in a word all sensible objects have an existence natural or real, distinct from their being perceived by the understanding. But with how great an assurance and acquiescence soever this principle may be entertained in the world; yet whoever shall find in his heart to call it in question, may, if I mistake not, perceive it to involve a manifest contradiction. For what are the forementioned objects but the things we perceive by sense, and what do we perceive besides our own ideas or sensations; and is it not plainly repugnant that any one of these or any combination of them should exist unperceived?" - George Berkeley, Principles, 4 (1710).

[@timothymajors4176]

I have been shown everything you've talked about in my spiritual awakening process so this is mind blowing that Hoff has been doing the math for most of it. I have many answers to fill in a few blanks for him but no math. Consider the flower of life does contain all the info if you know how to get it out . Must consider the entire cone , flowers inside , and negative space as T.H. has recently been saying. Love that Consciousness expanding feeling when you get mind blown .

[@glenemma1]

Consciousness is all that is. Consciousness plays with consciousness and is the infinite variety of this play.

[@schulzdesign1980]

When Don is talking bout the purpose of existence at 55:48 ... I wonder if he is familiar with the short story "The Egg" from the author Andy Weir. It's pretty much the exact same idea. If he doesn't know about it yet, I think he would really like it. There is an animation of the story from the KZbin channel 'Kurzgesagt' that's really great. I highly recommend to watch it, the music and visualisations present the ideas of the story in a fantastic way.

[@davidrind9545]

Many of these ideas are explored in a functional/practical way (i.e., how to live with it) in the book “The Nature of Personal Reality” by Jane Roberts. One might say, through the unorthodox nature of its transmission, that it’s consciousness describing its ‘modus operandi’.

[@karenthompson9906]

I’ve listened to other interviews with Dr Hoffman but this was the first one where the interviewer clarified the points I didn’t understand- bravo😅

[@IntoEverything]

I super dig the way you think, Donald Hoffman. That was a great, refreshing Interview. Cheers.

[@labibbidabibbadum]

Husserl came to something like this conclusion in The Crisis of European Sciences. Really fascinating to hear how Hoffman got to this understanding. Off to read his other work...

[@bernice-dg9ib]

Hoffman is the real deal, meaning that he does no tbeat his own drum. He speaks truthfully as to what he concludes and, a true scientist, he reminds us this is all theory. What a great mind❤

[@workingTchr]

Maybe they are both wrong in the same way.

[@labibbidabibbadum]

​@workingTchr Maybe, but you would need to explain how science, which is an object of consciousness, is also universally true and complete outside of consciousness. To do that, you would need to show exactly what consciousness is and how science (which undoubtedly works as an incredibly successful project within consciousness) exists sbs has validity outside of consciousness. I don't doubt that's a valid avenue to explore, but i also don't believe you have a successful theory for either consciousness or science's independent existence outside of consciousness. Until you do, your assumption about how two phd scientists are wrong is, maybe at best, kind of interesting.

[@workingTchr]

@@labibbidabibbadum Maybe things are exactly as they seem and science is true because it correctly accounts for the way things are. That's what most PhD's believe, if that matters any.

[@labibbidabibbadum]

@@workingTchr Well, sure, but given that science is an object of consciousness, it's a bit of a stretch to say that we should consider consciousness through the lens of PhDs who have never given the slightest thought to how objects of consciousness originate (which is true of most scientists, who are happy to accept that science gives a fully objective view). Consciousness is HOW we know things. Which is why scientists who have PhDs in science and THEN study consciouness are interesting. Almost beyond doubt, there is "something" out there. Human consciousness, given the biological inputs from senses available to the human brain, interprets this as the thing we all see as the universe. And maybe you're right, and by a staggering coincidence, we are the only creature on the planet to have unfettered access to exactly how things are. But, clearly, evolution has developed billions of organisms with different sense organs and entirely different consciousnesses that in all likelihood interpret "things as they are" entirely differently to any given human. (Jellyfish, slugs, tardigrades, dolphins, sequoias etc.) And any given human likely interprets "how things are" differently to any other given human. There are humans who have an entirely spritual worldview. I think they are kooks, but maybe they are actually hooked into "how things really are" better than I am. I believe absolutely fully and entirely in the scientific method and the scientific project. But I am equally convinced that we cannot say (i.e. because we have no evidence) that it is measningful outside its domain, which is within human consciousness.

[@Ben.morton]

It’s weird how at ease the vast majority of people are with existence and consciousness. It’s so stimulating to hear conversations like this, because the nature of reality truly is so far beyond our comprehension.

[@judithmcdonald9001]

Aw come on, you know it's True. Shall we listen to The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (album) whilst we wiggle and squiggle about. "who will mouse and who will lion? And who will be the tamer?"

[@markrichter2053]

My favourite bit is, “Death isn’t the end, it’s just taking off the headset.” Ha! I wish! When life’s hard that’s a lovely idea… Philosophically though, maybe seeing this life as all we got so we better make it the best one we can for all of us, maybe that makes me a better person.

[@madmartigan8119]

Sounds like religious hopefulness to me

[@nowHere6285]

So freaking exciting!!! Prof Donald Hoffman, thank you. 🔥🔥❤🔥🔥 He's onto something huge and concious agent changing. But Donald, that is probably true that we are, of course, necessarily, a teeny tiny avatar in the whole of it because it's mind bogglingly huge but I look it through this concept, the micro in the macro, and then my tiny mind can feel better, I can calm down and get on with it. Otherwise I'd be scared to disappear (I wish I wasn't scared of that)! 😅

[@premiertrainingFL]

Although I don’t understand the deeper dive of the mathematics, I find what he’s saying extremely interesting and thought provoking. As insane as it is, to try and understand what he’s saying actually mean, that is to grasp it literally, gave me existential dread even though I know that it is an illusion. I wouldn’t be surprised if what he’s saying is mostly proven, I doubt we will ever be able to prove it in this life any way. So glad I listened to this.

[@totally_fitz]

“We’ll see when the emotions come along for the ride” Such a wholesome statement. Thank you.

[@ciarandevine8490]

Quite brilliant and you're on the right path. Time is not linear. It is experienced as linear in the illusion. But is really a single moment, NOW. Space/distance is another illusion but as we exist (at least a tiny part of us) exists in the illusion, we experience distance, the vastness of space as real. But there is a single point, HERE Separation is another illusion, everything is ONE thing. We are ONE HERE NOW. 😮 Lots more on this but that's for starters.

[@VoloBonja]

How is everything ONE thing, if I'm NOT you.

[@ciarandevine8490]

@VoloBonja that's the very point about ONENESS Volo. This is not ultimate reality, more an illusion in 3D. Hard for a limited thought process and understandably a challenge for most. The main difference between us is probably the fact that I had an NDE. That has changed everything for me. But if you can't comprehend ONENESS, that's fine by me. I'm not going to argue this with anyone but will share it in more detail with anyone who requests more information.

[@VoloBonja]

@@ciarandevine8490 I can easily comprehend oneness, so stop telling me what I can and what I can’t. Illusion in 3d? Now you talk magic like Hoffman does. You need to prove that all is One, otherwise you talk nonsense

[@ciarandevine8490]

@VoloBonja you got a point about proving, like science never proved the Big Bang, but science taught it as fact. Or science refers all the time to Dark Matter but all they can tell you is the name, no substance, zero information, the just made the name up. Or Dark Energy, same here, no substance, no information, made up name. Or scientists that lied that the broke the DNA code but all they did was they broke down the chemicals in 3.5% of the DNA and dismissed the remaining 96.5% of our DNA as JUNK. Yes, when it comes to proving most things the scientific community are way short. What I have on the illusion of time is planck time being the "time" a universe lasts and space/distance being another illusion but experienced as real in 3D. It would take more than a couple of lines here to explain. But I'll finish my explanation before long.

[@alkintugsal7563]

@@VoloBonjaCalm down people have right to believe what they want it is a free world if you don’t believe it and if you think it is nonsense than don’t.

[@jasperdoornbos8989]

I read the book. Highly recommended.

[@Sundance304]

He stands on the shoulders of some of the greatest scientific geniuses, but goes beyond the accepted boundaries of science that perceives this reality. 'Become like children and come unto me...' said the Christ, or be born again to that understanding. This is a real eye opener.

[@glenc5185]

0:00:00 Intro 0:42:57 Consciousness is fundamental. Assumptions: 1. There are experiences and experiencers (conscious agents). 2. There is a probabilistic relationship between experiences.

[@robhunt-watts8908]

We studied this in 1983 on a degree in philosophy. The "Veil of Perception" defined the different ideas.

[@adon2424]

I think you are on the sensible path Dr. Hoffman. If we were to perceive a pencil as discrete atoms and elements with a certain form we would be so amazed we would be stuck like deer in the headlights. May I add that consciousness has a practical feature. I postulate that consciousness is fractal.

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

No two particles come in contact. Nothing appears as it is on the microscopic level.

[@adon2424]

@rafaelgonzalez4175 that is my point. If we saw it in it's actual manifestation we would not know what it is or how to utilize it.

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

@@adon2424 That part bewilders me. Did you just say if we can see our consciousness during its manifestation? You do understand manifest is to make from thoughts? You manifest an idea. It becomes an invention. You bring it into reality from consciousness.

[@adon2424]

@rafaelgonzalez4175 no, not consciousness, but the form which you try to observe and characterize in the physical domain of existance. We do not have the proper interfaces to observe that deep. But, if we did, it would overwhelm us.

[@adon2424]

@rafaelgonzalez4175 For egotistical reasons, most homo sapien earthlings define the features and concepts of consciousness anthropomorphicaly. I try to avoid that. It makes for simpler and precise definitions . Especially for attributes that are not monopolized.

[@Thaulopi]

I know, I sound like an idiot, but I had the same conversation with chatgpt the other day on this topic, where I proposed, that we create reality only in our mind

[@jonijefferys]

Just like how God created us and our universe he had a thought then spoke it into existence (through energy and vibration) A-O-M.. So watch your thoughts it will change your life! Much love ❤️

[@kalista9962]

I love listening to Professor Hoffman as he seems to make many of the same points as Robert Lanza. I am not religious but, I know there's a higher power.

[@orlandotocano1323]

This is the consciousness explanation I wanted decades ago when Daniel Dennett wrote his book Consciousness Explained, many thanks to Dr Hoffman for his research and understanding!!

[@psyfiles7351]

Great conversation!! Fascinating

[@justinPearson-Smith]

Consciousness is source code rendering reality and converting quantum waves from possibilities into a single finite fixed definition and its projected downwards from a higher dimension.

[@benphillips4081]

However those codes are cascading downwards from the binary code. Because those codes oscillate at speeds faster than the speed of light, no equipment here in this dimension will ever be able to monitor their wave function. This will prevent any scientific "discovery" or "proof" of their "existence" so it's irrelevant to try and talk to "intellectuals" about it.

[@judithmcdonald9001]

I don't understand "higher" when discussing quantum.

[@justinPearson-Smith]

@@judithmcdonald9001 so think of a VR headset you are in a higher dimension than the VR one which is more simplistic. Now what if in the vr game your character plays a side scrolling beat em up. The VR game would be a higher dimension to the beat em up game. Again same principle we can't simulate something more complex than the reality we are in.

[@sam-hx2pq]

Pretty close. There also has to be a logic moving backward or outward from the finite definition to the source. When you say downward, you really mean inward and forward as all particles are potentialized within the same null grammatical process. Remember that whatever the manifold be that reality describes, it has to essentially be cyclical in structure, i.e., recursivly applying upon itself with respect to any informational potentials generated within. We can identify this recursive structure as the syntactic covering we experience with language that ensures well-formedness in its productions. It works in the same manner as you read through a sentence, identifying meaning according to its rules as you progress. The rules are self-distributed across the language. In this view, the laws of physics are being regenerated in each new identification event as the manifold contracts to form pointwise linear-ectomorphic state-transitions that its users identify as "physical" not unlike the terminal nature of the letters and words in this sentence (in contrast to the derivational rules that run down the screen as you comprehend.)

[@paulzeman3945]

Thank you. Brilliantly explained

[@whatzause]

So glad you got around to using the word “mystery.“ That is certainly fundamental! Even I have understood that very well. It can be used as a satisfactory theory of everything 😊.

[@lauramann756]

I literally just wrote this in my journal yesterday and been writing this stuff for YEARS!

[@carolyork5905]

Very interesting.I urge people to read the Urantia papers.And keep learning from videos like these.Great work.

[@priscillawrites6685]

For 30+ years I have been reading the theoretical and research results regarding the nature of consciousness. American scientists seemed fixated on mind=brain=consciousness. This has been unsatisfying, frustrating, and from my perspective, flawed. I think the answer is offered by Buddhist scholarship as explained at the Mind & Life Institute conferences in Dharamsala. Not religious dogma, the explanation from non-Western analysis makes sense - and reflects my personal experience.

[@steveflorida5849]

Jesus speaks of doing the will of God -- God the father. The human personality having a conscious relationship with the universal Spirit

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

Consciousness has nothing to do with the mind. Consciousness is a life force. All things alive have Consciousness. Life. Predatory animals tend to infants of other animals. Empathy. Rather than evolution. Eat the alien. Alien to that predator. Empathy is a construct of Consciousness. Plants grow toward light. The plant is consciously aware of the light source. The plant grows. Consciousness. Humankind and animals experience growing pains. Consciousness. A life force wave function, transmitter and receiver.

[@throoming]

Yes western world does shoot itself in the foot with its dogma to science… that’s coming from someone who thinks numbers are the end all be all

[@urkq]

Cosmic canvas stretched, a grand illusion's fold, Space-time's fabric, a story subtly told. Not the root, nor core, not the primal thread, Objects dancing in a dream, by mysteries led. Substrates whisper tales of the vast unknown, Illusory worlds, by physics shown. Fundamentals fall, like shadows cast away, In the grander scheme, where deeper truths lay. Through the void, where stars once gleamed bright, Beyond the realms of day and night, Lies a realm, unseen, untouched, profound, Where the essence of existence is found. A tapestry woven of dreams and thought, Where space and time, once firmly caught, Release their grip, reveal the scheme, Of a universe, where nothing's as it seems. Mystic echoes, dimensions blend, To the infinite, where the lines extend, In a dance, eternal, ever vast, Beyond the grasp of the present and past. Groovy gratitude, your way it flows, Like a river, where the moonlight glows. Mystic vibes, we weave and blend, In this cosmic dance, without end. Ride the rhythm, ride the rhyme, Lost in space, beyond time. Let's keep jamming, let's keep bright, In this endless, starry night. Stay cosmic, Donald. 8)

[@specialeeffexx]

WoW! Good stuff! Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@postscript5549]

I have watched just shy of eight minutes of this podcast so far. I am WOWED, impressed with the guest's amazing education and credentials already.

[@bhaskarbagchi1643]

I am heavily invested in agreeing with Dr Hoffman because his conclusion resonates with my spiritual leaning. Yet, I feel that someone needs to ask him a few hard questions. For instance, how can you scientifically investigate the question of whether the brain perceives the reality without first agreeing on what is reality? Well then, what is reality if it is not this consensus reality concocted out of the perceptions of our brains? It all smells of circularity.

[@Indrid__Cold]

Each individual is an infinite singularity of pure conciousness.

[@rileyhoffman6629]

Even if consciousness is fundamental, our 'headsets' nonetheless show us a practical, agreed upon reality. It is not THE truth, but perhaps A truth? If consciousness is the progenitor of the physical, what is the progenitor of consciousness? Artists may find it before scientists do.

[@stephengee4182]

My current belief is that the fundamental laws of our universe must allow for free will and consciousness to exist. My guess is that the fundamental laws of our universe are governed by the quantum wave function, god is consciousness, and consciousness is the quantum wave function. Therefore universal consciousness governs our universe.

[@PaulJonesy]

I think you’re saying that consciousness is fundamental. Not sure where free will comes into that. Personally I think heavily loaded terms like “god” aren’t very helpful in these contexts.

[@stephengee4182]

@@PaulJonesy I believe that determinism is incompatible with the observations of modern science via the uncertainty principle and quantum mechanics, leaving open the influence of consciousness to impact the future through free will.

[@danielross7899]

"Not THE truth but perhaps A truth?..." I am with you on this, as I think that sometimes these new (and ancient!) insights imply that we should somehow negate the 'false' perception we experience as conscious humans. Maybe we can accept these insights into a deeper reality while at the same time honouring the experience we have as conscious agents? We may seek, seek, and seek some more, and if we find something, does this necessarily negate the seeker?

[@AdvaiticOneness1]

This combination problem of the headset and consciousness has been solved in Advaita vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. Advaita says that consciousness alone exists, the headset including its projections are infact consciousness itself but with names and forms assigned by us. If we remove names and forms the oneness of the reality is relieved, the only consciousness alone exists and the universe of names and forms are mere illusions.

[@WYLOEvelin]

The BEST man in science! ENDLESS Deep Dive. That's IT!

[@jbricklin1]

YES! As William James long ago noted: "How, if 'subject' and 'object' were separated 'by the whole diameter of being,' and had no attributes in common, could it be so hard to tell, in a presented and recognized material object, what part comes in through the sense organs and what part comes 'out of one’s own head'?"

[@arthawk1100]

OUTSTANDING interview!! Thank you SO much for this! This is the best overview of his work by him that I've seen yet! Kudos! Dr. Hoffman's work is trailblazing! A true pioneer. Cheers!

[@chrisjohnson8262]

Soo many ways to disprove that

[@VoloBonja]

sure, fallacies are easy to disprove. And Hoffman theories is ONE big fallacy. I'd even say that Fallacy is fundamental, and from that fallacy all theories appear.

[@essecj59]

Seems he owes something to Tom Campbell’s theories about consciousness avatars. But mainly I want to know what we can do with this understanding (if true) that would change anything about our lives.

[@tiffanyattenborough8784]

My thoughts exactly.... Tell me how this can change life as we perceive it?

[@andredavis5370]

So basically, he's saying that consciousness exists outside the "physical" form and "agents" of consciousness interpret or project a physical experience that is fundamentally false (or illusory) but this false experience somehow aids the conscious agent. This would align with Buddhism, Taoism, Gnosticism, Platonism, etc, etc. For ages, the Ancients have spoken of a "false" world that the soul must pass through in order to gain "knowledge of Self". Isn't it interesting how objective science is forced to reconsider subjective spirituality?

[@throoming]

It’s because all of the scientists were never taught the fact of the big problem in philosophy… everything is subjective even though we were taught to see black and white in objectivity

[@MrEmotional33]

I would assume, that the physical representation is neither false nor illusory, since it is "our" very own creation..and this creation serves a higher purpose of the universal or unified consciousness...the purpose of expressing itself in an infinite number of forms and structures..and to learn and experience basic things about existence..it seems that consciousness itself requires specific and countless forms of expressions..for whatever reason that might be (apart from evolutionary processes)..

[@throoming]

@@MrEmotional33 I understand what you are saying and agree, but I think in your statement, which is heavily predicated on the definition of illusory or false, which can vary from person to person until we agree on exact definitions and interpretations of language. 👌🏻 lmk

[@Clover-qz8nl]

This video is so good 😊 thank youuuu for sharing your work with us all 🫶 it’s so inspiring to listen to your philosophies on consciousness 🍀 keep it up ♾️

[@markrichter2053]

At the core is deep deep mystery and you are that mystery. As someone who meditates, I can certainly vouch for that. As a mountaineer though, I can also say that’s there’s a very uncompromisingly real physical universe that’s brutally independent of my thoughts and isn’t waiting around for me to get with the picture!

[@mporto1926]

You never saw the possibility that our evolutionary process may occur in the direction of higher consciousness but concerned with higher Dimensions of Existence? Cosmic aspects may be different, living in other higher Dimensional existences. The long distances you mentioned and are real or appear as such to the physical world may be completely different. Forgetting the common believes, our Consciousness may achieve higher developments. Men are not finished. The inner life, the inner centre is being developing. To get higher possibilities of understanding. We have an invisible awake life inside our physical body! .... Existing. In this and other planes of Life. No, indeed we are not machines. Jump to other ways of thinking, imagine the wonder there is in all information we got from centuries and centuries. The wonder of being Conscious in other higher levels . Awakened perhaps?