The overdeveloped survival mechanism in humans (scanning system) is the cause for memories. The system blocks out that which seems constant and scans that which is seems changing because this awareness of contrast allows it to predict. This ends up creating a sequence of memories which frankly adds up to a big part of the sense of self, the ongoing story we tell about our identity (a list of memories.) Because the scanning system ignores continuity and prioritizes change, we feel anxious. We are unaware of the beauty and magic in every day life and all things because the system prioritizes prediction, which tells us that we might lose all of it. We know we will, eventually. "What we gained on the roundabout we lost on the swing." The ability to predict that allows our increased survival ability makes us aware that in the end we won't succeed. By seeing through the scanning system be get a chance to see the continuity we've overlooked. Unbroken presence beneath the changes. The organism against the environment seems finite, short lived, while the environment goes on forever. But what is an environment if not the totality of a bunch of organisms? Cool stuff.
Hello Akif, Archetypal Herbalism, G B, Tamara, Sal Gallaher, n.m., Matthew Lieber, and all. Please see/share our research from Captain Rob Balsamo, Amber Quitno, Captain Dan Hanley, Prof. Tony Martin, Prof. Graeme MacQueen, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, and others and help us improve it if you can. Thank you!
Reframing the constant echoing of internal dialogue as a survival mechanism is something new to appreciate. I think we burden ourself with hatred of our anxiety. Like you said ridiculing it into damnation over criticism of where it came from and why we do it. But it’s a reframing that’s vital to our evolution. By the end of your essay I started to think how will historians analyze our psyches like we do with the great minds of the past. Will the remembered amongst us be vegans surrounded by cannibalists trying to soothe the hunger pains? To make an impact is to make a decision and that’s all I can think about of recent.
Hello @Akif Aliyev : I just read your post “Lockjaw” on ritual= worship. Nicely written overall: elaborate, reflective and passionate.
One small observation: I found myself struggling while reading the 1st two paragraphs to determine just exactly what it was that made your (in your words) “blood boil” I finally figured it out but only by reading further and frequently referring back to your original opening lines. Perhaps it is just me and my comprehension (or lack thereof lol). But I just thought I’d offer you my perspective for what it’s worth!
Keep posting fella. BTW I just joined Substack a few weeks ago and haven’t posted anything yet except for commenting on a few posts including yours!
The overdeveloped survival mechanism in humans (scanning system) is the cause for memories. The system blocks out that which seems constant and scans that which is seems changing because this awareness of contrast allows it to predict. This ends up creating a sequence of memories which frankly adds up to a big part of the sense of self, the ongoing story we tell about our identity (a list of memories.) Because the scanning system ignores continuity and prioritizes change, we feel anxious. We are unaware of the beauty and magic in every day life and all things because the system prioritizes prediction, which tells us that we might lose all of it. We know we will, eventually. "What we gained on the roundabout we lost on the swing." The ability to predict that allows our increased survival ability makes us aware that in the end we won't succeed. By seeing through the scanning system be get a chance to see the continuity we've overlooked. Unbroken presence beneath the changes. The organism against the environment seems finite, short lived, while the environment goes on forever. But what is an environment if not the totality of a bunch of organisms? Cool stuff.
Pffff real. The system prioritizes prediction. Hell, even our very biological makeup prioritizes prediction.
Ohh yes by scanning system I meant the one that is built into our biology :))
Hello Akif, Archetypal Herbalism, G B, Tamara, Sal Gallaher, n.m., Matthew Lieber, and all. Please see/share our research from Captain Rob Balsamo, Amber Quitno, Captain Dan Hanley, Prof. Tony Martin, Prof. Graeme MacQueen, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, and others and help us improve it if you can. Thank you!
https://michaelatkinson.substack.com/
Sincerely,
Michael
🦖
Reframing the constant echoing of internal dialogue as a survival mechanism is something new to appreciate. I think we burden ourself with hatred of our anxiety. Like you said ridiculing it into damnation over criticism of where it came from and why we do it. But it’s a reframing that’s vital to our evolution. By the end of your essay I started to think how will historians analyze our psyches like we do with the great minds of the past. Will the remembered amongst us be vegans surrounded by cannibalists trying to soothe the hunger pains? To make an impact is to make a decision and that’s all I can think about of recent.
Hello @Akif Aliyev : I just read your post “Lockjaw” on ritual= worship. Nicely written overall: elaborate, reflective and passionate.
One small observation: I found myself struggling while reading the 1st two paragraphs to determine just exactly what it was that made your (in your words) “blood boil” I finally figured it out but only by reading further and frequently referring back to your original opening lines. Perhaps it is just me and my comprehension (or lack thereof lol). But I just thought I’d offer you my perspective for what it’s worth!
Keep posting fella. BTW I just joined Substack a few weeks ago and haven’t posted anything yet except for commenting on a few posts including yours!
Another insightful product. Thanks for keeping me aware.