Consciousness cannot be quantified or measured. Science has not found a way to determine what it is in our brain that makes us conscious and self aware. There have been many studies into this topic. Is it a soul? What is it that gives us the ability to reason? What is this constant nagging that tells us to ask: ‘why’? So ultimately, why do we ask why? This question seems a bit like dividing by zero. It appears to be a ponderous thought that leads you down into a deep infinity within your own mind and one that you won’t ever be able to answer. Well, I don’t think that this post will lead you to an answer either. So, if you think this is a waste of time, go ahead and turn away now, because it’s only going to get deeper from here.
This next bit is going to sound a bit insane, but hear me out. This thought has given me another question. Is my brain a part of me? Or, am I a part of my brain? The brain has been studied. Science has helped us to learn which parts of the brain control certain motor functions. It has helped us to understand what causes some neurological disorders, and it has helped us to understand how various chemicals that our brain produce can incite happiness, accomplishment, love, and many other emotions. There are certain bodily functions that we don’t have any control over. For example, we don’t have to consciously make sure that we breathe, or that our heart keeps beating. We don’t need to make a conscious effort to keep the systems running at a basic level to keep our body alive. The body seemingly runs itself.
If I want to walk forward I don’t think consciously about each step I make. I’m not constantly thinking left foot forward, right foot forward, turn right, etc…. Instead I just go. I don’t even have to think ‘I want to go that way’. I just move my body in the direction I want to go. Even here as I’m writing this. I’m not consciously considering where the letters are on the keyboard. I’ve trained my typing skills to the point that I can just think about the words and they flow out as if I was speaking them. So I do have some control over the body, this is obvious. The Brain, however, retains some control over the body that I cannot control. I can’t force my brain to release dopamine on command. It would be nice, but I have no control over this natural response. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t force my heart to stop beating even though it is a muscle within my own body. So if I don’t have total control over my body I must ask it again. Is my brain a part of me? Am I my brain? Or, am I just a figment of my own imagination? I guess we’ll never know.
