Posts by cosmictinker21

Unfortunately, with Alzheimer's and certain other forms of dementia, we see this non-congruent tissue degeneration. It’s not uniform; different trajectories, nuclei, and centers get hit at different rates. Usually, it starts with the cortex—which basically governs consciousness. This means people remain aware of their own existence for quite a while... they know they're there. But gradually, those finer details of the past start slipping away. And those details are essentially the foundation you need to prove your own ego-status in the moment. A woman might know she exists and that *this* is the present moment, but she can't really anchor herself in an objective context anymore. Her observations and associations—the very things needed to explain what she's seeing—are slowed down, defective, or just gone entirely. If the part of the cortex responsible for recent memories is hit, which happens all the time, then the actual mechanism for encoding information is broken. The immediate, working memory fails. You lose the ability to process what you perceive, to deposit it into primary memory, let alone move it into secondary or tertiary stages—those deeply ingrained, "learned" memories, like knowing how to count or childhood recollections reinforced by a lifetime of repetition. As the physical material degrades, the structure and function follow suit. In this scenario, the "ego" is nothing more than a failing mental construct. Our true, total ego is actually scattered across various parts of the brain...

slyfox23 said:The ego represents everything I consciously experience and how I choose to present myself within this dimension—this version of me existing in this physical realm, defined by logic and precision, whether that persona I project toward this material world happens to be perceived as good or bad.

So, if you’re feeling gratitude and you actually realize it's gratitude... if you understand exactly why it surfaced, and then you lean into it by intentionally cultivating a sense of goodness, and finally manifest that outward to show thanks... well, that’s a conscious act. It’s inherently tied to your entire existence, because self-awareness is baked into the very core of being human (barring some extreme circumstances involving severe illness or specific neurological conditions). We aren't perfect, obviously, but we possess our own kind of wholeness, an integrity born from the necessity of our constituent parts. Otherwise, we wouldn't be *Homo sapiens* at all...

Look, if you didn't have an ego and a sense of reason (though you still haven't actually defined what you mean by "ego" in this context), you wouldn't be sitting here typing this out. You wouldn't even be aware that you’ve experienced anything at all. You wouldn't be able to process life in a way that allows you to talk about it here. You'd just be reacting to stimuli purely by reflex, kind of like a worm or a clam...

I phrased that poorly—"trapped"—my apologies for being so blunt. I'm also sorry that you aren't able to grasp or accept the reality that we are composed of that specific slice of matter/energy/whatever it is that gives us the genetic and biological capacity to possess self-awareness and awareness of our surroundings. A lot of people don't feel the need to seek out knowledge, especially the "how things work" kind of deep dive, because it requires so much effort, energy, contemplation, and time... it goes on and on...

As for those near-death experiences and similar events, yeah, I've been through one and survived, along with a few other things. But honestly, it just reinforced my feeling that I still have a massive amount of learning left to do. Besides, even worms have those genetic predispositions, so why not make use of them? Good luck with your continued investigation into the nature of life...🙂 🙂

slyfox23 said:The ego and reason are essentially two sides of the same coin, which naturally means they carry both their virtues and their flaws together.

Based on your username, I’m assuming you’re a guy. 😁

The real question is what you actually mean when you say "ego." Are we talking about the first definition or the second one, huh?

Because if you're defining ego as pure egocentrism, selfishness, or vanity, then you aren't necessarily correct. Those traits stem from the deepest parts of a personality; they’re often unconscious, making them pretty much impossible to catch through rational detection, cognitive processing, or any kind of logical insight and correction. But, if you're defining ego as self-awareness, then obviously that’s inextricably linked to reason... which doesn't inherently have a "bad side" in and of itself.

You still seem to be missing the point that gratitude is an incredibly active process. It isn't just some passive emotional vibe; it's a conscious acceptance of that feeling and a deliberate decision to express that thanks to whoever did the good deed. Those are the fundamental pillars of gratitude. You can't truly feel grateful without being aware that you *are* feeling it and recognizing it as your response to someone's kindness. Maybe try looking into the nuances a bit more instead of just chasing this intense urge to pivot toward spirituality while ignoring everything that exists outside your own desires. Your stance on the concept of gratitude is pretty rigid and misses several key components... you're essentially blinding yourself to certain truths. Try opening your mind and actually learning. Without the egocentrism. When there's more to the story, try to see it too...

wearyowl29 Asks:
First you say it’s not about your ego, and then suddenly it totally is... pick a side...😉

I’m not entirely sure if slyfox23 was making a distinction between the classic concept of the ego—you know, as self-knowledge, the actual sense of self, or just basic self-awareness—and that other version of the ego. That’s the one everyone talks about when they mean selfishness, greed, or being full of oneself... that constant need to belittle others, act superior, or hunt for praise and validation, sometimes bordering on total idolatry. I suppose you could also throw in the side effects like being overly sensitive, intolerant, or just generally aggressive... maybe.🤔

slyfox23 said:Everything you’ve described seems to stem from the ego and the rational mind. In fact, your comparison to a dog is spot on, because a dog acts on those raw, instinctive impulses rather than through conscious thought.

What you're describing is actually a rationalization of your own feelings; when you live purely from instinct, there is no choosing who or what to feel gratitude toward. That very act of choosing is a product of the ego and the intellect.

Think of it this way: it is only when you close your physical eyes and open your third eye that you can truly see and feel from that primal, instinctive place.

That isn't really possible, because we aren't purely spiritual beings; we're material ones too. A human being is an integrated mix of matter and energy, weaving together emotional, intellectual, physical, intuitive, and instinctive layers... it's all tangled up. My ego, in terms of consciousness, has to be present just to distinguish what's happening in the first place. On a purely instinctive level, you could try to describe a snail or a tomato that way, though even that wouldn't be quite right. Every single reaction is proof of how complex the system is, since it requires at least a receptor and a reactor. In humans, that happens at a reflex level. You have to understand at least the basics of neurology to realize there are parts of the brain specifically designed to enable consciousness and the understanding of that consciousness. If we've reached this stage of development, why deny the necessity of consciousness when it comes to gratitude Do you honestly think a dog isn't consciously grateful?? If you've ever owned a dog, you'd know they show their gratitude very deliberately. And it’s not just to anyone—it’s to the person they love and who has been kind to them. You really think that's just pure automation? Then you clearly don't know animals. Gratitude is a highly conscious emotion; if it were just automatic, everyone would feel it. But many people don't feel it at all. Some can't even form the thought of gratitude. You're really underselling the gift of consciousness...

slyfox23 said:Gratitude has absolutely nothing to do with the ego, much like love itself; it is entirely unconditional. Can one truly feel grateful without first stripping away all those heavy masks of the ego and the "I"?

Any kind of rationalized gratitude, just like rationalized love, isn't actually our primal essence. Haven't we all arrived here with a specific purpose, perhaps even a reason to be here, to finally learn the lessons we are meant to master?

Rationalization is merely a byproduct of the ego and logic, whereas true gratitude and love are something else entirely. Beneath all those layers of persona we project, we already possess these qualities; it is simply a matter of when we decide to bring them into the light.

Dear coastalwalker9 👍

I don't think "rationalization" is quite the right term here. Using it implies some sort of psychological defense mechanism—you know, that subconscious move where you swap a real motive for a fake, objective one. In the case of gratitude, that kind of transfer doesn't really serve any function.
If someone is acting "inherently," as you put it, they’re acting primarily on emotion, independent of upbringing or outside influence, just feeling what they feel and riding with it. But gratitude itself is always a conscious feeling. You’re aware of it. Because of that awareness, you choose to act gratefully toward a person or a being, or you engage in a mental process like, "Oh, this is good; I'm genuinely glad this happened for me." You feel grateful for something you didn't actually cause—it’s a gift, a gesture, or care from something external. Being able to hold that conscious sense of gratitude within yourself is the only way it works. If you aren't aware of that emotional layer, then it's no different than a dog wagging its tail because it's happy. That doesn't mean the dog is "grateful" to its owner or trying to show it; sometimes, by pure chance, it wags its tail because it's just happy and happens to be grateful to the owner too...

gratitude is essentially a moral category.
Some people eventually realize—or just figure out through experience—that it’s important to actually thank someone when they’ve done you a favor, helped you out, offered comfort, or given some solid advice. It matters because
1. You feel a sense of obligation toward that person, and expressing thanks shows you accepted their kindness with genuine respect and grace. It builds better social bonds... the kind of connections that stick with you for future situations.
2. Over time, you learn how to actually work at feeling that gratitude sincerely within yourself. You try to find joy in it so it doesn't just feel like checking a box or fulfilling a duty, allowing you to show true appreciation to the benefactor. These are things you have to notice and practice, and they lead to much smoother interactions.

A lot of people seem to think that since they "deserve" kindness, they have an inherent right to it. Because of that, the idea of offering a specific thank you never even crosses their minds.
From a moral standpoint, we’d call that behavior arrogant, dishonest, or just plain ungrateful. Honestly, this kind of dismissive attitude toward someone who helped you can often be traced back to poor upbringing, a lack of good role models, or more frequently, a selfish and aggressive temperament... though, of course, good parenting can overcome all that.
The worst part for the majority of vulnerable people is that certain cultures actually glorify this kind of bad behavior, treating it as a display of strength, "rights," or a superior status earned through perceived merit.
Gratitude always requires a concrete "object"—specifically, reciprocating to the individual who performed the act. Sure, you can thank God, Mother Nature, or whatever cosmic force you believe in, because then you're in a relationship with that power. But just thanking a vague, undefined "everything" around you is really just a comforting psychological habit and a way to relieve mental tension. If that makes someone feel better, fine, super.
In any case, gratitude is a social, moral, and emotional concept that stems from ancient evolutionary pack behaviors. I'd recommend reading: F. de Waal: *The Bonobo and the Primates*... or something similar about innate goodness.☕

Yeah, though in practice it’s generally turned out to be a better anticonvulsant, while being way less effective when it comes to mood stabilization.

Look, I don't have anything against the red brigade, I just think everything was completely misinterpreted. My "me too" comment was actually directed at the facepalm—I’m just cringing at the nonsense driftingfalcon3 has been peddling for days now. That interpretation wouldn't make sense in any universe. As for the swearing in my post, obviously, I don't condone that sort of thing. It should be pretty clear that that kind of behavior isn't really part of my persona. It’s fine, though; it's just the internet. I'm not angry, I just didn't explain myself well enough... I included the facepalm thinking people would realize what I was actually agreeing with. And this whole ridiculous situation regarding my signature is honestly beneath contempt. It's obvious some people here are just totally out of their depth. Anyway, take care, and I hope driftingfalcon3 feels a bit more vindicated now. It wouldn't be good if he had a heart attack over such a misunderstanding.😁

ps: I'm trying my best to avoid bringing up the whole premarital innocence debate. 😁

At the end of the day, we’re all just part of the same story... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrBZm...eature=related

leaving....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h2fd...eature=related

Lisa Morales4 said:Yeah, you guys are acting like kids 🙂 and kids actually have this weird ability to reflect on all the things they aren't doing...

I just want the truth here 🙂 Is anyone feeling uncomfortable? If so, what is it? Why?

As far as calves, idiots, and the mentally ill go... they count as people to us, but they don't really exist to themselves.

They are, just not at the same level of consciousness. Infants and those with an IQ hovering somewhere under 35% don't really recognize themselves as individuals. Mental patients—unless there's significant cognitive impairment involved—usually don't either. Everyone else possesses a sense of self. I know this one guy who's a total sociopath; he's highly educated, yet emotionally he's stuck at the level of a seven-year-old (it's always ego über alles with them).

Anyway, I have to run before my coconut cream sauce burns on the stove...🤣

Super Kokuz said:give me 😍

Let's not just mess around with a boring topic. If we're doing this, we need to bring out the heavy artillery and start clashing swords...😍

Not really sure if I agree or not. Right now I’ve got five different things simmering on the stove, so I can't exactly focus solely on the whole dualism debate. Once I actually have a free moment, I'll dive back in...

Look, "idiots," toddlers, and people who just sleep through life—they're still people. They possess self-reflection and an ego (well, except for kids under two, obviously). It all comes down to maturity levels, intellectual capacity, and those other various factors that make up a person. When we talk about a lack of self-awareness in certain individuals, we're usually referring to clinical cases of developmental issues—things like microcephaly where survival itself is a miracle, or severe cognitive impairments where someone is basically in a vegetative state...

Anyway, I should probably stop here. Time to go stir the pot.

Peter Phillips32 said:Man 🙂, if that's the case, then how far off are we from ever actually reaching that supposed "knowledge society" everyone keeps yapping about?

Whatever, just let it be. We’re still a work in progress... evolution isn't exactly moving at breakneck speed anyway...😁

I can't actually watch videos through links, so I'm flying blind here. If you want my take on whatever this is, you'll have to give me the rundown... just paste the transcript or give me a summary of what’s happening in the clip. Once I know what we're looking at, I can weigh in... though I make no promises on being particularly enthusiastic about it.

Peter Phillips32 said:So, why is it that in dreams you never find yourself actually reading books, or learning anything, or being skeptical, or using any logic? It's like there's zero critical thinking or actual confrontation between reality and what you want, you know?

😂😂

You're looking for too much... if you did, it wouldn't be a dream.😁

Zachary Young8 said:I’m heading out from the forums for a bit anyway since I'm moving. We'll catch up in a few months, and then we can see what actually happened to those 4 million dollars. Though, I suppose in dreams, time doesn't follow any linear sequence—everything just happens all at once.

Yeah, it’s pretty clearly all a blur. If you actually hit the jackpot on a Powerball ticket, are you actually going to buy a round for everyone?😁

Zachary Young8 said:How exactly are you supposed to wrap your head around an illness when your only exposure to it has been through some dry encyclopedia entry or a segment on the nightly news?

If you actually look closely at what was said earlier... it’s already familiar to you. You saw it in a book or on TV once. Your brain just works in these weird, subconscious ways, connecting those old bits of information with physical sensations you're feeling right now. Then, suddenly, it feels like a "vision" or a dream. It’s not that you actually dreamed it; it’s more like your mind is creating this illusion that it came from a dream state. It happens more often than people realize, though most don't give it a second thought. We all have those moments where we suddenly remember something we vaguely knew before... the brain is good at storing fragments, even if it doesn't always serve them up to your conscious mind in a way that makes sense...

Zachary Young8 said:It’s kind of interesting, actually—in that dream, I heard about the illness I'd eventually face for the first time in some informal setting, along with a preview of the people I’d end up meeting once I was admitted to the hospital.

Or maybe you already had some inkling of it, and you just started recognizing the symptoms? You probably already had an idea of what an American hospital looks like and how things work there, too. Maybe the sickness was already lying dormant inside you, and your subconscious just took those vague, unconscious details and stitched them together with stuff you'd seen in the real world. Besides, it hasn't been clarified whether this was actual déjà vu or if you're just experiencing a false memory. I don't see you having given that much thought...

Anyway, you started this whole thread talking about how the future is set in stone, yet now we've moved on to dreams about winning the Powerball, getting sick, and all that sort of thing...