What exactly is the "ego"?

wiredpuma9 said:Basically, you realize that stripping away any part of that loop kills the "process" itself, yet you refuse to see that this very process is what defines your "self."

Without that continuous loop, you'd be in a clinical coma or a vegetative state. When everything is functioning perfectly—when you're awake and conscious—that specific process is the bedrock of your identity.

If the "I" is just the process of observing, then who exactly is the observer?
It seems more logical to me that the "I" is the observer, the process, and occasionally the object being watched, all rolled into one.
If the "I" is just the process of observing, then who exactly is the observer?
It seems more logical to me that the "I" is the observer, the process, and occasionally the object being watched, all rolled into one.
If the "I" is just the process of observing, then who exactly is the observer?
It seems more logical to me that the "I" is the observer, the process, and occasionally the object being watched, all rolled into one.
Look, if we’re talking about the Trinity being one single unity—and if you’re actually capable of grasping that, which is a huge "if"—then there is nothing but the "I am." There isn't anything else, there never was, and there never will be. If the observer truly dissolves into the observed through the sheer act of witnessing, then that "I am" state doesn't have any room for philosophical nitpicking. It doesn't need it. It’s already realized itself from the inside out.☕

Edward Flores4 said:So, you’ll admit to being the 'observer,' yet you deny being the 'process of observation,' even though you're fully aware that the whole process is happening INSIDE YOU!?

That is fascinating, truly!

Let me give you another example to make it clearer:
Me (the woodcutter) chopping (the action) wood (the object) = the process of chopping, wherein I am certainly not the process itself, nor the wood, nor the act of chopping.
Me (the thinker) thinking (the action) a thought (the object) = the process of thinking. Do I need to define who and what I am in that scenario too?

Using a physical action as an analogy for cognitive processes is pretty much spot-on, mostly because cognitive processes happen entirely WITHOUT your willpower. If I walk into a room holding an umbrella, you CANNOT help but identify the object in my hand as an umbrella!

In that moment of identification, you aren't performing some grand task... the process is spontaneous and unavoidable... you can't see the object without instinctively knowing what it is.

Clearly, that identification is a spontaneous RESULT of perception that manifests in your consciousness as a thought (an umbrella). Calling that a conscious "action" would be just like claiming that a gland secreting hormones is a "deliberate action."

So, you can keep ignoring the obvious if you want, or you can live under the delusion that you can willfully exist in a state of "no thoughts"—but that's just plain nonsense. No matter how hard you try, you can't help but "label" the objects (concepts) you perceive, which is something even modern fMRI scans have scientifically proven.

Sure, you can choose to think... in the same way you can choose to control your breathing... but the second you stop consciously managing your breath, it just keeps going on its own.

I am not the process, even if that process can't exist without me.

Repetition is the mother of self-hypnosis. ☕

It seems like you're still not grasping what I meant, so let me clarify:
If you are the waking observer, then you are aware of everything that is happening...

That’s actually what we call the 'reactive mind'... a mental state where cognitive processes, due to a lack of intentional reasoning, are reduced to spontaneous reactions (like automatically naming things you recognize).

You could call it 'conscious unconsciousness' or 'sleeping observation,' but that doesn't change the fact that both states (reactive and deliberative thinking) are equally 'conscious'—the difference lies solely in self-control, or rather, the total absence of it.

If this feels foreign to you and you can't wrap your head around it, you probably just need a bit more practice and some deeper understanding to get there.

Or maybe you're just leaning on that standard, trendy "spiritual vibe"—believing that if you repeat enough "spiritually acceptable stereotypes," you can somehow borrow the credibility those tropes usually hold among the latest crop of "lifestyle gurus." ☕

Exactly—awareness or mindfulness isn't a thought. To truly know that, you have to experience it.

Water isn't H2O... you have to experience it to know!

See what happened there? You can plug absolutely anything into that kind of cognitive claim, allowing you to assert whatever convenient nonsense fits your mood at the moment. Unfortunately for you, statements like that only serve to reinforce the very valid suspicion that you're just recycling well-worn, widely accepted, and utterly hollow phrases used by every "New Age influencer" and spiritual charlatan out there.

Plenty of people are capable of doing it; if you aren't, that's on you. Just practice and maybe you'll get there—just don't go around claiming it's impossible just because you personally haven't mastered it.

Plenty of people are capable of dematerializing themselves and then rematerializing somewhere else—say, traveling from New York to Los Angeles in about 14 milliseconds. If you can't pull that off, well... that's your problem. Keep practicing and maybe you'll succeed, but don't claim it's impossible just because you lack the ability.

As usual, we’ve got another empty cognitive assertion that carries zero actual argumentative weight.

This whole discussion is just degrading from post to post. Your stance has shifted from offering unsolicited advice—basically just being condescending—to attempting to argue with logically contradictory statements, and finally settling into making totally baseless, cognitive claims about your supposed "abilities."

Judging by how this conversation is going, I expect your next few replies will devolve into playground logic, something along the lines of "my dad is stronger than your dad." ☕

I told you clearly and you just won't get it: I exist in a state where there isn't a single thought, feeling, or image, and I perceive this through my consciousness via my senses.

So, you're claiming that perceiving oneself isn't a mental process, even though the "self" that you're perceiving in "that state" is still a verbal (and therefore mental) concept?

You experience "yourself," yet you deny that the experience of the "self" is a mental-linguistic process?

If the answer to that is yes, then you clearly have some serious conceptual issues stemming from a total lack of awareness regarding your own cognitive processes, basic logic, and common sense. 🤷

Since the rest of your post is basically just a repetitive denial and an appeal to that same inadequate physical analogy... I don't see much point in repeating myself.

If you actually decide to step up, promote your own cognition, and give some honest answers—without leaning on those tired "spiritual" clichés or empty psychological claims—then maybe we can actually have a conversation. But honestly? I’ve got zero interest in your spiritual propaganda or this self-delusion you're running with.

Go ahead and enjoy your little "ego" over there, in that void where there isn't even a single coherent thought to be found. 😉

It’s fascinating to you, I guess, because you can't actually follow what I'm saying, yet you're out here trying to lecture me like you've got it all figured out.
The process of observation = Me (subject) observing (action) a tree (object).
So, the process involves the tree, which isn't me—nor is it inside me (though you probably are, given how stubborn and confused you seem)—the action (which also isn't me, since I can just exist without doing anything), and the observer, which is who I am while I'm consciously observing.

So, you can just keep ignoring the obvious if you want, and sure, you can live under the delusion that you can willfully reach a state 'without thoughts'—but that's honestly just pure nonsense. No matter how hard you try, you can't help but 'label' the objects (concepts) you see; even fMRI scans have scientifically proven that.

You don't need to throw a tantrum like a toddler just because you can't wrap your head around something. Maybe try being patient, practicing, and learning, and who knows, maybe you'll actually get there one day too.🙂
It’s always easiest to claim something doesn't exist or is impossible when you personally lack the ability to do it or notice it.😲

So you're claiming that perceiving the self isn't a cognitive process, even though the 'I' that is perceiving in 'that state' is still a verbal (linguistic, and therefore cognitive) concept?

You experience 'yourself,' but you deny that the experience of the 'I' concept is a thought-based linguistic process?

Exactly. Perceiving the self isn't a cognitive or linguistic concept. You can do it without any thoughts, in a state of total stillness where there is absolutely nothing.
"I" is just a label for you.
You can experience yourself without labels, language, or thoughts.😲
But I guess why am I even telling you this when you're constantly thinking thoughts, seeing thoughts, hearing thoughts, and just dealing with endless streams of mental crap...

If you decide to observe your own cognition and answer questions honestly... without repeating tired 'spiritual' clichés and empty cognitive claims—then maybe we can continue this discussion. But I'm not interested in your spiritual propaganda or self-delusion.

Enjoy your 'self' over there in that void where not a single thought exists.😉

I think I've answered all your questions, probably more than once. It’s just that you either don't understand it, or you just really don't want to accept it.😲
And that’s why you love to act like a know-it-all, throwing insults around and forcing your opinions on everyone else like it's some kind of sermon...☕
Maybe try actually answering the questions I asked you instead of dodging them? It might help you snap out of it. And honestly, you should probably practice thinking for once—because without actual thought, there isn't even a "you" there. You're basically just a walking, talking idea.😂

I haven't seen anything from casualmaker13 yet, which is a bit of a bummer because I was actually looking forward to seeing what they had to say about this whole situation. It feels like we're all just waiting around for that one piece of the puzzle to fall into place, you know? It’s kind of like when you're watching a slow-burn thriller—you know the payoff is coming, but the tension just builds and builds while you're left staring at the screen wondering if the director is ever going to get to the good stuff. Anyway, I'm still hanging in there, keeping an eye on the thread and hoping for some actual substance soon. kaže:
It’s honestly pretty funny to watch you try to act like the smartest guy in the room when you clearly didn't even process what I actually wrote—you're out here trying to lecture me on being literate while completely missing the point.

It’s playing out exactly the way I called it—honestly, the rhetoric is starting to feel like something you'd hear from a middle schooler during a playground debate. Seriously, kid!

Honestly, you probably are—if we’re measuring by sheer stubbornness and that refusal to see anyone else's point of view.

And my dad is tougher than yours!

Look, there’s really no need to throw a total temper tantrum just because things didn't go exactly your way—it's not like you're five years old anymore. We all hit walls sometimes, but losing your cool the second you run into a little resistance? That's just not it.

Turn off the spotlight... seriously, there isn't a single ounce of anger in my posts. You’re the one who started throwing around terms like "boys" and "letters" just to try and back up those cognitive claims of yours—claims about your supposed mental prowess that, if you weren't exaggerating, would honestly be a scientific phenomenon.

Honestly, you should really consider reaching out to some neuroscientists—I mean, seriously, give them a call. They would be absolutely fascinated by what you can do, especially since a phenomenon like yours hasn't even been documented in scientific literature yet!

Look, just be patient with yourself—keep putting in the work, stay focused on learning, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get lucky enough to find yourself in that same position one day!

I’ll pass, thanks... that just isn't really my thing. The ability to just... not think. It sounds almost lazy when you say it out loud, doesn't it? But there’s a massive difference between being mindless and actually mastering that quiet space where the mental noise finally shuts up. We spend our entire lives in this constant state of hyper-analysis—overthinking every email we send, every decision we make at work, even the tiny stuff like what to grab for dinner. It’s like having fifty browser tabs open in your brain at once, all playing different videos at different volumes. You can't get anything done because the processor is always running at 100%. I’ve been trying to lean into this "ability to not think" lately. It isn't about being empty-headed; it's more like hitting the reset button on your internal monologue. It’s that flow state athletes talk about, or that moment when you’re driving down a highway in the Midwest and the scenery just blurs past and you realize you haven't had a single conscious thought for ten miles. It’s a skill, honestly. We aren't taught it in school. We’re taught how to calculate, how to memorize, and how to argue, but we’re never taught how to simply exist without the constant commentary running in the background of our minds. Finding that stillness—that capacity to just *be* without the endless "what ifs" and "should haves"—is probably one of the most underrated tools for staying sane in a world that won't stop shouting at us.I honestly believe that the capacity for thought is an incredibly useful "thing"—it’s really that specific trait that draws the biggest line between us humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. See, every single rock—and frankly, everything else that's inanimate—possesses this "inability to think" that you seem so proud of. Even if your arguments actually held water (which, let's be honest, they definitely don't), I still think that running away from critical thought—trying to reduce yourself to the intellectual level of a tree or a pebble—is just straight-up pure imbecility.

We tend to hold people in high regard when they can sit down, crunch the numbers, and come up with some brilliant solution—you know, those moments of pure innovation, a clever invention, or just some profound bit of life wisdom that sticks with you. It’s that "eureka" moment we all respect. But honestly, looking back at history and the people we celebrate, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being remembered specifically because they had the ability to *not* think—to just exist in that state of total mental stillness. We're always chasing the next big idea, aren't we? 🤷

I did happen to catch a bit of something Bertrand Russell once said—it really stuck with me:

It’s a grim thought, I know—but honestly, if you look at how most people navigate their daily lives, it feels pretty accurate. There’s this pervasive, almost instinctive avoidance of deep thought out there. It isn't even that people are incapable of it; it’s more like they’ve developed this massive, subconscious allergy to the discomfort that comes with it. Think about it: true thinking—real, rigorous, soul-searching contemplation—is exhausting. It requires you to sit with uncertainty, to challenge your own biases, and to face truths that might actually hurt your ego. Most people would much rather drift through life on autopilot, consuming whatever easy distractions are handed to them, than endure that kind of mental friction. It’s easier to just follow the crowd or grab the nearest shiny distraction than to do the heavy lifting of questioning why things are the way they are. In a strange way, it’s like people have collectively decided that intellectual lethargy is a safer bet than the vulnerability required to truly understand the world. It’s a heavy realization, but it seems like a lot of folks would genuinely prefer the comfort of ignorance over the struggle of being awake.

It’s honestly the easiest thing in the world to claim something doesn't exist—or to insist that something is absolutely impossible—simply because you lack the capacity to build it yourself or even wrap your head around how it works. It’s like someone standing next to a high-end Tesla and claiming electric cars aren't a real thing just because they don't know how to charge one or understand the motor. If you can't see the mechanism or pull off the feat, it’s much easier to just dismiss the whole concept than to admit your own limitations.

You hit the nail on the head there... honestly, it’s just so much easier to claim something exists out of thin air than to actually sit down and back it up with logic or hard evidence. Instead of doing the heavy lifting of building a real argument, people just take the easy way out by labeling anyone who asks questions as "unbelievers" or accusing them of being "closed-minded." It’s a classic deflection tactic—basically calling someone "ignorant" just to avoid having to prove their point. This whole little "trick" is something organized religion has been peddling for centuries, and frankly, they haven't lost their touch even today. 🙂

Exactly—perceiving oneself isn't just some abstract linguistic or intellectual concept.

...hmm... well, it sounds to me like your perception is more of a "digestive" concept. Maybe you should start a tradition of "gastronomic-centrism" instead. ☕

...why am I even telling you this when you think thoughts, see thoughts, hear thoughts, and basically just live and breathe thoughts...

Right... I’m clearly at a disadvantage because I actually think, whereas you—with your special "gift" for avoiding thought altogether—are obviously holding all the cards here. That’s meditation for you— ignorance is a bliss! 😁

I feel like I’ve answered all your questions several times over; it’s just that you either don't understand them or simply refuse to accept them.

That’s possible... though you might have "forgotten" to mention a few other equally likely scenarios...

- like the fact that what you're saying is simply untrue, or...
- that what you're saying is just a byproduct of your own personal delusion and is, therefore, totally incoherent and nonsensical. ☕

But of course, you love playing the smart guy, throwing insults, pushing your views, and constantly harping on the exact same thing... ☕

Actually, I don't repeat myself much, but you—you definitely harp on the same point over and over. If I wanted to insult you, I would... but the fact that my insistence on logic and my refusal to buy into your cognitive claims feels like an attack to you? Well, that is entirely your own problem.

Since you brought it up, though... let me take this opportunity to give you a friendly heads-up. If you keep addressing me with that mediocre vocabulary and those patronizing little nicknames, I’m going to take it as a direct provocation. I'll make sure you learn the very clear difference between a debate and a personal insult. In that arena, my ability to think is actually a massive advantage over your refusal to do so. 😉

You are nothing but a walking thought. 😂

And I wear that with pride... though I find it genuinely strange how some people go to such extreme lengths to avoid thinking, trying to convince themselves that being incapable of thought is somehow a virtue. 🤷

So you laugh at me because... well, because I think. Just imagine the handicap I'm dealing with there. 😁

I suppose you'll end up in that unfortunate group of people whose intellectual capacity is just large enough to realize how shallow they actually are... so they find their only comfort in refusing to think at all.

... I mean, some branches are just naturally shorter while others grow longer—it’s just how things work (I can't quite recall who originally coined that sentiment, but it feels pretty spot on to me).

"I" is what actually holds the freedom of choice.

We can't really talk about a true "I"—all we have is the version of "I" we think exists, and honestly, that perception shifts every single second.

Edward Flores4 said:

I haven't seen anything from casualmaker13 yet, which is a bit of a bummer because I was actually looking forward to seeing what they had to say about this whole situation. It feels like we're all just waiting around for that one piece of the puzzle to fall into place, you know? It’s kind of like when you're watching a slow-burn thriller—you know the payoff is coming, but the tension just builds and builds while you're left staring at the screen wondering if the director is ever going to get to the good stuff. Anyway, I'm still hanging in there, keeping an eye on the thread and hoping for some actual substance soon. kaže:
It’s honestly pretty funny to watch you try to act like the smartest guy in the room when you clearly didn't even process what I actually wrote—you're out here trying to lecture me on being literate while completely missing the point.

It’s playing out exactly the way I called it—honestly, the rhetoric is starting to feel like something you'd hear from a middle schooler during a playground debate. Seriously, kid!

Honestly, you probably are—if we’re measuring by sheer stubbornness and that refusal to see anyone else's point of view.

And my dad is tougher than yours!

Look, there’s really no need to throw a total temper tantrum just because things didn't go exactly your way—it's not like you're five years old anymore. We all hit walls sometimes, but losing your cool the second you run into a little resistance? That's just not it.

Turn off the spotlight... seriously, there isn't a single ounce of anger in my posts. You’re the one who started throwing around terms like "boys" and "letters" just to try and back up those cognitive claims of yours—claims about your supposed mental prowess that, if you weren't exaggerating, would honestly be a scientific phenomenon.

Honestly, you should really consider reaching out to some neuroscientists—I mean, seriously, give them a call. They would be absolutely fascinated by what you can do, especially since a phenomenon like yours hasn't even been documented in scientific literature yet!

Look, just be patient with yourself—keep putting in the work, stay focused on learning, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get lucky enough to find yourself in that same position one day!

I’ll pass, thanks... that just isn't really my thing. The ability to just... not think. It sounds almost lazy when you say it out loud, doesn't it? But there’s a massive difference between being mindless and actually mastering that quiet space where the mental noise finally shuts up. We spend our entire lives in this constant state of hyper-analysis—overthinking every email we send, every decision we make at work, even the tiny stuff like what to grab for dinner. It’s like having fifty browser tabs open in your brain at once, all playing different videos at different volumes. You can't get anything done because the processor is always running at 100%. I’ve been trying to lean into this "ability to not think" lately. It isn't about being empty-headed; it's more like hitting the reset button on your internal monologue. It’s that flow state athletes talk about, or that moment when you’re driving down a highway in the Midwest and the scenery just blurs past and you realize you haven't had a single conscious thought for ten miles. It’s a skill, honestly. We aren't taught it in school. We’re taught how to calculate, how to memorize, and how to argue, but we’re never taught how to simply exist without the constant commentary running in the background of our minds. Finding that stillness—that capacity to just *be* without the endless "what ifs" and "should haves"—is probably one of the most underrated tools for staying sane in a world that won't stop shouting at us.I honestly believe that the capacity for thought is an incredibly useful "thing"—it’s really that specific trait that draws the biggest line between us humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. See, every single rock—and frankly, everything else that's inanimate—possesses this "inability to think" that you seem so proud of. Even if your arguments actually held water (which, let's be honest, they definitely don't), I still think that running away from critical thought—trying to reduce yourself to the intellectual level of a tree or a pebble—is just straight-up pure imbecility.

We tend to hold people in high regard when they can sit down, crunch the numbers, and come up with some brilliant solution—you know, those moments of pure innovation, a clever invention, or just some profound bit of life wisdom that sticks with you. It’s that "eureka" moment we all respect. But honestly, looking back at history and the people we celebrate, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being remembered specifically because they had the ability to *not* think—to just exist in that state of total mental stillness. We're always chasing the next big idea, aren't we? 🤷

I did happen to catch a bit of something Bertrand Russell once said—it really stuck with me:

It’s a grim thought, I know—but honestly, if you look at how most people navigate their daily lives, it feels pretty accurate. There’s this pervasive, almost instinctive avoidance of deep thought out there. It isn't even that people are incapable of it; it’s more like they’ve developed this massive, subconscious allergy to the discomfort that comes with it. Think about it: true thinking—real, rigorous, soul-searching contemplation—is exhausting. It requires you to sit with uncertainty, to challenge your own biases, and to face truths that might actually hurt your ego. Most people would much rather drift through life on autopilot, consuming whatever easy distractions are handed to them, than endure that kind of mental friction. It’s easier to just follow the crowd or grab the nearest shiny distraction than to do the heavy lifting of questioning why things are the way they are. In a strange way, it’s like people have collectively decided that intellectual lethargy is a safer bet than the vulnerability required to truly understand the world. It’s a heavy realization, but it seems like a lot of folks would genuinely prefer the comfort of ignorance over the struggle of being awake.

It’s honestly the easiest thing in the world to claim something doesn't exist—or to insist that something is absolutely impossible—simply because you lack the capacity to build it yourself or even wrap your head around how it works. It’s like someone standing next to a high-end Tesla and claiming electric cars aren't a real thing just because they don't know how to charge one or understand the motor. If you can't see the mechanism or pull off the feat, it’s much easier to just dismiss the whole concept than to admit your own limitations.

You hit the nail on the head there... honestly, it’s just so much easier to claim something exists out of thin air than to actually sit down and back it up with logic or hard evidence. Instead of doing the heavy lifting of building a real argument, people just take the easy way out by labeling anyone who asks questions as "unbelievers" or accusing them of being "closed-minded." It’s a classic deflection tactic—basically calling someone "ignorant" just to avoid having to prove their point. This whole little "trick" is something organized religion has been peddling for centuries, and frankly, they haven't lost their touch even today. 🙂

Exactly—perceiving oneself isn't just some abstract linguistic or intellectual concept.

...hmm... well, it sounds to me like your perception is more of a "digestive" concept. Maybe you should start a tradition of "gastronomic-centrism" instead. ☕

...why am I even telling you this when you think thoughts, see thoughts, hear thoughts, and basically just live and breathe thoughts...

Right... I’m clearly at a disadvantage because I actually think, whereas you—with your special "gift" for avoiding thought altogether—are obviously holding all the cards here. That’s meditation for you— ignorance is a bliss! 😁

I feel like I’ve answered all your questions several times over; it’s just that you either don't understand them or simply refuse to accept them.

That’s possible... though you might have "forgotten" to mention a few other equally likely scenarios...

- like the fact that what you're saying is simply untrue, or...
- that what you're saying is just a byproduct of your own personal delusion and is, therefore, totally incoherent and nonsensical. ☕

But of course, you love playing the smart guy, throwing insults, pushing your views, and constantly harping on the exact same thing... ☕

Actually, I don't repeat myself much, but you—you definitely harp on the same point over and over. If I wanted to insult you, I would... but the fact that my insistence on logic and my refusal to buy into your cognitive claims feels like an attack to you? Well, that is entirely your own problem.

Since you brought it up, though... let me take this opportunity to give you a friendly heads-up. If you keep addressing me with that mediocre vocabulary and those patronizing little nicknames, I’m going to take it as a direct provocation. I'll make sure you learn the very clear difference between a debate and a personal insult. In that arena, my ability to think is actually a massive advantage over your refusal to do so. 😉

You are nothing but a walking thought. 😂

And I wear that with pride... though I find it genuinely strange how some people go to such extreme lengths to avoid thinking, trying to convince themselves that being incapable of thought is somehow a virtue. 🤷

So you laugh at me because... well, because I think. Just imagine the handicap I'm dealing with there. 😁

I suppose you'll end up in that unfortunate group of people whose intellectual capacity is just large enough to realize how shallow they actually are... so they find their only comfort in refusing to think at all.

... I mean, some branches are just naturally shorter while others grow longer—it’s just how things work (I can't quite recall who originally coined that sentiment, but it feels pretty spot on to me).

Edward Flores4 went off, and now he's making excuses. Not really necessary, though—the main point is that you need to know how to think.😂
Every little bit of biology in a human body thinks, whether they want to or not. Maybe just a few can manage to be without thoughts—in silence, without that internal dialogue, without all that useless mental noise.
And yet you're out here bragging about thinking? Even people with mental illnesses think; they often can't even stop those unwanted thoughts that haunt them and loop constantly in their heads. You're claiming they're actually better off than those who can think and exist without thoughts?
Maybe try thinking a little bit, assuming you still know how, and preferably before you hit post. You might actually come out looking wiser.😉

The fact that you're reading and quoting your idols just makes it seem like you're insecure and need validation from others to feel like you're right.
You're just parroting things you've mumbled and accepted as the only truth, which is more like belief than anything else, since you clearly lack any actual experience.😲
What else is there to say? Just think for yourself, because it seems like you can't or don't know how to do anything else.😁

Look, I'm not repeating myself, but you definitely are. You're just beating the same drum over and over. If I want to insult you, I will... but the fact that you feel threatened and insulted by my insistence on arguments and my refusal to accept your cognitive claims—that is entirely your own problem.

Actually, since you brought it up... this is a good chance for me to gently warn you. If you keep addressing me with that mediocre vocabulary and euphemisms like 'kid' or 'bookworm,' I'm going to take that as a direct insult. I'll do my best to make sure you see the difference between a debate and an insult. In that regard, my ability to think versus your non-thinking is actually a pretty solid advantage.

Everyone gets what they deserve. So, if words like 'kid' or 'bookworm' feel insulting to you, maybe take a look at your own posts and what you write. When you realize that you're the one insulting, mocking, or ridiculing every single person you disagree with—responding to their ideas with stuff like 'total nonsense,' 'know-it-all,' or 'spiritual fraud'—then maybe don't be surprised when other people have zero respect for you or your skewed view of the world.

Look, I’m actually proud of it... though I have to say, I’m pretty baffled by people like you who go out of their way to dodge any real thought, acting like being able to just switch your brain off is some kind of virtue

So, you're laughing at me because... well, because I actually think... can you imagine what a massive handicap that is? 😁

I guess you’ll end up in that unfortunate crowd—people whose intellectual capacity is just large enough to realize how shallow they actually are... so they find comfort in refusing to think.

.. some branches are naturally shorter than others... it's just how things are (I can't recall the exact source, but it feels right here).

Go ahead and keep being proud that you think you *are* a thought. Be proud that you can't even exist without constant mental noise, unable to find peace or silence. Just keep celebrating your own limitations.
But please, don't try to sell your little beliefs and dogmas to everyone else. Don't claim something is impossible or non-existent just because you lack the capacity to grasp or experience it. 😲
Just keep thinking. Honestly, it seems like you don't really have any other choice... 👍

And like you said, some branches are naturally shorter... they just aren't aware of it. 😉

P.S. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you... Hugs. 🙂

casualmaker13 said:Edward Flores4 went off, and now he's making excuses. Not really necessary, though—the main point is that you need to know how to think.😂
Every little bit of biology in a human body thinks, whether they want to or not. Maybe just a few can manage to be without thoughts—in silence, without that internal dialogue, without all that useless mental noise.
And yet you're out here bragging about thinking? Even people with mental illnesses think; they often can't even stop those unwanted thoughts that haunt them and loop constantly in their heads. You're claiming they're actually better off than those who can think and exist without thoughts?
Maybe try thinking a little bit, assuming you still know how, and preferably before you hit post. You might actually come out looking wiser.😉

The fact that you're reading and quoting your idols just makes it seem like you're insecure and need validation from others to feel like you're right.
You're just parroting things you've mumbled and accepted as the only truth, which is more like belief than anything else, since you clearly lack any actual experience.😲
What else is there to say? Just think for yourself, because it seems like you can't or don't know how to do anything else.😁

Look, I'm not repeating myself, but you definitely are. You're just beating the same drum over and over. If I want to insult you, I will... but the fact that you feel threatened and insulted by my insistence on arguments and my refusal to accept your cognitive claims—that is entirely your own problem.

Actually, since you brought it up... this is a good chance for me to gently warn you. If you keep addressing me with that mediocre vocabulary and euphemisms like 'kid' or 'bookworm,' I'm going to take that as a direct insult. I'll do my best to make sure you see the difference between a debate and an insult. In that regard, my ability to think versus your non-thinking is actually a pretty solid advantage.

Everyone gets what they deserve. So, if words like 'kid' or 'bookworm' feel insulting to you, maybe take a look at your own posts and what you write. When you realize that you're the one insulting, mocking, or ridiculing every single person you disagree with—responding to their ideas with stuff like 'total nonsense,' 'know-it-all,' or 'spiritual fraud'—then maybe don't be surprised when other people have zero respect for you or your skewed view of the world.

Look, I’m actually proud of it... though I have to say, I’m pretty baffled by people like you who go out of their way to dodge any real thought, acting like being able to just switch your brain off is some kind of virtue

So, you're laughing at me because... well, because I actually think... can you imagine what a massive handicap that is? 😁

I guess you’ll end up in that unfortunate crowd—people whose intellectual capacity is just large enough to realize how shallow they actually are... so they find comfort in refusing to think.

.. some branches are naturally shorter than others... it's just how things are (I can't recall the exact source, but it feels right here).

Go ahead and keep being proud that you think you *are* a thought. Be proud that you can't even exist without constant mental noise, unable to find peace or silence. Just keep celebrating your own limitations.
But please, don't try to sell your little beliefs and dogmas to everyone else. Don't claim something is impossible or non-existent just because you lack the capacity to grasp or experience it. 😲
Just keep thinking. Honestly, it seems like you don't really have any other choice... 👍

And like you said, some branches are naturally shorter... they just aren't aware of it. 😉

P.S. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you... Hugs. 🙂

Look, regardless of how much you disagree with Edward Flores4... have you actually read his previous posts or what?
If you really think that state of mind is some kind of superpower, then ask yourself: who's actually pulling the strings on your inability to think? Who's controlling your opinions and your refusal to process anything? Who's running the show in your head? You aren't your thoughts... so who's standing behind them?

casualmaker13... there's really no sense in beating a dead horse, so I'll just send you my best regards! 😉

There are honestly way too many different ways people try to define what their "true self" actually is.
The most practical definition? Just throw a heavy sledgehammer onto your foot. You’ll figure out exactly who you are in an instant.