#404 — What If Consciousness Is Fundamental?

Sam Harris speaks with his wife, Annaka Harris, about LIGHTS ON,
her ten-part audio documentary exploring the perplexities of
consciousness and the cosmos. They discuss the hard problem of
consciousness, whether consciousness is fundamental, what
split-brain patients can teach us about consciousness, what
consciousness being fundamental could mean for the world of
physics, and other topics.


After Annaka’s conversation with Sam, we present an excerpt from
LIGHTS ON.


Chapter 8: Space and Time features author and
science writer George Musser, as well as physicists Lee Smolin
and Carlo Rovelli. Annaka draws on their noted expertise to
explore some of the most mystifying conclusions in quantum
theory, how they may validate certain meditative insights, and
the ways in which they challenge our basic understanding of
reality.


Everyday experience tells us that space fills the universe; that
causes have effects across time; that the future exists only as
potential; that consciousness is confined to intelligent
creatures, rather than fundamental to the very structure of
being. These bedrock assumptions, when examined through both
modern physics and contemplative practices, prove surprisingly
fragile—and the fabric of existence profoundly counterintuitive.


 


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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment
you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up
app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of
life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the
practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.