The Human Experience

Note: This piece will introduce deep philosophical ideas, offering a glimpse into my current perspective without direct comparisons to other viewpoints. The philosophy I present is grounded in the principles of an interconnected deism, aligned with pragmatism—a perspective that has emerged through a combination of literary, academic, and scientific works, along with personal contemplation. These influences will be reflected throughout my writings and will serve as the foundation for everything that follows.

The Human Experience is a unique phenomenon within consciousness. While humans are not inherently different from other species, our complexity, especially in relation to our brains, sets us apart. This uniqueness arises from the principle that quantity produces quality. This principle is evident in the human brain—particularly the cerebral cortex, which contains almost three times as many neurons and connections as those of our closest evolutionary ancestors. Similarly, when solving problems as a group, the involvement of multiple individuals, each contributing their unique perspectives and skills, often produces better results than working alone. Our brain’s unique density allows for self-awareness, language, and planning—abilities that have shaped our world and let us explore consciousness for centuries.

Consciousness is deeply tied to the fundamental questions of existence and purpose. This inquiry spans mythology, philosophy, and science, yet no clear consensus exists on its definition, often muddled by linguistic variations. I currently define consciousness as the relationship or communication between all things—an arena many might associate with the spiritual world, filled with infinite interactions and possibilities.

To illustrate, consider the interactions and relationships you have with everything in your current surroundings. Change your spatial position and look at the same objects again. You'll notice that things may appear slightly different, altering your relationship with them. This shows the infinite number of relationships you alone can have with the world—relationships that others also experience. For example, two people looking at the same object may perceive it differently, not only because of their spatial positions but also due to their distinct life experiences and memories, which shape the significance and relationship they have with that object.

These interactions shape your experience, influencing your future thoughts and decisions. Now, expand this idea to include all people and things in the world—countless relationships ripple across time and space, intertwining and influencing one another. This interconnectedness shapes the collective human experience, revealing an intricate web of relationships that influence everything, often leading to the realization that “it’s a small world.”

Consciousness creates a universal meta-game. Every micro-action contributes to a realm of cause and effect, experienced individually as our own ‘meta-game’. Like any game, there are rules, and the more in tune we are with the universal meta-game, the more enriching our life experiences tend to be. We just don’t get to decide how we start this game or if we even wanted to play. It is just shaped over time by the combination of nature and nurture.

Nature & Nurture

Our individual lives are shaped by two primary forces: genetics (nature) given to us by the genes of our parents that have been passed on from generations and the social environment (nurture). Genetics provide the blueprint of our physical body with a major influence on our bone structure, muscle bellies, fat distribution, and health, while our social environment shapes our psyche, behavior, and relationships. These influences are deeply interconnected, as they interact and shape each other continuously.

Both genetics and behavior are heavily influenced by the natural environment we inhabit. Physical traits and adaptive behaviors differ based on the environments our ancestors lived in—whether near mountains, oceans, or deserts—shaped by the stresses and demands of survival in those conditions. Over time, these adaptations optimized our ability to thrive in specific situations.

This connection between environment and adaptation is known as epigenetics, which examines how external factors influence gene expression without altering the DNA itself. It raises intriguing questions about how modern technological advancements will shape both our genetics and psychological development. As the pressures of natural selection shift from survival in nature to navigating complex, technology-driven environments, the long-term impacts on our biology and psyche remain unknown.

Furthermore, these environmental adaptations have shaped cultural differences, influencing behaviors, traditions, and languages. Communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is deeply tied to the environments and challenges faced by different groups, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature, nurture, and environment. Language, in particular, evolves with the societies and contexts in which it develops, reflecting the unique histories and priorities of each culture.

Language & Communication

The creation and evolution of language are context-based, rooted in patterns. Humans identify objects or categories and assign sounds to represent them, which evolve over time into structured communication systems. Robert Sapolsky highlights the role of children in this process, noting that within three generations, new languages develop fully formed grammar systems aligned with universal linguistic rules.

Both spoken and written language have evolved to become more accessible, particularly written language. John Vervaeke introduces the concept of psychotechnology—tools and methods that enhance cognition and enable broader learning participation. The evolution of language and writing reflects these tools, making writing easier to learn. These developments potentially signal the shift from the predominant right hemisphere activation towards a more left analytical approach.

Key stages in the evolution of language and communication:

• Pre-10,000 BCE: Early humans used paintings and etchings to express ideas and tell stories.

• 10,000–1,200 BCE (Bronze Age): Symbols and writing systems emerged, often shaped by top-down control in early civilizations.

• 1,200–800 BCE (Dark Age): The collapse of civilizations saw the introduction of coinage and alphabetic languages written right-to-left, which conveyed stories and myths orally.

• 800–300 BCE (Axial Age): Ancient Greece saw the introduction of vowels and left-to-right writing, fostering objective thought and systematic reasoning.

• 300 BCE–Present: Speech and writing became more refined, enabling precise communication.

  
  

John Vervaeke describes writing as a form of "second-order thinking," allowing thoughts to be clarified and corrected—a practice once limited to intellectual elites but now accessible to the majority due to the simplification of language systems. Writing enables deeper reflection, while reading can be seen as having a conversation with other minds, bridging gaps in time and space. This perspective underscores the significance of literacy, echoing the phrase: those who can read and write but do not are no better than those who cannot.

Language and communication extend beyond the words we use. Tone, expressions, and body language often convey more meaning, revealing emotions, intentions, and subtleties that words alone cannot capture. This highlights the dynamic relationship between awareness and language:

• Awareness (or thought) shapes language.

• Language, in turn, influences and refines awareness.

Once we name something, we gain the ability to reflect on it and articulate it further, deepening our understanding and interaction with the world. This process also enables us to name and conceptualize even more, expanding our capacity to communicate about the immaterial elements of life—such as thoughts, emotions, and abstract ideas—further enriching self-awareness and expression.

Self-Awareness and Planning (Expectations)

Self-awareness is the ability to introspect and observe oneself. It is a foundational skill that enables us to contemplate, abstract, and create plans, both in the short and long term. This capacity sets humans apart, allowing us to navigate complexities and envision outcomes beyond the immediate moment.

Planning (Expectations) is not confined to long-term goals; it is a continuous process that unfolds in real-time as we interact with the world. Our brains are predictive machines, constantly generating expectations about what will happen next, often beneath our conscious awareness. This ability ensures we can respond proactively to our environment, enhancing survival and fostering smooth interactions.

Every action we take relies on these predictions—whether it’s catching a ball, walking across a room, or engaging in conversation. For example, when reaching for a glass of water, our brain predicts its location, weight, and the effort required to lift it. These moment-to-moment predictions are driven by a continuous loop of sensory input, past experiences, and learned patterns. They allow us to act proactively rather than merely react.

This predictive cycle operates across all timeframes:

• Immediate actions, such as dodging an object or catching a ball.

• Mid-range decisions, like choosing what to eat for dinner.

• Long-term strategies, such as deciding on a career path.

  
  

By staying one step ahead of our environment, our predictive abilities reduce uncertainty and create a seamless flow of experience, allowing us to actively shape our future moment by moment.

Emotions act as an internal feedback system, indicating how far (negative) or close (positive) we are to achieving the desired outcome. Negative emotions—frustration, fear, or sadness—signal that our perceptions may be flawed, or we lack the memories to handle a situation that lead us to creating unrealistic expectations/predications.

Positive emotions, like satisfaction or excitement, affirm progress and validate the accuracy of our perceptions and strategies. This emotional feedback loop helps us adapt—negative emotions encourage learning and adjustment, while positive emotions reinforce successful approaches. By bridging perception, memory, and action, emotions guide decision-making, enabling us to refine our understanding and navigate challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The human experience is a dynamic interplay of biology, consciousness, and environment, linked together by relationships that extend across time and space. Language and self-awareness grant us the ability to reflect, plan, and shape our future, while emotions guide us through the uncertainties of existence. Nature and nurture shape our lives, and it becomes clear that understanding ourselves begins with exploring the complexity of the human nervous system and brain.