Then I Am Myself the World

What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It

De: Christof Koch

Narrado por: Jonathan Todd Ross

The world's leading investigator of consciousness argues that by understanding what consciousness does—cause change in the world—we can understand its origins and its future

In Then I Am Myself the World, Christof Koch explores the only thing we directly experience: consciousness. At the book's heart is integrated-information theory, the idea that the essence of consciousness is the ability to exert causal power over itself, to be an agent of change. Koch investigates the physical origins of consciousness in the brain and how this knowledge can be used to measure consciousness in natural and artificial systems.

Enabled by such tools, Koch reveals when and where consciousness exists, and uses that knowledge to confront major social and scientific questions: When does a fetus first become self-aware? Can psychedelic and mystical experiences transform lives? What happens to consciousness in near-death experiences? Why will generative AI ultimately be able to do the very thing we can do, yet never feel any of it? And do our experiences reveal a single, objective reality?

This is an essential book for anyone who seeks to understand ourselves and the future we are creating.

©2024 Christof Koch (P)2024 Tantor Media

Accesible

Beautifully accesible to the lay person. Simultaneously presents edge of science and humanistic worldview. Highly enjoyable,

Superficial but interesting

Sorry but so much review of things I've read. A few great points but pale

The psychedelic aspect, which I read about in an article, wasn't at the depth I'd hoped

It's great info all around and a weird mix of pretty solid and complex thought with these weirdly basic not that fitting examples and metaphors

Sadly I think chatGPT could come up with better examples though not conscious. And sadly unlike ChatGPT 😹 I couldn't ask for less dumbed down examples and metaphors.

If I had time I could detail the specifics of what I didn't like but I don't. I appreciate the good info it's just not enough...trying to say something but circling the thing that needs to be said frequently. It's like an almost good thing. Wouldn't recommend but I did stick it out to the end.

The Exciting Side of Science

This book is scientific and informative yet colorful, fun and relatable throughout; from quoting Eminem to Chuang Tzu, delighting in Chateau Lafite to psychedelics, swing dancing to rock climbing and psychology to physics. In chapter 7 Koch details how the mystical experience (which can be achieved naturally or through pyschedlelics) changes one's life, and he hits the nail on the head as it has affected my life in every way he mentions. I love that some people, like Christof Koch, in the scientific community are experiencing and studying this most incredible phenomenon that has the ability to not just transform one's self but humanity at large. I'm grateful for these brilliant minds and their courage to step outside the "perception box."

One of the best books on neuroscience- not for casual readers

This book gives a holistic view of our current understanding of neuroscience and consciousness.

I highly recommended for anyone who enjoys philosophy and those who are curious about our existence, comprehension and the future.

Great book!

Fascinating take on consciousness

I’d never heard this explanation of consciousness before and it is definitely convincing. Narrated in an entertaining but not over the top way. Overall very solid.

Nothing new

There seems to be nothing new or informative. It seemed to be repetitive of what’s out there today, but presented in a manner of discovery.