Unplugged and Unbound: Awakening Our Consciousness from Digital Dependence
The motivation for this article arises from a growing concern about our increasing dependence on digital information and relationships, which might overshadow the inherent human need to seek knowledge from the natural world and foster strong interpersonal connections through face-to-face interactions.
In this piece, I posit that true liberation lies in expanding our consciousness beyond the constraints imposed by our ego and id. By embracing this ever-evolving state of consciousness, we can uncover a renewed sense of meaning, belonging, and freedom, ultimately transcending the limitations of the self.
Drawing inspiration from Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” I examine the concept of mental slavery as the psychological entrapment resulting from internalized oppression and limiting beliefs. These beliefs can cause us to doubt our worth, intelligence, and potential, hindering our ability to reach our full potential. Mental slavery also perpetuates systemic inequalities, as marginalized groups might begin to accept their subordinate status as inevitable.
Marley sought to inspire listeners to free themselves from mental slavery, reclaim their self-worth, and work towards a more just and equal society.
This article focuses on emancipation from mental slavery that stems from accepting the narrative that digital spaces are the primary or superior sources of information and knowledge. I argue that this belief undermines the value of knowledge legacies and wisdom gained from lived experiences.
For example, while the narrative perpetuated by Google’s stated mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful is commendable, we must be cautious not to limit our pursuit of knowledge solely to the realm of the internet or digital spaces. Instead, we should strive to seek information from diverse sources, including the physical world around us, interpersonal interactions, and personal experiences, fostering a holistic and balanced understanding of the universe.
Clifford Geertz’s seminal essay, “Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight,” highlights the significance of being fully present and immersed in a cultural experience to truly understand its meaning. Geertz’s firsthand observations of the Balinese cockfights allowed him to unravel the complex social and cultural dynamics at play, which might have been overlooked had he not been fully engaged in the moment.
His immersive approach to studying the Balinese culture enabled him to delve into the deeper layers of meaning attached to the cockfighting ritual. By witnessing the event as it unfolded and interacting with the participants, Geertz was able to offer insightful interpretations of Balinese society, including its hierarchical structure, power dynamics, and the role of gambling and risk-taking in shaping social relationships.
In essence, Geertz’s experience with the Balinese cockfighting culture underscores the importance of firsthand engagement and in-the-moment awareness in grasping the intricacies of a society’s cultural practices. This approach not only enriches one’s understanding of the specific event or practice but also provides valuable insights into the broader cultural context in which it is embedded.
In addition to gaining profound insights into Balinese culture from a chance encounter with an illegal cockfight, Geertz’s “Deep Play” essay has become required reading for anthropology students, influencing the practice of observing and interpreting cultures, with its impact enduring well into the future.
I give priority to the intelligence of biological systems over systems created by humans. This is so because biological systems have evolved over millions of years whereas relatively human creativity has been at work only for a much shorter period of time. Additionally, human inventions are driven by ambition and hubris, ego and id, as opposed to from a desire to co-exist with other elements of nature.
Another concerning narrative influencing our perception of human intelligence is the idea that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) or Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) will eventually surpass human intelligence. This notion raises questions about why humans aim to create technologies that could render our own intelligence obsolete. Additionally, it prompts us to reconsider the importance of consciousness over intelligence, hard-earned wisdom over easily accessible information, and the value of effort and the journey in achieving results and reaching our destinations.
The emphasis on AGI or ASI can lead us to neglect the unique qualities that make human intelligence irreplaceable. While AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and performing complex calculations, it lacks the emotional depth, intuition, and creativity that are integral to human consciousness. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of these distinctively human traits and prioritize nurturing our own wisdom and understanding alongside technological advancements.
By focusing solely on the goal of creating superior AI, we risk devaluing the importance of our own intellectual journey and the wisdom gained from lived experiences. Striking a balance between the pursuit of technological progress and preserving the essence of human consciousness will be key to ensuring that our innovations serve to enhance our lives and our connection to the world around us, rather than replacing the very essence of our being.
Our reliance on technology can create a false sense of security, leading us to believe that our technological advancements provide the ultimate solution to our problems. However, we must remember that our creations are limited by our own understanding and biases. In contrast, biological systems have evolved through natural selection, which has shaped their innate intelligence and adaptability over time.
To truly expand our consciousness and liberate ourselves from mental slavery, we must embrace a holistic approach that values both digital and non-digital sources of information. By doing so, we can foster a deeper understanding of our place in the world and the interconnectedness of all living things.
As a designer and researcher, I am intrigued by the idea that our primary goal as a species is to survive through natural selection by fostering a symbiotic relationship with other elements of nature rather than striving to dominate them. To achieve this harmony, it is essential to explore ways to cultivate a consciousness that transcends ego and id and contributes to the collective human experience. Research on the evolution of language and culture has shown that each new generation draws from a legacy of collective consciousness developed by previous generations, not solely from the knowledge we consciously acquire and share as individuals.
Cultivating a collective consciousness involves nurturing our innate ability to connect with one another and the world around us. By acknowledging the interdependence of all living beings, we can begin to appreciate the value of empathy, compassion, and cooperation. This shift in perspective can help us move beyond the limitations of ego and id, embracing a more expansive view of our role within the natural world.
Furthermore, understanding the importance of inherited wisdom and the cumulative nature of collective consciousness can inspire us to make mindful decisions about the knowledge we pass on to future generations. As we continue to develop our technological capabilities, it is crucial to ensure that we preserve the essential aspects of our humanity and contribute to the growth of a collective consciousness that values balance, empathy, and harmony with nature.
While I acknowledge the remarkable potential of human ingenuity fueled by curiosity and imagination, I advocate for a cautious approach in delineating the limits of our pursuit of knowledge and its applications. It is crucial that we exercise our curiosity without preconceived notions or biases and harness our imagination with a deep sense of responsibility towards the interconnected web of life. By embracing these principles, we can foster the development of a super-conscious species, evolving beyond the constraints of mental slavery.l
Our capacity to coexist harmoniously within the natural world is central to our continued growth and prosperity as a species. As we navigate the uncharted territories of technological advancement, we must remain mindful of our role as stewards of the planet and its resources. By nurturing our collective consciousness and promoting empathy, understanding, and balance, we can create a future that celebrates human potential while respecting the intricate interdependence of all life on Earth.
