Comment on If reincarnation exists, suicide could make things much much worse.
Isolde@lemmy.world 12 hours agoWell, you aren’t. You didn’t chose most things about yourself, you just think you did as to not cause existential crisis. Your favorite foods, your sexuality, what you think is funny, what smells like perfume and what smells like poop; all has very little to do with anything you consciously chose. Most of the things I mentioned are decided before you’re born.
rockerface@lemmy.cafe 12 hours ago
That is true. But it also doesn’t prove that I’m not defined by my brain and memories. I didn’t chose to have most of my memories either.
Isolde@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
I agree with you, but the memories you keep at the forefront aren’t your choice either. You tend to remember the negative moments more vividly because your brain is trying to protect you from experiencing it again. A useful tactic in times past, but not so much anymore. I’m not saying you’re not you- you are. There is a you apart from your body and mind, but it is much much less than people would like to realize. It’s more like you’re a ghost in the machine. You think you’re the driver but you’re really just the passenger that gets to say where to stop every so often, but not consistently.
rockerface@lemmy.cafe 12 hours ago
Ah, that is a take I can understand. I can’t say I completely agree, but thanks for clarifying!
Ultimately the difference between our arguments is just vibe-based, I think. I don’t feel like there’s a “ghost in the machine” outside of my brain, but, again, it’s just a personal subjective feeling.
Isolde@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
The way I see it, it’s a reason to be kinder to yourself for things you are prone to do, or behaviors you’re not fond of. Maybe you can “train” yourself to be different, but you aren’t who put it there and shouldn’t judge yourself for the person you are.
I’m glad I was able to clear it up! I actually love talking philosophy; so thank you for giving me a chance to do that today.