> Unraveling how consciousness arises out of particular configurations of organic matter is a quest that has absorbed scientists and philosophers for ages. Now,

> Unraveling how consciousness arises out of particular configurations of organic matter is a quest that has absorbed scientists and philosophers for ages. Now, with AI systems behaving in strikingly conscious-looking ways, it is more important than ever to get a handle on who and what is capable of experiencing life on a conscious level. Lord give me strength. > Koch suggests that exercise, meditation, and the occasional guided psychedelic might be beneficial to many people. Substances such as psilocybin can enhance one’s feeling of well-being and facilitate pure presence. It is rare to have a close brush with death, and mystical transformations typically come unbidden; in contrast, psychoactive substances—though not entirely predictable—are more consistently available and can be managed safely. Koch’s book implies that there’s immense psychological benefit of entering "the flow" through chemistry that might outweigh the small risks involved. This is cool. I like that he considers states of consciousness for the everyman and is not talking about philosophical zombies (Angels on a Pinhead for the modern age).