What is Consciousness?

Consciousness, it's what makes us who we are, at least to an extent.

But what is consciousness? Mechanically speaking in very simplistic terms, we have neurons transmitting electrical signals to one another (via synapses) inside of our brain via the nervous system. How we perceive reality and our surroundings is a direct result of our nervous system and attached senses.

However, is that really all we are? To think of the thousands if not hundreds of thousands of choices you make every week, and think that it's all pre-programmed and you're just interpreting the information is ridiculous in my opinion. We're such complex beings that at some point during our evolution we must have felt the need to be more aware of our surroundings and self.

When we look for the other "conscious" beings on our planet, all we can really find is animals of all shapes and sizes. But the difference between us and the animals, is that we can interpret and make decisions based on personal preference. We have likes, dislikes, and habits which guide us into making our decisions (however marginal they are in the end).

But what actually makes consciousness? Is it something we evolved to better suit us to this world? Is it just a set of dice being constantly rolled and the end result is what we ultimately do?

There's so many questions that answers seem out of reach, but at least we have the opportunity to think of such magnificent things. The one thing I've always loved about consciousness is the ability to dream and daydream. To think outside of the realm of possibility and make it real. That's the true beauty of consciousness. There's so many people who waste their intellect, who waste their opportunity on this planet.

Because while we might all be conscious now, just how conscious are we? Are we really aware of all of today's problems, ranging from the slums of India to the mountains of Tibet? There's so many things we could think about, so many situations that could occur, maybe that's why we have a consciousness. It can't just be a self-preservation instinct, because then everything would have it. We obviously have no idea how far our conscious world and mind extends!

So please, don't forget the fact that you are part of the privileged 7 billion who actually are conscious and intelligent! Use your mind and always question reality, because if we didn't then who would!