PlatoHagel: Know Thyself…..where did this saying originate.

Socrates: Ah, “Know thyself” is a timeless aphorism attributed to ancient Greece, often associated with the philosopher Socrates. It reflects the importance of self-awareness and understanding in the pursuit of wisdom.

PlatoHagel: What are some other aphorism by Socrates that you may share?

Socrates: Certainly, my friend. Among the many words attributed to me, another notable saying is: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” It emphasizes the significance of introspection and reflection in the quest for a meaningful existence.

PlatoHagel: Would the saying, “Know Thyself,” ask us to see the distinctions between emotional and mental reactions. To be mindful, may mean, the inflection such action might implore in our reacting?

Socrates: Indeed, you grasp the essence of “Know Thyself.” To discern the distinctions between emotional and mental reactions is to embark on the path of self-awareness. Mindfulness, in recognizing the interplay between emotion and reason, allows for a more conscious and deliberate response to life’s stimuli.

PlatoHagel: Again could we draw a metaphor of the pyramid, as a relation to the more base qualities of emotion(the foundation)and the refine qualities of the intellect, as the triangle?

Socrates: Your metaphor is astute. Consider the foundation of the pyramid as the realm of basic emotions and instincts, providing stability. As one ascends, the narrowing pinnacle represents the refined qualities of intellect and reason. Striving for balance and harmonious integration between these facets, one may ascend towards a more enlightened understanding of oneself.

PlatoHagel: Would the fight or flight response detach our reasoning by the intellect? Could we see and learn how to work through that fear?

Socrates: Indeed, my friend. The fight or flight response, rooted in primal instincts, may temporarily overshadow reasoning. Yet, through self-awareness and understanding, one can learn to navigate and transcend such fears. Wisdom lies not in avoiding fear, but in facing it with a clear and composed mind.

PlatoHagel: While wishing to having a clear and focused mind, is there not also a physiological response to these aspects governed by the mind, to send the heart beating, making it somewhat troubling to get that composure? What would you suggest?

Socrates: You raise a valid point. The physiological response, like an accelerated heartbeat, often accompanies the mental aspects. To regain composure, one might employ deep and measured breaths, calming the physical reactions and allowing the mind to regain control. In such moments, the union of mind and body becomes crucial in achieving tranquility.

PlatoHagel: Happen stance we fail to take such a measure as to calm ourselves what are some of the results in thinking, that we do not ascend to such thinking?

Socrates: When we neglect to take measures to calm ourselves, the tumultuous waves of unchecked emotions may cloud our thinking. Such turbulence can lead to impulsive actions, distorted perceptions, and a failure to access the higher realms of reasoning. It is in the stillness of composure that the intellect can ascend to its true potential.

PlatoHagel: Could we circumspect the examples you have given of impulsive actions and access to higher realms of reasoning? Could we say that the heart is, and not just physiologically, a beginning point of the change inhuman consciousness, as from the lower to the higher forms of reasoning?

Socrates: Certainly. Impulsive actions often stem from unchecked emotions, leading to hasty decisions without thoughtful consideration. On the contrary, accessing higher realms of reasoning involves a calm and reflective state of mind, allowing for nuanced contemplation.

As for the heart, metaphorically it signifies the starting point of human consciousness. Initially driven by basic instincts and emotions, the journey towards higher reasoning involves transcending these impulses, aligning the heart’s passions with the clarity of the intellect. In this way, consciousness evolves from the lower to the higher forms of reasoning.

PlatoHagel: Still even in the educated individual who is aware of these mindful and emotive consequences, we as normal people can be caught in the throes of impulses. It takes time to overcome.

Socrates: Indeed, my friend. Overcoming impulses, even for the educated and mindful, is a continual challenge. It requires persistent effort, self-reflection, and a dedication to cultivating the habits of thoughtful response. Recognizing the struggle is the first step toward mastering the art of self-discipline and achieving a more enlightened state of being.

PlatoHagel: Is the functioning of the human being a result of a soul that downward manifests? Instead of body/mind, is a reflection of mind/body, as the downward manifestation?

Socrates: Your inquiry delves into the realms of philosophy and metaphysics. The relationship between the soul, mind, and body has been a subject of contemplation throughout the ages. Some philosophies posit the soul as a higher essence that manifests downward, influencing both mind and body. This perspective suggests a hierarchical connection, where the soul is the guiding force shaping the mind and, subsequently, the body.

PlatoHagel: While we have talked about the simulation hypothesis as an idea of intelligent beings, can this expression of each soul, as an intelligent being, before, they decided to sojourn the life they live here on earth now?

Socrates: The notion you propose aligns with certain spiritual and metaphysical perspectives that posit the existence of intelligent beings or souls before their earthly sojourn. According to such views, souls may embark on a journey, choosing to experience life in a physical form. This contemplation intertwines with questions of pre-existence, purpose, and the nature of individual consciousness. It remains a matter of philosophical and spiritual interpretation.

PlatoHagel: Can the heart experience fear without the mind?

Socrates: Fear often involves a complex interplay between the heart and mind. While the mind processes and interprets potential threats, the physiological aspect of fear, including an increased heartbeat, originates from the heart. Therefore, the experience of fear is a unified manifestation involving both the emotional response of the heart and the cognitive processing of the mind.

PlatoHagel: Can fear be experienced just in the mind and not the heart?

Socrates: Fear can indeed be experienced primarily in the mind, independent of direct physiological responses in the heart. In certain situations, the mental aspect of fear may arise through thoughts, perceptions, or anticipation, without an immediate or intense impact on the heart rate or other physical sensations.

PlatoHagel: These would be the results of a higher form of reasoning would it not?

Socrates: Yes, you discern correctly. The ability to experience fear primarily in the mind, detached from an immediate physiological response, reflects a higher form of reasoning. It signifies a capacity for cognitive control, introspection, and a nuanced understanding of emotions. This level of reasoning allows for a more measured and deliberate response to fearful stimuli.

PlatoHagel: Can we experience a higher form of reasoning while experiencing the throes of a fight or flight response?

Socrates: Achieving a higher form of reasoning amidst the intensity of a fight or flight response can be challenging, yet it is not impossible. Through practiced mindfulness and self-awareness, one may learn to temper the immediate impulses that accompany such a response. This involves cultivating the ability to engage the intellect even in moments of heightened emotion, fostering a more balanced and considered approach to challenging situations.

PlatoHagel: Each question and circumstance I have given, metaphorically, does this not point toward an intelligent being going downward into the physical life? Do you know what the mind/ body hypothesis implies and can you explain it?

Socrates: Your metaphorical exploration indeed resonates with the concept of intelligent beings choosing to enter physical existence. The mind/body hypothesis, in philosophical terms, suggests that the mind and body are distinct entities, and the mind may exist independently of the body. It raises questions about the nature of consciousness and whether the mind precedes or transcends the physical form. Philosophers such as René Descartes have delved into variations of this hypothesis, emphasizing the dualistic relationship between the mind and the body.

See Also:

https://eskesthai.net/2023/12/07/cosmic-shadows-rational-awakening/

https://eskesthai.net/2023/12/04/descending-reality-ascending-discourse/