In many ways the old question of ‘what is consciousness’ still goes unanswered. The same would go for questions about whether its direction is good or bad. The only ‘direction’ that we as human beings have is the one that led us to where we are today. And where we are today is the result of points along the way where we thought something would be better than the something before it. That still goes on today. You don’t even have to go far afield collectively to see that, you can see it in yourself as an individual in that every day there is something in you that seeks ‘better’ in some form or another.
In order to use the ‘tools’, consciousness had to change. If consciousness changed, then we changed. I know this is a little time ‘travelish’, but if I went up to a hunter-gatherer and placed a chain saw in his hands and then I turned it on, he would freak out and could possibly cause damage to himself and others nearby. The hunter-gatherer’s consciousness was not prepared for that. But in time the hunter-gatherers evolved and the knowledge of tools became widespread. Nowadays if I handed you a chain saw you’d probably know immediately what it is, its uses, the caution to be taken, etc. Consciousness had to change not only in regard to tools but with many other things. Is the consciousness of one person perhaps a little slower than others? That’s possible, but even there you’d be hard pressed for a conclusion since we don’t know the origin nor conclusive direction consciousness is traveling.
It has everything to do with the consciousness of others if it is to become a success or even a relative success. There are endless example of this but lets keep it near and say that if I just typed these words without giving any importance to what others may think of it, then why the hell am I even typing? Every question, statement, answer, on this forum depends on the consciousness at large of the participants here. As you begin to formulate what your own response to my statements will be, a part of you is depending on the consciousness at large, and depending on what the feedback may be it serves as an indicator of your awareness - or not - of consciousness at large. If you didn’t care about any of that, then why would you even engage here or anywhere else for that matter? You can certainly be the only person on an island, but evolution sooner or later tells you to build a raft.
And no, you cannot use a car if you’re brain-dead; consider that a, ‘standard’. A clerk over at the DMV would let the Neanderthal, or whomever exhibiting such characteristics know that they can’t even get a learner’s permit. Validation at large would be all the licenses and permits that are given out. And let us not forget the perfect example of the cooperation of consciousness that is needed for all those driver’s out there, 24/7, to contend with the activity of vehicular traffic.
Evolution made us. What is the character of evolution and how do you see it as ‘other’? Why would evolution regard dumbness and distraction as optimal? And who or what is doing the ‘rewarding’? Are you saying that evolution is more of an ‘agent’ in its relationship with us, instead of us as co-agents? By the way, and not saying you are such, doesn’t that have the whiff of those religious institutionalists who figured there would be better control by separating the human being from notions about ‘co-agent’? Yes, that veers a bit from the point here but I think it worthy of note.
One of the definitions of ‘standard’ is: “…an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.” Look at that definition and it fits what all of us are doing every minute of our lives. We would have an awful time if we did not have standards of some sort. Even when we philosophize about 'A STANDARD, or plainly seek out something more mundane, we are employing however many standards we have in our existential repertoire. But yo ask about me personally? The only standard is that at this moment I am alive, fit of mind and physicality to type out this response, and thereon continue another day of existence. Hey, I know it doesn’t sound flashy, chopping wood and carrying water is not meant to be done in an Armani suit. But regardless, it is the standard that allows me, allows my experience of consciousness to continue. I can philosophize about that from here till kingdom come, but the reality - and I think a reality for many - is just being thankful for the experience of life. Oh, and no, I don’t have an Armani suit. But I did find a jacket in a thrift-store once with an awesome sage-color, removable wool lining and thin, tucked away hood. And guess where that jacket was made? Egypt! Think of the many actions that happened between the fabrication of it and when I first held it in my hands. Did consciousness move that garment along until I wore it? How many tools did it take to get it all the way from Egypt to Las Vegas, Nevada?
For one, the fact that we’re existing together in such large numbers. Add to that all that is needed to make that premise effective and productive and you begin to get an idea of how the whole has to operate so the individual can likewise benefit on his or her own scale. If it were not for people’s consciousness being better, in whatever measure, your life wouldn’t be as ‘manageable’ as it is now. For none of us it would be as manageable.
Actually, it was supposed to be only the word, ‘itself’. I guess the BB code strayed a bit.
When humankind recognizes that the value of its existence surpasses the value of all representations, doctrines, models, and cosmo-theological speculations, then there is the chance for a deeply substantial awareness of ourselves. It won’t be happening in my lifetime, but it’s good if it happens whenever.
Can I dream? Can I hope? Can I have ideas? Sure, I can do all of that. But I also have to recognize that existence continues and will be doing so long after I’m gone. I can do a lot of thinking in the physical time-window that I’m allotted, even magical thinking if such is my intent, but I have to remember where I’m standing. And I am standing along with 7 billion or so others on this planet. And each one of them with dreams, hopes, and ideas. Remember our marionette discussion? Well, 7 billion makes for a lot of strings and possible entanglements. Maybe that’s why I like hiking in the desert. Few strings to deal with and sometimes I even forget what controls what.
And even out there and for all its solitude, if it had not been for consciousness at large, for the highways it made, for the vehicles , for the services, and so on, then chances are I wouldn’t be hiking around in the desert. So, it’s funny that I am enjoying solitude and a respite from the very condition that made it possible for that enjoyment.