Page 40 - Eternity Has Already Begun

ETERNITY HAS ALREADY BEGUN

The brain is a collection of cells made up of protein and fat molecules. It is
formed of nerve cells called neurons (above right). It is certainly not neurons that
constitute consciousness. When we examine the structure of neurons, we see
atoms. (above left) Unquestionably, it is impossible for unconscious atoms to
produce consciousness. There is no power in this piece of meat to observe im-
ages, to constitute consciousness, or to create the being we call "myself".

Who Is the Perceiver?
We can never have direct experience of the "external world" that
many people think they inhabit. Here, however, arises a question of
primary importance: If we cannot reach the original of any physical
object we know of, what about our brain itself? Since our brain is a
part of the material world just like our arms, our legs, or any other
object, we can never reach its original either.
When the brain is dissected, nothing is found in it but lipid and
protein molecules, which exist in other organs of the body as well.
This means that within the tissue we call "our brain," there is noth-
ing to observe and interpret the images, constitute consciousness, or
to make the being we call "ourselves."
In relation to the perception of images in the brain, perceptual
scientist R.L. Gregory refers to a mistake people make:

There is a temptation, which must be avoided, to say that the eyes
produce pictures in the brain. A picture in the brain suggests the

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