Happy new year, everyone. As always, thank you for watching. I hope you enjoyed it. And thank you to Keeps for sponsoring this video. Head to keeps.com/pursuitofwonder to get a special offer.
@@ideatree2073yes, pursuit of wonder is changing its titles to get more views I believe, it really ugly to see that pursuit of wonder is doing such a unauthentic thing, even after all the deep videos it makes.
Being intelligent is definitely a curse. Life is easier for people who are happy with a narrow view of the world. That doesn't mean that they are stupid. It just means that they only focus on their job, their families, and themselves. They don't try to understand how everything works.
If you dont think about how things actually work and dont know then you are stupid and when the storms of life hit you you get washed away like loose top soil with no living roots grounding it.
Your just not man enough to experience your true feelings.I would be deepresed if I was a fat person with no freinds working a 9 to 5 that I hate and having no purpose in life BUT those are fortunately all the things you have control of 😅also average Redditor be like
His dad still had wisdom to offer his son, despite what his sons profession is. “Ignorance is bliss, but there are things worth sacrificing bliss for.” Baaaaaarrrrrzzzzz
It ultimately depends how he interprets this ambiguous statement. I would say that ignorance is only as bliss as long as you are ignorant about being ignorant.
@@Joshy2J-TG Imagine, as a@ajaizo_ previously posted, the pain attempting to read a book you had written previously and not being able to comprehend the material.
@@rafadydkiemmacha7543 Well-known, yes, but not as apparent to people who "think deeply". When you're so deep in the trench, the realization will hit that you don't have to think this deep to live. "How could you be fine?" is a question I often ask in my thoughts prior to this video, but then it just is. They're just fine.
Tbh, it used to be very normal for people to not have an inflated (and probably faked) sense of grandness. Fact is, most people aren't so much dumb as they are unaccustomed to working with actual, competing information rather than spoonfed bits.
yes me too, But whatever this video was telling I get this point only that we need to balance our these two personalities one for our family friends to not being too practical and for ourselves to being that. So that we can live the best of our life and this fact that other persons around me are not like that really made me feel pity for them. And because of this same reason I find myself alone also, that is one problem also.
While what you say is partly true and that makes one feel lonelier, I'd put my bet on the fact that even they're experiencing existence from their own viewpoint, with their own joys and sorrows, and meaning n questions from life. So I'd say not to feel lonely and trust in the humanness of humans which itself defines existence for everyone - basically understanding that other people also understand, we needn't underestimate them
That's why i search for people who think deeply. And that helped a great deal with this feeling of misunderstanding, even though I also do not uderstand many concepts that you enlisted in the comment
That is just simply not true and this comes off as ignorant on your part. This is the equivalent of saying most people are NPCs, extremely close minded lol
@@MCart1215 It’s not necessarily an underestimation, it’s an anxiety stemmed from the awareness that the overwhelming majority of people will live entire lives without ever becoming aware of their own ego. I had a forced breakthrough in my late twenties because I’ve never intrinsically understood things like greed, envy, jealousy, contempt, ulterior motives Etc and how people live through those vices for their entire lifetimes. I’ve never understood the need for competition or for seriously fighting over things like relationships, land or money. So it’s just those aspects of the human condition that will never cease to baffle me. It’s natural for most people but I just can’t seem to justify that kind of strong ego when thinking deeply about it… because the moment you realize how absurd we collectively behave towards one another relative to the grand scheme of the universe it makes existence on this planet very stressful. (Also intelligence quotients are plotted on a bell curve alluding to the fact that intelligence is not equal, and some people will naturally think much deeper than others due to mental predisposition… is that notion ignorant?)
@@complexi_Lexi That is a lot to unpack. The canonical definition of "objective reality" might be a little ambiguous without context. Which objective reality or part thereof? I believe neither are mutually exclusive. Having said that, I have to believe that "thought" as fluid as it is, at whatever level is part of every objective reality, if "I" am real and what I believe are thoughts are indeed thoughts. If the position would be that there is no objective reality, then everything would be thought? If there were no thought, ... never-mind. Great question, I really am still considering different perspectives, but that's my "quick response".
@@mikewardrop5962 Perhaps more congruence can be uncovered by defining what exactly a "thought" is. For example, in the hypothetical scenario of coming across a bear in the woods, would you need to first think the thought of the bear before viscerally accepting the corporal threat the bear poses? Or, would the thought of the bear be more of an impediment to the innate instinct to survive? Can innate instinct be considered "thought"? If innate instinct is "thought", would it also be considered as such in the bear? I digress. Let's consider two main modes of thought, as proposed by Daniel Kahneman in his 2011 book "Thinking, Fast and Slow"... System 1 is fast, instinctual and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberate and more logical. Let's call System 1 "intuition" and System 2 "thought". When differentiated in this way, a person does indeed have something other than thought. To conclude, perhaps "objective reality" is better defined through interaction with ones direct environment, and measured through innate physiological responses alone (not inferred, not recorded). This is then antagonistic with our current means of interpretation, but perhaps it is a theory worth expanding on (experientially, of course 😉)
I think being a person who is naturally wired to philosophy is an all encompassing passion, to have that taken away is to be left without empty and without purpose
I think Neil changed his opinion on that because he eventually came to the existential realization that knowledge, despite its convenience, never really gets you anywhere in the end. Despite its beauty, being able to comprehend the world eventually falls short to the relationships and lifelong connections you make in life, especially in your later years. Even in this thought experiment, it is clear that Neil only changed his mind when the people closest to him showed him what was actually more important, and that was his relationships.
Idk man, I would consider myself apart of that population, and I’m graduating with a degree in philosophy come may, but what I have come to learn through living life is that often times it’s better to not ask why. Which is basically all of philosophy. So I’m beginning to shift my perspective towards one that is not so obsessed with knowing why.
Went from a “gifted kid” to an absolute burnout, I truly believe that knowledge is a gift as long as you do something with it. Just letting your intelligence and understanding dwell in your mind forever isn’t healthy at all, we all need to let go of our emotional and logical grievances at some point, and I truly think they both come hand to hand. When you treasure education and learning so much, you can’t separate your emotion and passion from it. Don’t let your intelligence sit to waste, do Whatchu want to do with your mind and don’t let anybody tell you when, how, or why to think unless you know that their intentions are good at heart.
In my religion there was a wise man who said exact same thing as what you said , but now with your comment i think i kinda understand it better and deaper it's sooo true
Also a "gifted kid" I don't know what to do anymore, I have nihilistic thinking , although I try to be optimistic, I hope that one day I can change this perception of mine I also keep procrastinating even though I promised myself years ago , welp there's nothing I can do about that. Everything's already pre-determined
Bro you read my mind😂 I’m 20 and will likely be bald before 25. My friends are constantly suggesting I get some product or something but I could care less. An occasional hairline joke gets cracked here or there but I know it’s all in fun. But I can’t lie the consistency and long term effect of their words has certainly put me in the position to be comforted by his words at the beginning of the ad😂
This reminds me of an episode on The Simpsons, where Homer has a scan and discovers a crayon in his brain, which is the reason why he's stupid. He has surgery to get the crayon removed and becomes really intelligent, more than Lisa. But being really intelligent makes him miserable. At the end of the episode he has surgery to get the crayon put back, and become his old self.
haha, I wonder what color the crayon was. And what brand, what did the wrapper look like, what was the crayon made from? Wax, oils, acrylic? So many variables! Was the surgery done laparoscopically?
For a long time, I was very depressed and upset for having a strong understanding of how the world works. I was upset that people liked to oversimplify things creating many problems down the line. However, I realized that no matter what I will always be someone who thinks deeply and thus I learned to channel that energy into positions of leadership. If knowledge is power and great power comes with great responsibility, then it means great knowledge is also a great responsibility to bear. I found my peace in realizing that if I am going to suffer in my thoughts anyways at least I can make that suffering meaningful and worthwhile. Lets use our wisdom to make the world better place.
@@xandercheong6743 not really leading any field at the moment but just getting involved in your community and help lead organizations you can contribute meaningfully to. Build things that last and will benefit others.
I would like to see Neil read some of his own phd work and watch his own recorded lectures after getting the surgery to see how much he is able to comprehend his own pre-surgery self
I was thinking the exact same thing. Like recorded some of your most profound philosophical thoughts and reasoning, then play them back post surgery to see you still comprehend it and to 2hat level.
Losing the ability to think abstractly, or risk ending your life can actually be a thought-provoking experience, for others, its not even something to think deeply about, for people like Neil, it's a question of identity, their central part of who they are, their life is shaped by intellectualism and rationality, and losing it (from their perspective) just to live, is not that easy choice for them.
Yeah, and i think the wisdom, the ability to question thing, to critical thinking is very important, people say that ignorance is a bliss is actually wrong, because ignorance is actually the root cause of suffering. the pursuit of wisdom and understanding is seen as essential for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Ignorance may provide temporary comfort, but true well-being often comes from facing and understanding the complexities of life, fostering personal growth, and contributing to the greater good. Embracing wisdom can lead to a more enlightened and compassionate existence.
imo, this takes more than that. You can say "living is to die, your nature shifts, enough, through aging/sleep/reformation, that I am not me, continously." If not this, then a manipulation of what you are that severely IS death. There's an implicit philosophical position here.
As a former gifted student, knowing and remembering how great you used to be at something and now being pretty much incompetent in it is one of, if not, the most painful things a mind can experience. 0/10, do NOT recommend. Edit: OMEG THX FOE ZE 683 LIKE!!11!1111!!!!!!- JK JK JK Edit 2.0: NOOOOOOO I MISSED MY OWN COMMENT'S 690 LIKES ANIVERSARRY
@@Iwannaeatlasagna That's a common fallacy amongst early over-porformer: apparently having no control of the outcome. Thinking either they're smart and good grades will follow or they are not and the opposite will happen, hence bound to an intrinsic property, ego. It is understandable that the loss of a part of your identity hurts, but the only way to move forward is to externalise these thoughts onto the effort put in. "You don't know why you suddenly became incompetent" You didn't. The Demand changed, and you did not adapt because resting on baseline competence is a comfortable position to be in, if your baseline is high. As soon as demand is above your baseline, panic kicks in and self doubt will ruin you. It takes a lot of strength to overcome that hurt ego but will be worth it in the long run. You're not gifted, you're special needs, and your special need is to be exposed to adequate challenges which practice the feeling of inadequacy while not humiliating you. Take your time, it's only uphill from here on.
@@lored6811 Agreed. I was "gifted and talented" in maths. When I was 6, I was at the level of a 10-year-old. I knew all the times tables up to 15x15, and I could count to 1000, and I knew what million, billion, and trillion were. I knew what powers were, and I even knew some very basic algebra. When I was 7, 8, 9, 10 etc., I was always top of the class in tests, often getting full marks. Average scores on tests were usually around 25/40, I never scored less than 38. They had to give me extra questions because I would finish these tests so fast. I was basically a machine. They used to call me the "human calculator". And then... the demand changed. I was now faced with trigonometry and calculus. Stuff I didn't immediately understand. I rested on my baseline for my whole life, but now the others had caught up. I was no longer top of the class. At age 15, I was aware that I was no longer the gifted and talented human calculator machine. It blew my confidence. I began to really hate and resent Maths for this. At the end of school, I ended up getting a B. The human calculator who got full marks in tests, finished school with a B in Maths. I'm 26 now and my maths ability is pretty average. Gifted and talented children are almost never gifted and talented adults. The top dog in class never becomes the next Einstein. Being a gifted child does not set them up for success in adult life. And this is something that comes as a massive shock to many.
Definitely food for thought. It’s not a matter of two simple decisions, it’s a multifaceted enigma, dilema, very personal multidirectional, deep thinking , decision. There is no right or wrong answer, it’s very individual , to be respected one way or the other. “Viva la difference” “To each his own” Freedom , specially in thinking is extremely valuable. Great story ,thanks!!!!
@@kepspark3362 We are free moral agents , We are highly intelligent beings, and our thinking ability makes us different from all living things on this planet. Unfortunately some oppressive , domineering, controlling , selfish,subjugating, bullying,suppressing, demanding, tyrannizing humans are always trying to control others by brainwashing, convincing, pushing their ideas and propaganda ,sometimes succeeding in their wicked quest confusing their victims , forcing them to make the wrong decisions, altering their common sense, logic , and precious Freedom of intelligent thinking . Yes , Freedom in thinking is very valuable, and nobody has the right to interfere or influence it. “Live and let live” That’s my thinking , and I’m sticking to it.
@@kepspark3362 i will quote Kierkergaard on this: " The "Good" is freedom. The difference between good and evil exists only for and through freedom and this difference exists never in abstracto, but only in concreto." Putting aside tough phrases like exists in concreto, what this means is that in order to make a good/evil judgment (and all sorts of predicates generally ) you need to have freedom of will and thought, otherwise you wouldn't be able to judge in the first place. Roughly speaking all of human thought/conception consists of causal connections ( cause and effect relationship ) and judgments, where deciding judgment especially requires freedom of thought. If you were magically bound by me and forced to believe that everything i say is -->true
i’ve been following pursuit of wonder for about 5 years now. I started watching when I was in high school and felt so connected to my child like curiousity of life. my sister took her own life when i was 17, and that’s when my connection to your channel really took off. I’ve watched every video on your channel and will continue to support you. this was definitely one of the most beautifully written videos on your channel.
@@mikewardrop5962he is probably referring to exile of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden on the account of tasting the forbidden fruit which contained knowledge of good and evil.
@@mikewardrop5962we have created machines that can simulate just about anything therefore we “know” the probable outcomes. This is close to all knowing and look what it has brought…the dawn of robotic warfare and the wealth gap ever so wide.
The irony is that as someone who has adhd, it means you barely have a prefrontal cortex, in the sense that its underdeveloped. And because of that i often hated the fact that i cannot take in the amount of information and sustain it for a long time. But after seeing this, it made me realise that its ok, i am not trying to know how everything works, and the stuff i should know should be enough to sustain my life and loved ones and their persuits as well, thank you.
Interesting because I have adhd (add) and I’m the total opposite, completely obsessed with finding answers to everything to the core of my being. I suppose with adhd it just comes down to the nature of your brain and what interests you the most to make use of the hyper focus aspect we also posses. For example I can’t focus on shit else other than my own philosophical ponderings, needless to say I’m a terrible student. Adhd isn’t quite just a lack of focus its rather the necessity to have genuine interest in something in order to utilise our focus. It’s not focus we lack it’s the ability to control the direction it goes in if that makes sense
@@existentialbowlofnoodles2495 there goes some synthesis I guess. I also have ADHD, and I study philosophy (on a 3rd year rn). I have a hard time reading books and philosophical works tend to be packed with technical terms. What seems to be (at first) a little distinction between, say reason and intellect, turns out to be crucial. So I often have to backtrack, read each line many times. It's tedious, but I don't think I have a choice. That's what I am. I consider reading through whole Being and Time as one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I finished it after 3 months, and You know what? In the end it made so much sense to me. It told me that the best moments of your life are indeed the ones in which you don't think that much. It's really paradoxical, because I had to make an intellectual effort to reach that conclusion. But it wasn't "learning" in the sense of accumulating information. It was understanding. I understand this book. Another paradox being, that this is one of the things the book was about. Now, in order to be good in philosophy I need to memorize some things. I deeply struggle with that. I also read slowly, procrastinate, started many books I didn't finish and finished some books without retaining that much. But I understand my flaws. I can recognize concrete opportunities better than most people. I am more creative. When it clicks for me, it touches every aspect of my life. I think of having ADHD as not having free will, or having it only in a negative sense. You can only negate who you are, thus becoming nothing. Not "nothing" in the sense of heideggerian death, but nothing in the sense of being detached from life, succumbing to weakness and (in my case) breeding ressentiment. So if you know that you HAVE TO ponder, stop fighting it. But don't confuse philosophizing for its own sake with the prospect of "becoming a philosopher". I agree with the message of the video. You truly do die if you become attached to your self image. Or to put it in Sartre's words "existence precedes essence". Sorry for "giving advice".
Really? Do you mean that when getting into a toxic relationship?"Never fear change. Embrace being uncomfortable" when abused? You you think that when getting raped? Seriously, dumb quote
He spent his whole life thinking and questioning in preparation for the ultimate question and realization of thought. Almost as if this is what fate lead him to. To give him the gift of thinking to then present him with a test later on. One which he can truly reflect on and look at with a clear lens. Lovely full circle
@@SomeBotOfficial Bro, we re onto deep shit right here, wtf are you even doing here if this is how you think "it's no that deep bro." That s what an ogre would say xD...
I’m more a creative than an intellectual, but I understand deeply where this video comes from. To lose one’s ability to conceptualize, create and comprehend would be to cut off one of their senses.
Pessimism and nihilism are the only thoughts that keep me going. Depression and its long term effects on me and my behaviour on everything from academics to relationship has taught me that, being that way is less painful than expecting something good. As I see myself struggling my way out of my medschool as a former gifted student, barely getting passing marks, but a relief that i won't be disappointing anyone.
I have been writing since 2011. Over the time I also took up independent filmmaking and proceeded with it alongside. But gradually, as I started reading more and watching more, my creations went on to be more and more darker, serious and somewhat depressing. Worse part, I was losing myself as more and more audiences shifted away from the kind of work I was doing which was increasingly becoming obscure. My depression was reaching its heights. I felt it was my responsibility to change the world as an artist and to represent art at its truest form with its gruesome reality. The more I thought, the more lost I felt. At this moment, my mother said something to me, "Sometimes even though you try your best, you might not succeed. This is evident especially if you're planning something grand as changing the world. But we can always start small and start with ourselves." That one dialogue changed my life. And it's been a few months since I've taken a break from creative pursuits and have actually changed the way I look at life. Choosing to die, is anyway not an option.
The world is as bad as it can get and we can probably see what's going on. To think of changing the world is very hard and frankly depressing. I get how you feel surrounded by so much darkness that seeing the beauty in mundane things becomes a skill. Hope you are well now. Remember what Oscar wilde said "It takes great courageto see tha world in all its tainted glory and still love it."
I one hundred percent understand this. I love complex Ideas, one that make you think hard and make you interpret the ideas differently than others. To be able to think critically and thoughtfully for different decisions. I just couldn't bear to lose that. I'd rather be dead as well
@@samuraigorilla2311 Hope you regain your previous cognitive ability. Try problem solving games (engage in thinking) and maybe some meditation (to clear your mind). I had mind fog a few months ago and I also felt like I can't think. It felt like I was just a brainless shell. It was even necessary for me to explain every word I hear and/say in order to understand it. It's just slow. So slow. However, through efforts of engaging with critical thinking, I gradually got better. So I wish you the best 👍💯
@@KingcoleIIV It might be hard to hear other people preferring death over lesser level of thinking. But it's true, once you've experienced deep thinking about complex ideas, wondering about the reality and the existence of everything, you just can't give up on that. Still, decisions depends on the person and their lives.
this kinda reminds me of a poem I read as a kid, I will try to put it here. The one who is happy is the ignorant, he does not care or put mind in things. The one who is sad, however who cries for the world, who notices their sorroundings and all the negative things happening
I have hit the lowest point of my life these past few months and I saw this video where the character of Neil is living out my dream. To be a professor of philosophy and an accomplished author. He even thinks like me, trying to turn a thought over and over and over again until I’ve solved it or it defeats me. My dilemma is of a choice, as well, and equally as life threatening. Perhaps I will choose the risk.
Please don't give up, life is too special to just be thrown away. Do some good in the world, work for charities or some volunteer work. Doing good will make you feel better but please try to hold on
@@Ringo-ie5cldoing good for the world only means something if one is selfless in the first place. If one has a “I don’t owe the world nothing” mentality, this is not good advice.
@myboala I like to believe most people have empathy. I might be wrong but it's always best to see the good in people before you look for the bad. Helping others makes you feel a part of something greater than yourself and in turn, more fulfilled in life.
Are u in school for this? I relate to Neil about just conceptualizing everything, needing to know everything about everything and doing whatever I can to find out; I have reached the maximum open tabs on safari many times. I thought philosophy would be perfect for me but I took a class and I hated it. Maybe i just hate reading things that are worded anciently, maybe it was that the professor gave us hard tests, idk but im curious to know what ur plan is and if you’ve started it yet etc
@@alimiller6589 if you are still interested in learning more about philosophy. I suggest you checkout “philosophize this” by Stephen West. He has a great collection of podcasts teaching philosophy in the most educational, engaging and interesting way I’ve seen so far. Cheers
Neil was playing 'Would you Rather' on the hardest difficulty.😅 Interesting concept. If I was in his shoes, i would have done the surgery. I'm a full time overthinker. I would love live a calm and more peaceful life.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy since age 3, this is totally me! I get told at work (data analyst) that I'm an overthinker quite often, and I can definitely see myself in this video, especially the part where he is having the discussion with his gf.
The world is evil considering its total disregard of any type of suffering...do you want to be an accomplice in that by not even criticizing it and being dumb?!
It's like what Yoda said "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." Even if our bodies and minds are flawed, our real selves are perfect and exist somewhere outside our physical body. Whether you call that the soul, god, the force, the cosmos, whatever. And a surgery such as this one could never take away what Neil did or who Neil is. Every moment spent alive is a gift. It's worth the risk.
In light of this topic, consider whether someone with late-stage Alzheimer's or dementia is the same person as they were before and if they're "happy".
Even just experiencing mind fog, to some degree, destroys self-confidence. The awareness of the level you were able to cognitively function before, and your current mind fogged self is debilitating and it leads to a large number of problems.
@@jyothishkumar3098 That's a byproduct of not being able to think. So it isn't more social than "fundamental". The social outcome depends on the fundamental itself
I understand Neil, I lost my father at 8 and I also feel like the truth is what matters even if it’s pessimistic. I think that trauma as a child makes us grow up too fast, causes anxiety, and just leads to needing to know everything
I immediately knew that I would never go for the surgery, I couldn’t. I imagine myself losing my ability to engage with psychology… it’s such an integral part of who I am and what I need out of life. There have been times where I thought I lost my ability to research psychology. It is a very long story but I attempted suicide. So, even if I got the surgery, my chance of survival may not be that high anyway.
Same. As a psychologist myself, I cannot imagine living without my ability engage in intellectual reasoning. Besides, I dont think that intelligence makes you miserable. Suffering is the most basic human condition and intelligence and knowledge are the only things that give it meaning.
Would you even be able to fully grasp what you’ve lost if you then don’t have the previous capacity to self reflect and access that part of the brain? Maybe the new you would not truly miss the old one, it would have a different set of cognitive skills and comprehension, not accessing the abstract thinking that lead to understanding previous psychological perspectives
This of course isn't a phenomenon that's unique to people who enjoy intellectual pursuits. Anyone who is deeply passionate about something will fall into deep dispair when the avenue to ingluging in that passion is taken away. It's a loss of identity in many ways. A loss of something that we tell ourselves makes us valuable. I most likely will not become the artist I wanted to be due to things largely out of my control. It's made me not want to live. Not want to try. What's the point if I can't show the beauty of my inner world to others? I have to remind myself that my value is multifaceted. That even when I can't see it or I don't appreciate it, I bring value into the world by persisting. Maybe I'm frustrated and depressive but I can still make a friend laugh, or enjoy the sunset, or enjoy a good meal. These stupid little minor things where I can feel alive in between the deadness I often feel inside. When you suddenly find yourself profoundly disabled, and no longer fully able to do what you loved, you still have value and you can still find value.
@@tanausu7Sure, your new self may not miss your old self. But who would willingly turn themselves into something like a zombie? What if your new self has the concept of *something* missing in their lives but never the capacity of knowing what it was? While being "intellectual" may not "get someone somewhere"... It clearly has benefits for the intellectual person... A sense of acceptance or calm when they've 'figured out' something, for instance. Knowing that your post-surgery self may never have that... Idk
i agree i feel like if i coudent think what is the point to live we are humans because we have the ability to think and comprehend complex ideas without that i am no better than a dog (my personal belief )
I read the comments about people thinking that they thought that the person in the story was real and then found out that this is fiction Well , ig these are new comers and i am really delighted to find out that my , along with a lot of other peoples' ( I'd like to imagine , atleast ) fav youtuber has gotten even more viewers Most of Robert's stories ( the narrator on the pursuit of wonder ) are fictional , and he uses that to keep you immersed in the story and also learn a loads of things alongside with it.
Well good to know, thank you. I wish there was a little bit more clarity in the video-especially when they’re talking about books and accomplishments of the individuals. Would have liked to check Neil’s work out.
Thanks for actually saying it, I was starting to become frustrated trying to find out more information about Neil. I was ready to hop into the comments like "Neil Who?"
dude this is beautiful, like in a sense of relatability and the way this story is delivered throughout the video.. even your voice contributes to the vibe; I had to shed a tear while watching this lmao
If you consider Neil's last line carefully, you'll realize that we never find out what his decision was. The question is, "Have you decided?" The answer is "Yes, I've decided." But _what_ his decision is, we never hear. For myself, I'd risk the killer seizure. Losing my essential self would be no better than death and I'd surely end myself anyway, probably sooner rather than later.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who picked up on his non answer. I read some comments, and everyone seems to think he had the surgery. I don't think he would have as it would erase who he is . Life is a crap shoot as it is , we're all going to die in the end. It's just a matter of when . I'd rather die as myself than live longer as a shadow of myself .
I’m with you on that. Putting myself on Neil’s shoes for moment was quite discomforting, but if I was to choose between living without my main abilities or risking a sudden death, I’d go with the second one.
I concluded that the question has been left unanswered in the video. Then seeing the comments I came to doubt my conclusion. I had found me placing myself in Neil's position and the answer was prettty obvoius to me. I do not believe there is anything that can be called 'overthinking'. Some have the inclination to go deeper, some do not. To those who go deeper 'bliss' is in the clarity they discovered.
I picked up on that too. Was going to come to the comments to ask “what did Neil decide?” But the cliffhanger was intentional- not knowing what happened to “Neil” helps internalize this scenario for the viewer. An appeal of these videos for me is I’m left asking questions, not for the writer but for myself
I have been told I overthink. Overthinking is not thinking too deeply, which I also do, it is (for me) thinking too much and not coming to a decision and cutting off the thoughts at the descision point, so thinking about my options again (if I CAN think of options) going past the point of decision (buried by walking over it once) AGAIN and having that cycle continue. Where I end up thinking and going around and around, mulling over senarios and options and not being able to pick. What are some other commentators' experiences? @pallavis7609
I think about this every day when I ponder on how useful it is or how happy I will be when chasing answers to questions that sometimes can also be pointless. I sometimes think banality can be good but then reality shows up and I change my mind again. Loved the video. Thanks for your work.
@Rattus-Norvegicus the key is knowing what you can and can't change. Having both intelligence & empathy isn't a bad thing. It does make life much more difficult but it also makes it more fulfilling overall. Use that intelligence to make the biggest positive Impact on the world!
The surgery affects his ability to comprehend, not his ability to experience happiness. If you break it down like that, I think Neil is a true philosopher: he made the wiser choice. Powerful video.
we dont know what his decision was, but even if he had said yes, it doesnt necessarily mean he will be happy, i dont think someone looking at their own previous work and not even being able to comprehend it would make them feel very happy, and besides, it's all very personal, maybe he cares more about philosophy than even his own happiness.
Cause it feels nice, not in the way that drugs and sex or hedonistic things do, but more in a fulfilling and content way. I'd say most people would want that kind of happiness in their life@@judas611
Interesting how the video ended open for interpretation. People will assume he went with either or based on their own discussions and values and that's kinda cool. Thank you
Ignorance is rarely bliss... it is more usually deferred unhappiness. Truth, however, is never bliss. So if bliss is the objective... the denial of truth in some fashion (usually at someone else's expense) is the only bet.
This video resonated with me because I saw myself in it. As a child, I was consistently punished for expressing my ideas, opinions, or suggestions by my parents. Due to my stutter, I was often perceived as 'dumb' and 'special.' Despite facing these challenges, I exhibited a keen interest in astrophysics at an early age. I delved into complex concepts like black holes and even read books by Stephen Hawking multiple times, comprehending them entirely. My self-taught math skills were also above average, as I learned from a math book belonging to my older sibling, who was five grades ahead of me (in the 10th grade, the final grade in my country before exams). Although the material was initially challenging, I mastered much of it within 3 to 4 days.Unfortunately, my peers did not appreciate my interests, and I endured bullying, even from my own siblings. Realizing that much of the negativity stemmed from my hobbies and being perceived as a 'smarty pants,' I withdrew at the age of 12. During walks or when I craved soda, I ventured outside, spending the rest of my day either completing homework or lying in bed until sleep took over. The constant criticism convinced me that I was stupid, leading me to abandon my logical thinking. As the years passed, I succumbed to the pressure of conforming to societal norms, desperately wanting to fit in. Despite my efforts, I continued to face dislike from those around me. However, at 18, I found solace in one true friend who occasionally stuck by my side. I am incredibly grateful for this companionship. Reflecting on my journey, I feel frustrated and regretful about losing my authentic self. I resent myself for allowing the opinions of others to manipulate me, ultimately transforming into someone I despised and feared - an 'idiot'.
@@DreadPirateRobertzNot once did he proclaimed that he was a genius. Only "above average" in self-teaching mathematics. He stated that he's often told and/or made to feel like an idiot by some of those people around him. Those statements does not proclaim that he's a genius, it only states that he's actually not an idiot.
" The Curse of Thinking Too Deeply " the thing i appreciate the most of this video is the title. nothing arrogant or delusional like "this video will change your life / mind / destiny /whatever"
At a certain point in life, though we technically experience living as something we do alone and internally. After marriage, having kids, and creating lives with others. We must realize that the decisions we make for ourselves no longer just affect us, but those we love and love us. When people die, it isn't the people who die who suffer, but the people we leave behind who feel the pain of loss.
But death is part of life and we all must face it eventually. Turn it around and you get, it would be selfish for your family to want to keep you, even if that would mean certain walking death to you
@daizee106 I think we're talking about 2 different things. If you're dying and in discomfort I agree. You're family shouldn't want to keep you alive just for the sake of not losing you. But I think the situation in the video is different from that
I’m getting a MRI of my brain on the 15th, less than a week. Everything from why he got into philosophy to what philosophers he got into are the exact same for me (the loss was my mom not my brother though) you never fail to make videos at the perfect time.
I'm deeply sorry to hear you had such a loss. I could never understand what it is to lose a mom because mine is still with me. But funny enough when I had my baby daughter 16 years ago,and I laid her down next to me to breastfeed her, one thought came into my mind while I was holding her tiny hands: "what a sad thing when mother and child are brought apart because death calls"; and I swear that thought has stuck with me since that moment until right about this very second.
I'm a day late, but hope your MRI turned out okay. I lost my mother as well. I realized today that I have been piloting my "death drive" ever since. I quit participating in life in an attempt to prolong it.
The death of who you are for what you will become, changed and different. Or the death of who you are and what you may become, nothing. Its a hard decision, an extremely hard decision. You have no way of knowing if what you may become is worth giving up what you were. But at the same time, it may be better, or the same but different. However thats all from the point of selfish decision making, to consider others in the matter is important as well. We are not simply individuals but communities. Its very possible that you can find happiness as a new individual, and also benifit you unique community. But the loss of you will only ever scare and negatively impact your community, given that you are a good part of it.
Me waiting til the end of the video to find out this ‘Neil’s’ full name to read his work only to realise it’s a hypothetical 😂😭 As an aside I’d have chosen to not have the surgery.
@@iwannabeadored69420 because I see all the people around me accepting tabloids as gospel, not thinking out complex subjects critically, merely regurgitating headlines or takes they’ve consumed. At that point you’re a pawn to propaganda, no free thinking. However the surgery was definitely appealing. Dogs, I could imagine, don’t have these complex thoughts, yet many seem happy a lot of the time (consistently happier than my experience with life anyway). Nevertheless I rate deep thoughts over happiness.
Yknow thinking too deeply about things I cant do anything about has always been a problem Just to ask "is it worth questioning this?" Autism leaves me with quite an active internal monologue. People say we're all on the spectrum. I say that being on the first step is like being on the floor, not having stepped Its hard going through life making yourself uncomfortable while not being able to open up opertunities with that discomfort. At some point, maybe that logic points to you being inefficient, not being able to give enough back to others around you. To see the world as a machine and socializing as transactional I am no professionsl philosopher and I dont intend on going down that route, but I've still had theese burning questions that need filtering Sometimes sone questions are better living life without. This video reminded me why im still here, and why I continue to pursue what I find fun while I can.
@@Guy_pod how will turn into a person they never knew? Only my thinking ability will get hampered I am not going to get completely paralyzed or something like that because of the surgery My family would rather choose to take care of a child again(worst case scenario) than having to spend every moment of rest of their lives being concerned with the thought of my sudden demise and live with grief after my death And also my family would value my life more than the money I earn Are you American?
Both. If you can somehow balance the both lifestyles by chasing a purpose but also being able to appreciate the smiple things in life you will become unbeatable. Actually i think the vlaue of life comes in chasing that balance and improving yourself everyday and also being content and happy with what you have
The timing for this, is scary. I was just thinking how i am as a person so caught up with my mind. Looking back, growing up all i had was worries. I worried about anything and everything Back when i was in school, i was worried about my school project. Back when i was in college, it was about the same thing. Now that i work, I am worried about what or how I'm going to be in the future. I overthink about everything and worried about everything Looking at other people, they live just fine without "thinking much" (exactly like how his dad is portrayed) That's why the timing of this video is oddly scary for me
experiencing something similar here, the last 12 years have been the same, constantly worrying about a failing relationship, career, meanwhile loosing an objective sense of who i am and giving in to subjective feelings and trains of thoughts that has derailed my life to no extent.
It is a blessing and a curse to have a powerful mind. Mindfulness helps me a lot when all the accumulated knowledge of my soul searching and ego death experiences ways on me. We need to possess the wisdom of the ages but not be weighted down by it. I think true power comes when we can live like birds. Birds don't worry about their next meal, their consciousness is here and now. Pecking this thing, flying here, flying there. Complete randomness, and yet they flourish. What I'm trying to say is trust the universe as you would yourself and all will be provided.
Constantly questioning things that I've noticed a lot of other people do not think of is a curse, because you have no way of knowing if it's normal or not. It's definitely a curse.
I think that you are saying something really interesting, but I don't truly get what you mean, would you mind explaining It? (Maybe by defining what curse and normal mean in this context)
@@dantedharma6252Wow, didn't expect this! I probably sound exaggerated when I say this but hmm... I'd say over analysing a certain situation in the pursuit of gaining as many different perspectives as possible. It's good to view a particular situation from as many different perspectives as possible with an approach of curiosity but when it goes overboard, it's hard to break out of that loop. There is this certain dissatisfaction attached to not knowing enough about whatever is on your mind. In this context, a curse would mean the inability to stop questioning the belief systems or anything that was taught to us in general. 'Normal', I'd say, is following what was taught to us without questioning the underlying mechanism. In a way, it is peaceful as you believe that what you are doing is right without questioning a different possibility. I feel like it's a curse to constantly wonder whatever is being said is truly accurate or not.
@@littleflowersbloom Absolutely; it's often the pursuit of gaining perspectives in hopes for an answer that drives a thinker. It is when there is no truth to be found that they are left feeling emptier than before. In turn, there's no simple way for their accumulations of thoughts and findings to be put into words. Primarily, it is a curse of miscommunication. There is a gap between true thought and concepts that is often disregarded by people in an attempt to rationalize. Most will say there's no reason to go inside the ravine rather than use a bridge to cross it. A select few will note they cannot bring the sides of the pit together, so they attempt to plunge inside and traverse it instead. The bridge was surely there, so why did they not use it? The few scaling it are unable to give an answer that the rational ones understand. But in the end, it's just a different way of crossing the gap; anything other than the bridge seems foolish, though that does not make climbing it or gliding over it any less of a method.
Exactly the video I needed to watch. My mind always defaults to the scarcity mode of thinking to the extremes. The worst may come real sometimes, but mostly it does not. I reckon that in effort of becoming more intellectual I became pessimistic and it is better to be an optimist realistically
If I didn’t have my critical thought I’d still be in the religious lies I grew up in. I wouldn’t trade my reason for anything but if the choice was risk death or get a simpler perspective of the world I think I’d take the latter. It’s easier to be happy that way, that’s for sure.
This sort of reminds me of how I interpret languages, I am fluent in German and English, and currently eagerly learn Norwegian. Whenever someone tells me something in either (or even any) language, I think way too much about how the words were meant. I constantly have to rethink on better ways to communicate, because my own brain sometimes just stops making it simpler to understand, but instead makes it even more complex and I have to think for weeks about that one thing to be able to translate it all to myself, and then somehow to others.
A lot of people were very ignorant about Covid for the sake of being happy but I always was aware that it was going to be the start of early cognitive decline for many people. Them spike proteins are terrible for us and we’re all going to end up as empty shells years earlier than we should
“Wow, it’s exactly me. Of course it is not my untreated depression, I’m really a deep thinker person.” - said the most of the people who watched this video and found it by their depressive behavior.
I just watched Rick and morty last episode of season 7 and it was about fear it truly tripped me and watching this now made me realise about my own fears, it showed me how I am actually scared of a lot of things but I never realised it. Just like the episode of Rick and morty it actually fear consumed me bit by bit without me even knowing.
It's only a blessing if you're using it to change the world for the better but , speaking also from personal experience, it's extremely hard to motive oneself when one is constantly disecting everything and trying to decide whether a particular cause is worth it or not.
I’m not the most intelligent person in the world, however I still find this insightful. We appreciate your well researched information that we all needed to know more about.
Once you reach a certain level of understanding of philosophy, you realize that it is the only thing that matters. A thinking man sees bliss in his the fact he understands, and that nobody can take it away. Wealth matters very little when death comes knocking, inheritances are often wasted away, and millions now will be just thousands in a century, only the truth is true wealth, because its eternal.
@@rennoc6478 I think you mean facts. Facts may change. For example, the fact that "france exists" may change, but that at this time it exists is the truth. The truth that "the country of france existed in western europe in the year 2024" will never change.
This tale reminds me of a fictional story called 'Glimpse of Light' by Stephen Mumford. A philosopher faces a crisis of confidence and hopes to resolve it in a self imposed exile in Northern Norway, far away from his home in the US. In his barely accessible snow bound cabin he too is visited by three people but from different religious beliefs. They each believe their faith to be the more righteous.
so true. Intelligence is a burden or baggage. It is like carrying a tool box always with you which can be useful at times but most times it is just there not being useful for daily life. I guess, once we get old enough, it would be perfect time to let go most of the tools.
If you cannot find meaning in your life without abstract thinking and you believe in and value leading a meaningful life, then it's "no surgery." We are gonna die anyways. There's no point in loosing yourself completely because someone else want you to live and not get hurt. It's your life, not someone else's. Live it to the fullest.
You just told my story. But my issue is genetic heart disease, getting an ICD that will greatly diminish by quality of life as a bodybuilder and art model by preventing me from doing what I enjoy most with the physical restrictions on my training with the ICD or take a chance with no ICD. I am at risk for a fatal arrhythmia in the form of VT or AF that an ICD would defibrillate if I had it. I must decide.
This is a thought-provoking video, I'd be thinking for days what Neil would have decided... He lived his life as a pessimistic, and I think for some reason this is his chance to live life without giving anything a second thought. I think in the end everything comes down to personal details, the relationship we build with ourselves during our lifetime. To be able to think deeply is both a boon and a curse. After a point, you have to set limits for your thoughts and subsequent actions, otherwise, it's a road never-ending with no reasonable answers at the end. To be so entangled with oneself truly depends on how well you handle your thought and self-awareness.
You didn’t say whether he chose to have the surgery or not. All you said is he had decided. But you didn’t say he decided yes he decided to have the surgery. It could be yes he decided and his decision was not to have the surgery.
One thing we should realize about ourselves is that we are ever changing, through outside force or because we want to, to lose one thing we may gain something else we would've never known we could without losing the other. As such we continuously move forward. Forward does not have to be seen in a positive light either, as it is neutral. We simply change.
This tale reminds me of a fictional story called 'Glimpse of Light' by Stephen Mumford. A philosopher faces a crisis of confidence and hopes to resolve it in a self imposed exile in Northern Norway, far away from his home in the US. In his barely accessible snow bound cabin he too is visited by three people but from different religious beliefs. They each believe their faith to be the more righteous.
This story presents an interesting dilemma. Although, to many, it seems obvious that going under the surgery is better, it saves lives and usually the life of a person is considered more valuable than his intelligence. But for someone who values their intelligence a lot(and sometimes more than their own life), losing it makes them feel as good as being dead. Personally, I would still choose the surgery because I overthink a lot and sometimes I just wish I didn't carry this trash in my head. At least I'll get to see life with a new perspective, a perspective of ignorance.
If you are truly an intelligent person you will have to jump between deep and practical thinking and simple and soft thinking to feel the bliss for a short amount of time. Right now my mind wants knowledge and heart wants bliss, but both are always telling me not to die ignorant.
The part's with Neal's Gf and father really struck me. This is what it's like not being fully understood, but knowing the easy path is there, choosing not think abstractly or critically seems like an offense against my own intelligence. It is strange though, the dad is exactly like mine, going through life not asking themselves these questions.
I don't know if I would have done the surgery. Everything that he was will be taken away, then what is left in life? If i couldn't do what makes me happy I don't think I would want to be around. Maybe it would be different if I was in that situation...
As someone who loves philosophy and literally couldn’t live without it as much as the man in this video, I would go through with the surgery. If I can’t have philosophy anymore, I will spend the rest of my life being there for my family and the people I love. I can still be useful. To me, NOT going through with the surgery is selfish.
@@cluelessandcurious5277 Its a question of mental death vs. physical death. It depends on your philosophical parameters regarding that. If it is the case that you refer to ego death and mental death as real, meaningful forms of death, then your family and such are merely interacting with a shell of you. I hardly think anyone wants that. Its simply death. To me, for example, this is merely a choice between guaranteed death and a chance at living. The choice is obvious.
Those who see a strictly obvious answer in choosing the life-saving surgery for any reason may struggle to understand just how much perspectives can differ. Though the decision might appear obvious, that is not the case for every person; experiences are vastly changed when concepts are nothing more than abstractions. Life and death begin to have no weight, relationships and careers are merely something that's there. These people do not see in absolutes or values, rather process things in an entirely different way. It is life to be lived, beauty to be seen, not judged or confined. To them there is nothing emptier than assuming the nature of one particular thing. Yet they are not apathetic or selfish - that is often opposite the case. They live appreciating the things around them, whether that be family, love, joys; or something else entirely. These things are appreciated in ways unique from what is considered the typical. It is not as black-and-white as painted to be, and it's often impossible for this way of thinking to be put into words: as seen even here, it can come off as prestigious, falsely superior, or self-pitying. It's thinking too broad, too deep to be conceptualized, and that is often more frustrating to the thinker than anything. From this, a lobotomization might seem ideal to put something so distressing to rest. But to someone who has seen that as their truth for their entire life, it is a fate worse than death. Equate it with religion; it is a sacrifice of your meaning and identity, something put above the people and things you love. Live again, but at what cost? The thinker becomes another person, stripped of what made them before. Their family is with a familiar body, but not the one they loved. It is desperate clinging that is the selfishness of those pleading not to let go. It is refusing to put down a beloved pet who would suffer profoundly more alive. I'd like to use this not as an answer, but a call to think.
*Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it.. Building wealth involves developing good habits, such as regularly setting aside money for sound investments!!*
*Same here I'm celebrating a $30k stock portfolio today. started this journey with 6k. I have invested on time and also with the right terms now I have time for my family and the life ahead of me*
“A creature who has spent his life creating one particular representation of his selfdom will die rather than become the antithesis of that representation” ― Frank Herbert, Dune Messiah I thought it could have a place here...
Happy new year, everyone. As always, thank you for watching. I hope you enjoyed it.
And thank you to Keeps for sponsoring this video. Head to keeps.com/pursuitofwonder to get a special offer.
Another profound video. Could you please provide the song titles of the piano pieces you used here. I would love to have them🙏
Thank you Robert Pantano for another banger video!!!
I really wished Neil would have shared his thoughts as why he chose to undergo the surgery. As usual, thanks Robert for the mind blowing video!
Why did you change the title?
@@ideatree2073yes, pursuit of wonder is changing its titles to get more views I believe, it really ugly to see that pursuit of wonder is doing such a unauthentic thing, even after all the deep videos it makes.
Being intelligent is definitely a curse. Life is easier for people who are happy with a narrow view of the world. That doesn't mean that they are stupid. It just means that they only focus on their job, their families, and themselves. They don't try to understand how everything works.
In the world of today, this is considered stupidity. These people just blindly follow the system of exploitation without ever questioning it.
Maybe the narrow view is intelligence and intelligence is the narrow view.
If you are so intelligent, you don’t know which is which.
@@RyanJamesDuffy how is intelligence a narrow view? Intelligent people tend to see things from multiple sides.
If you dont think about how things actually work and dont know then you are stupid and when the storms of life hit you you get washed away like loose top soil with no living roots grounding it.
Your just not man enough to experience your true feelings.I would be deepresed if I was a fat person with no freinds working a 9 to 5 that I hate and having no purpose in life BUT those are fortunately all the things you have control of 😅also average Redditor be like
His dad still had wisdom to offer his son, despite what his sons profession is. “Ignorance is bliss, but there are things worth sacrificing bliss for.” Baaaaaarrrrrzzzzz
And it takes intelligence, reasoning, and an ironic dash of philosophy to understand such an idiom 😂
It ultimately depends how he interprets this ambiguous statement. I would say that ignorance is only as bliss as long as you are ignorant about being ignorant.
Haha! Bingo!@@Joshy2J-TG
@@Joshy2J-TG Imagine, as a@ajaizo_ previously posted, the pain attempting to read a book you had written previously and not being able to comprehend the material.
🔥🔥🔥🔥✍️
"I never asked these kind of questions, yet I'm still fine"
that hit me
What hit you exactly? This is not a groundbreaking statement or anything. It's a well known fact that ignorants are "fine".
Ignorance is bliss.
85 percentage of people never will and that's fine
@@rafadydkiemmacha7543 Well-known, yes, but not as apparent to people who "think deeply". When you're so deep in the trench, the realization will hit that you don't have to think this deep to live. "How could you be fine?" is a question I often ask in my thoughts prior to this video, but then it just is. They're just fine.
They only think they’re fine because they don’t know any better.
a curse that the entire internet believes to have
😂😂😂👍
if you apply logic that would apppy to us all
Nailed it
Everyone has intelligence. The level varies tho
Tbh, it used to be very normal for people to not have an inflated (and probably faked) sense of grandness.
Fact is, most people aren't so much dumb as they are unaccustomed to working with actual, competing information rather than spoonfed bits.
Most of my anxiety in this world comes from the realization the vast majority of people never actually think deeply.
yes me too, But whatever this video was telling I get this point only that we need to balance our these two personalities one for our family friends to not being too practical and for ourselves to being that. So that we can live the best of our life and this fact that other persons around me are not like that really made me feel pity for them.
And because of this same reason I find myself alone also, that is one problem also.
While what you say is partly true and that makes one feel lonelier, I'd put my bet on the fact that even they're experiencing existence from their own viewpoint, with their own joys and sorrows, and meaning n questions from life. So I'd say not to feel lonely and trust in the humanness of humans which itself defines existence for everyone - basically understanding that other people also understand, we needn't underestimate them
That's why i search for people who think deeply. And that helped a great deal with this feeling of misunderstanding, even though I also do not uderstand many concepts that you enlisted in the comment
That is just simply not true and this comes off as ignorant on your part. This is the equivalent of saying most people are NPCs, extremely close minded lol
@@MCart1215 It’s not necessarily an underestimation, it’s an anxiety stemmed from the awareness that the overwhelming majority of people will live entire lives without ever becoming aware of their own ego. I had a forced breakthrough in my late twenties because I’ve never intrinsically understood things like greed, envy, jealousy, contempt, ulterior motives Etc and how people live through those vices for their entire lifetimes. I’ve never understood the need for competition or for seriously fighting over things like relationships, land or money. So it’s just those aspects of the human condition that will never cease to baffle me. It’s natural for most people but I just can’t seem to justify that kind of strong ego when thinking deeply about it… because the moment you realize how absurd we collectively behave towards one another relative to the grand scheme of the universe it makes existence on this planet very stressful. (Also intelligence quotients are plotted on a bell curve alluding to the fact that intelligence is not equal, and some people will naturally think much deeper than others due to mental predisposition… is that notion ignorant?)
"A person who thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts" Alan Watts
Every person has nothing but thoughts...
@@mikewardrop5962 are you implying that objective reality is antagonistic to thought, and vice versa?
@@complexi_Lexi That is a lot to unpack. The canonical definition of "objective reality" might be a little ambiguous without context. Which objective reality or part thereof? I believe neither are mutually exclusive.
Having said that, I have to believe that "thought" as fluid as it is, at whatever level is part of every objective reality, if "I" am real and what I believe are thoughts are indeed thoughts.
If the position would be that there is no objective reality, then everything would be thought?
If there were no thought, ... never-mind.
Great question, I really am still considering different perspectives, but that's my "quick response".
@@mikewardrop5962 Perhaps more congruence can be uncovered by defining what exactly a "thought" is. For example, in the hypothetical scenario of coming across a bear in the woods, would you need to first think the thought of the bear before viscerally accepting the corporal threat the bear poses? Or, would the thought of the bear be more of an impediment to the innate instinct to survive? Can innate instinct be considered "thought"? If innate instinct is "thought", would it also be considered as such in the bear?
I digress. Let's consider two main modes of thought, as proposed by Daniel Kahneman in his 2011 book "Thinking, Fast and Slow"... System 1 is fast, instinctual and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberate and more logical. Let's call System 1 "intuition" and System 2 "thought". When differentiated in this way, a person does indeed have something other than thought.
To conclude, perhaps "objective reality" is better defined through interaction with ones direct environment, and measured through innate physiological responses alone (not inferred, not recorded). This is then antagonistic with our current means of interpretation, but perhaps it is a theory worth expanding on (experientially, of course 😉)
@@mikewardrop5962 and we'll just ignore the paradox of objective reality only able to be defined through subjective experience 🤣🤣
I think being a person who is naturally wired to philosophy is an all encompassing passion, to have that taken away is to be left without empty and without purpose
I feel quite the opposite on this topic. To no longer need to question purpose would be a blessing to me
I think Neil changed his opinion on that because he eventually came to the existential realization that knowledge, despite its convenience, never really gets you anywhere in the end. Despite its beauty, being able to comprehend the world eventually falls short to the relationships and lifelong connections you make in life, especially in your later years. Even in this thought experiment, it is clear that Neil only changed his mind when the people closest to him showed him what was actually more important, and that was his relationships.
If you have it taken away, you probably wouldn't have the ability to comprehend emptiness and purposelessness afterward anyway.
Idk man, I would consider myself apart of that population, and I’m graduating with a degree in philosophy come may, but what I have come to learn through living life is that often times it’s better to not ask why. Which is basically all of philosophy. So I’m beginning to shift my perspective towards one that is not so obsessed with knowing why.
“Wouldn’t you be dead anyway” his brilliant friend posed to him. It’s who he is… surgically removed.
Turned into a Pet Rock 🤦🏻♀️
Went from a “gifted kid” to an absolute burnout, I truly believe that knowledge is a gift as long as you do something with it. Just letting your intelligence and understanding dwell in your mind forever isn’t healthy at all, we all need to let go of our emotional and logical grievances at some point, and I truly think they both come hand to hand. When you treasure education and learning so much, you can’t separate your emotion and passion from it. Don’t let your intelligence sit to waste, do Whatchu want to do with your mind and don’t let anybody tell you when, how, or why to think unless you know that their intentions are good at heart.
In my religion there was a wise man who said exact same thing as what you said , but now with your comment i think i kinda understand it better and deaper it's sooo true
Ikr he’s done nothing with it at all. Just thinking and thinking and thinking it’s pathetic
i love this thank you
Also a "gifted kid" I don't know what to do anymore, I have nihilistic thinking , although I try to be optimistic, I hope that one day I can change this perception of mine
I also keep procrastinating even though I promised myself years ago , welp there's nothing I can do about that. Everything's already pre-determined
The most comforting part of this video, is knowing that I don't need to be ashamed of my hair loss. Thank you POW
Neil would spend days reflecting upon the meaning of hair and its symbolism. And how his life would be affected with and without hair.
@@jody6851 That's why I decided on "medium" length hair.
But medium, might be too much.
Bro you read my mind😂 I’m 20 and will likely be bald before 25. My friends are constantly suggesting I get some product or something but I could care less. An occasional hairline joke gets cracked here or there but I know it’s all in fun. But I can’t lie the consistency and long term effect of their words has certainly put me in the position to be comforted by his words at the beginning of the ad😂
If i am not balding in my early 20s, i won't dived to philosophical thoughts 😂
And what does "medium" even mean? And at what length -- measured to the Planck length -- does "medium" transform into short or long?@@mikewardrop5962
This reminds me of an episode on The Simpsons, where Homer has a scan and discovers a crayon in his brain, which is the reason why he's stupid. He has surgery to get the crayon removed and becomes really intelligent, more than Lisa. But being really intelligent makes him miserable. At the end of the episode he has surgery to get the crayon put back, and become his old self.
Lol no comments
haha, I wonder what color the crayon was. And what brand, what did the wrapper look like, what was the crayon made from? Wax, oils, acrylic? So many variables! Was the surgery done laparoscopically?
❤❤
@@JJSolitude maybe you could watch the episode
ooh kind of like the spongebob episode where patrick's brain is replaced by brain coral, never realized how philosophical kids' cartoons can be haha
For a long time, I was very depressed and upset for having a strong understanding of how the world works. I was upset that people liked to oversimplify things creating many problems down the line. However, I realized that no matter what I will always be someone who thinks deeply and thus I learned to channel that energy into positions of leadership. If knowledge is power and great power comes with great responsibility, then it means great knowledge is also a great responsibility to bear. I found my peace in realizing that if I am going to suffer in my thoughts anyways at least I can make that suffering meaningful and worthwhile. Lets use our wisdom to make the world better place.
You sir, is one I respect
What's the field that you're leading in?
@@xandercheong6743 not really leading any field at the moment but just getting involved in your community and help lead organizations you can contribute meaningfully to. Build things that last and will benefit others.
You’re goated
great comment
I would like to see Neil read some of his own phd work and watch his own recorded lectures after getting the surgery to see how much he is able to comprehend his own pre-surgery self
a prequel and a sequel mayhaps?
Great idea 💡👍
I was thinking the exact same thing. Like recorded some of your most profound philosophical thoughts and reasoning, then play them back post surgery to see you still comprehend it and to 2hat level.
I haven't had surgery and when I read my old PhD work I can barely understand it. :D
That sounds very much like the Flowers for Algernon situation
The ambiguity in the end will keep me awake for several nights
I knowwww right! 😭
Losing the ability to think abstractly, or risk ending your life can actually be a thought-provoking experience, for others, its not even something to think deeply about, for people like Neil, it's a question of identity, their central part of who they are, their life is shaped by intellectualism and rationality, and losing it (from their perspective) just to live, is not that easy choice for them.
Yeah, and i think the wisdom, the ability to question thing, to critical thinking is very important, people say that ignorance is a bliss is actually wrong, because ignorance is actually the root cause of suffering. the pursuit of wisdom and understanding is seen as essential for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Ignorance may provide temporary comfort, but true well-being often comes from facing and understanding the complexities of life, fostering personal growth, and contributing to the greater good. Embracing wisdom can lead to a more enlightened and compassionate existence.
As someone who enjoys philosophy I believe that living is more important than questioning living because even If im stupid I can still enjoy life.
Beautiful perspective thanks for sharing
That's a good perspective to have. Much respect.
imo, this takes more than that. You can say "living is to die, your nature shifts, enough, through aging/sleep/reformation, that I am not me, continously." If not this, then a manipulation of what you are that severely IS death. There's an implicit philosophical position here.
And would it be YOU?
the video discusses this... his friend asks "if you lost what made you who you are for your entire life, arent you as good as dead anyway?"
As a former gifted student, knowing and remembering how great you used to be at something and now being pretty much incompetent in it is one of, if not, the most painful things a mind can experience. 0/10, do NOT recommend.
Edit: OMEG THX FOE ZE 683 LIKE!!11!1111!!!!!!- JK JK JK
Edit 2.0: NOOOOOOO I MISSED MY OWN COMMENT'S 690 LIKES ANIVERSARRY
Feels like you've died inside.
Why are you incompetent now?
@@themacocko6311 I don't know. I just one day had my grades plummet for absolutely no reason and tbh, I'd rather die
@@Iwannaeatlasagna That's a common fallacy amongst early over-porformer: apparently having no control of the outcome. Thinking either they're smart and good grades will follow or they are not and the opposite will happen, hence bound to an intrinsic property, ego. It is understandable that the loss of a part of your identity hurts, but the only way to move forward is to externalise these thoughts onto the effort put in.
"You don't know why you suddenly became incompetent" You didn't. The Demand changed, and you did not adapt because resting on baseline competence is a comfortable position to be in, if your baseline is high. As soon as demand is above your baseline, panic kicks in and self doubt will ruin you. It takes a lot of strength to overcome that hurt ego but will be worth it in the long run.
You're not gifted, you're special needs, and your special need is to be exposed to adequate challenges which practice the feeling of inadequacy while not humiliating you. Take your time, it's only uphill from here on.
@@lored6811 Agreed. I was "gifted and talented" in maths. When I was 6, I was at the level of a 10-year-old. I knew all the times tables up to 15x15, and I could count to 1000, and I knew what million, billion, and trillion were. I knew what powers were, and I even knew some very basic algebra. When I was 7, 8, 9, 10 etc., I was always top of the class in tests, often getting full marks. Average scores on tests were usually around 25/40, I never scored less than 38. They had to give me extra questions because I would finish these tests so fast. I was basically a machine. They used to call me the "human calculator".
And then... the demand changed. I was now faced with trigonometry and calculus. Stuff I didn't immediately understand. I rested on my baseline for my whole life, but now the others had caught up. I was no longer top of the class. At age 15, I was aware that I was no longer the gifted and talented human calculator machine. It blew my confidence. I began to really hate and resent Maths for this. At the end of school, I ended up getting a B. The human calculator who got full marks in tests, finished school with a B in Maths.
I'm 26 now and my maths ability is pretty average. Gifted and talented children are almost never gifted and talented adults. The top dog in class never becomes the next Einstein. Being a gifted child does not set them up for success in adult life. And this is something that comes as a massive shock to many.
Definitely food for thought.
It’s not a matter of two simple decisions, it’s a multifaceted enigma, dilema, very personal multidirectional, deep thinking , decision.
There is no right or wrong answer, it’s very individual , to be respected one way or the other.
“Viva la difference”
“To each his own”
Freedom , specially in thinking is extremely valuable.
Great story ,thanks!!!!
it is for everything, this is the real philosophy
"You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth."
I'm not necessarily doubting it, but I'm curious about why about:
"Freedom , specially in thinking is extremely valuable."
@@kepspark3362
We are free moral agents ,
We are highly intelligent beings, and our thinking ability makes us different from all living things on this planet.
Unfortunately some oppressive , domineering, controlling , selfish,subjugating, bullying,suppressing, demanding, tyrannizing humans are always trying to control others by brainwashing, convincing,
pushing their ideas and propaganda ,sometimes succeeding in their wicked quest confusing their victims , forcing them to make the wrong decisions, altering their common sense, logic , and precious Freedom of intelligent thinking .
Yes , Freedom in thinking is very valuable, and nobody has the right to interfere or influence it.
“Live and let live”
That’s my thinking , and I’m sticking to it.
@@kepspark3362 i will quote Kierkergaard on this: " The "Good" is freedom. The difference between good and evil exists only for and through freedom and this difference exists never in abstracto, but only in concreto." Putting aside tough phrases like exists in concreto, what this means is that in order to make a good/evil judgment (and all sorts of predicates generally ) you need to have freedom of will and thought, otherwise you wouldn't be able to judge in the first place. Roughly speaking all of human thought/conception consists of causal connections ( cause and effect relationship ) and judgments, where deciding judgment especially requires freedom of thought. If you were magically bound by me and forced to believe that everything i say is -->true
i’ve been following pursuit of wonder for about 5 years now.
I started watching when I was in high school and felt so connected to my child like curiousity of life.
my sister took her own life when i was 17, and that’s when my connection to your channel really took off.
I’ve watched every video on your channel and will continue to support you.
this was definitely one of the most beautifully written videos on your channel.
ㄱ
“Too much thinking is a disease”
Pretty much true
All knowing was a curse to humanity
How would we know? Have we ever been "all knowing"?
@@mikewardrop5962he is probably referring to exile of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden on the account of tasting the forbidden fruit which contained knowledge of good and evil.
May be this was said by Floyd Dostoevsky
@@mikewardrop5962we have created machines that can simulate just about anything therefore we “know” the probable outcomes. This is close to all knowing and look what it has brought…the dawn of robotic warfare and the wealth gap ever so wide.
The irony is that as someone who has adhd, it means you barely have a prefrontal cortex, in the sense that its underdeveloped. And because of that i often hated the fact that i cannot take in the amount of information and sustain it for a long time. But after seeing this, it made me realise that its ok, i am not trying to know how everything works, and the stuff i should know should be enough to sustain my life and loved ones and their persuits as well, thank you.
Interesting because I have adhd (add) and I’m the total opposite, completely obsessed with finding answers to everything to the core of my being. I suppose with adhd it just comes down to the nature of your brain and what interests you the most to make use of the hyper focus aspect we also posses. For example I can’t focus on shit else other than my own philosophical ponderings, needless to say I’m a terrible student. Adhd isn’t quite just a lack of focus its rather the necessity to have genuine interest in something in order to utilise our focus. It’s not focus we lack it’s the ability to control the direction it goes in if that makes sense
@@existentialbowlofnoodles2495i agree, same here
ADHD has everything to do with dopamine levels and not the size of one’s prefrontal cortex.
@@existentialbowlofnoodles2495 Indeed, one of the defining characteristics is the ability, albeit somewhat involuntary, to hyper focus.
@@existentialbowlofnoodles2495 there goes some synthesis I guess. I also have ADHD, and I study philosophy (on a 3rd year rn). I have a hard time reading books and philosophical works tend to be packed with technical terms. What seems to be (at first) a little distinction between, say reason and intellect, turns out to be crucial. So I often have to backtrack, read each line many times. It's tedious, but I don't think I have a choice. That's what I am. I consider reading through whole Being and Time as one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.
I finished it after 3 months, and You know what? In the end it made so much sense to me. It told me that the best moments of your life are indeed the ones in which you don't think that much. It's really paradoxical, because I had to make an intellectual effort to reach that conclusion. But it wasn't "learning" in the sense of accumulating information. It was understanding. I understand this book. Another paradox being, that this is one of the things the book was about.
Now, in order to be good in philosophy I need to memorize some things. I deeply struggle with that. I also read slowly, procrastinate, started many books I didn't finish and finished some books without retaining that much. But I understand my flaws. I can recognize concrete opportunities better than most people. I am more creative. When it clicks for me, it touches every aspect of my life.
I think of having ADHD as not having free will, or having it only in a negative sense. You can only negate who you are, thus becoming nothing. Not "nothing" in the sense of heideggerian death, but nothing in the sense of being detached from life, succumbing to weakness and (in my case) breeding ressentiment. So if you know that you HAVE TO ponder, stop fighting it. But don't confuse philosophizing for its own sake with the prospect of "becoming a philosopher". I agree with the message of the video. You truly do die if you become attached to your self image. Or to put it in Sartre's words "existence precedes essence".
Sorry for "giving advice".
Never fear change. Embrace being uncomfortable.
nails it in just six words.
But don't embrace baldness
@@bismuth6558😂😂😂👍
Said a man shtting on a park bench
Really? Do you mean that when getting into a toxic relationship?"Never fear change. Embrace being uncomfortable" when abused? You you think that when getting raped? Seriously, dumb quote
He spent his whole life thinking and questioning in preparation for the ultimate question and realization of thought. Almost as if this is what fate lead him to. To give him the gift of thinking to then present him with a test later on. One which he can truly reflect on and look at with a clear lens. Lovely full circle
it's no that deep bro.
@@SomeBotOfficial 14 people r as crazy as me than
@@SomeBotOfficial Bro, we re onto deep shit right here, wtf are you even doing here if this is how you think "it's no that deep bro." That s what an ogre would say xD...
I’m more a creative than an intellectual, but I understand deeply where this video comes from. To lose one’s ability to conceptualize, create and comprehend would be to cut off one of their senses.
Pessimism and nihilism are the only thoughts that keep me going. Depression and its long term effects on me and my behaviour on everything from academics to relationship has taught me that, being that way is less painful than expecting something good. As I see myself struggling my way out of my medschool as a former gifted student, barely getting passing marks, but a relief that i won't be disappointing anyone.
I barely try because I have thought too far ahead and don't see the sacrifice as being worthwhile.
I have been writing since 2011. Over the time I also took up independent filmmaking and proceeded with it alongside. But gradually, as I started reading more and watching more, my creations went on to be more and more darker, serious and somewhat depressing. Worse part, I was losing myself as more and more audiences shifted away from the kind of work I was doing which was increasingly becoming obscure. My depression was reaching its heights. I felt it was my responsibility to change the world as an artist and to represent art at its truest form with its gruesome reality. The more I thought, the more lost I felt. At this moment, my mother said something to me, "Sometimes even though you try your best, you might not succeed. This is evident especially if you're planning something grand as changing the world. But we can always start small and start with ourselves."
That one dialogue changed my life. And it's been a few months since I've taken a break from creative pursuits and have actually changed the way I look at life.
Choosing to die, is anyway not an option.
Self termination is probably a big risk for some people who think deeply
Being able to enjoy life feels like a skill sometimes -.-
The world is as bad as it can get and we can probably see what's going on. To think of changing the world is very hard and frankly depressing. I get how you feel surrounded by so much darkness that seeing the beauty in mundane things becomes a skill. Hope you are well now.
Remember what Oscar wilde said "It takes great courageto see tha world in all its tainted glory and still love it."
@@Areeba3009 so true! To be honest, that's a big reason I'm getting hooked on fantasies, fairy tales and escapism these days. Makes me feel good!
Dying is not a choice. It's inevitable.
I one hundred percent understand this. I love complex Ideas, one that make you think hard and make you interpret the ideas differently than others. To be able to think critically and thoughtfully for different decisions. I just couldn't bear to lose that. I'd rather be dead as well
I have brain fog and have lost a lot of that
Very selfish to not think of the others around you that you would affect.
@@samuraigorilla2311 Hope you regain your previous cognitive ability. Try problem solving games (engage in thinking) and maybe some meditation (to clear your mind).
I had mind fog a few months ago and I also felt like I can't think. It felt like I was just a brainless shell. It was even necessary for me to explain every word I hear and/say in order to understand it. It's just slow. So slow.
However, through efforts of engaging with critical thinking, I gradually got better. So I wish you the best 👍💯
@@KingcoleIIV It might be hard to hear other people preferring death over lesser level of thinking.
But it's true, once you've experienced deep thinking about complex ideas, wondering about the reality and the existence of everything, you just can't give up on that.
Still, decisions depends on the person and their lives.
@nil.3743 in love with unknowable things that can never be proven or disproven.
this kinda reminds me of a poem I read as a kid, I will try to put it here. The one who is happy is the ignorant, he does not care or put mind in things. The one who is sad, however who cries for the world, who notices their sorroundings and all the negative things happening
I disagree. Check out the lyrics of 10:35 by Tiesto to see how horrifying a simplistic world view can be.
I have hit the lowest point of my life these past few months and I saw this video where the character of Neil is living out my dream. To be a professor of philosophy and an accomplished author. He even thinks like me, trying to turn a thought over and over and over again until I’ve solved it or it defeats me. My dilemma is of a choice, as well, and equally as life threatening. Perhaps I will choose the risk.
Please don't give up, life is too special to just be thrown away. Do some good in the world, work for charities or some volunteer work. Doing good will make you feel better but please try to hold on
@@Ringo-ie5cldoing good for the world only means something if one is selfless in the first place. If one has a “I don’t owe the world nothing” mentality, this is not good advice.
@myboala I like to believe most people have empathy. I might be wrong but it's always best to see the good in people before you look for the bad. Helping others makes you feel a part of something greater than yourself and in turn, more fulfilled in life.
Are u in school for this? I relate to Neil about just conceptualizing everything, needing to know everything about everything and doing whatever I can to find out; I have reached the maximum open tabs on safari many times. I thought philosophy would be perfect for me but I took a class and I hated it. Maybe i just hate reading things that are worded anciently, maybe it was that the professor gave us hard tests, idk but im curious to know what ur plan is and if you’ve started it yet etc
@@alimiller6589 if you are still interested in learning more about philosophy. I suggest you checkout “philosophize this” by Stephen West. He has a great collection of podcasts teaching philosophy in the most educational, engaging and interesting way I’ve seen so far. Cheers
Neil was playing 'Would you Rather' on the hardest difficulty.😅 Interesting concept. If I was in his shoes, i would have done the surgery. I'm a full time overthinker. I would love live a calm and more peaceful life.
Truth and honesty at any cost includes bleakness and pessimism.
Faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the confidence of the things not seen.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy since age 3, this is totally me! I get told at work (data analyst) that I'm an overthinker quite often, and I can definitely see myself in this video, especially the part where he is having the discussion with his gf.
This is bout as straight forward of an answer that i can give. I’d rather be happily dumb than suffer profoundly.
The world is evil considering its total disregard of any type of suffering...do you want to be an accomplice in that by not even criticizing it and being dumb?!
now thats some profound stuff you said right there buddy! I dont think you would be dumb, i think you are smart!
@@iamhavingastroke8008 Not exactly sure how to respond to this but, thank you? And i guess to clear up some confusion… i wasn’t calling myself dumb…
It seems like you are already happy :)
happy people are dumb XD
@@dato1068
It's like what Yoda said
"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."
Even if our bodies and minds are flawed, our real selves are perfect and exist somewhere outside our physical body. Whether you call that the soul, god, the force, the cosmos, whatever. And a surgery such as this one could never take away what Neil did or who Neil is.
Every moment spent alive is a gift. It's worth the risk.
In light of this topic, consider whether someone with late-stage Alzheimer's or dementia is the same person as they were before and if they're "happy".
Even just experiencing mind fog, to some degree, destroys self-confidence. The awareness of the level you were able to cognitively function before, and your current mind fogged self is debilitating and it leads to a large number of problems.
@@nil.3743it's a social thing more than a fundamental thing.. we've learned to judge others for their shortcomings, so.
@@jyothishkumar3098 That's a byproduct of not being able to think. So it isn't more social than "fundamental". The social outcome depends on the fundamental itself
I understand Neil, I lost my father at 8 and I also feel like the truth is what matters even if it’s pessimistic. I think that trauma as a child makes us grow up too fast, causes anxiety, and just leads to needing to know everything
I immediately knew that I would never go for the surgery, I couldn’t. I imagine myself losing my ability to engage with psychology… it’s such an integral part of who I am and what I need out of life. There have been times where I thought I lost my ability to research psychology. It is a very long story but I attempted suicide. So, even if I got the surgery, my chance of survival may not be that high anyway.
Same. As a psychologist myself, I cannot imagine living without my ability engage in intellectual reasoning.
Besides, I dont think that intelligence makes you miserable. Suffering is the most basic human condition and intelligence and knowledge are the only things that give it meaning.
Would you even be able to fully grasp what you’ve lost if you then don’t have the previous capacity to self reflect and access that part of the brain? Maybe the new you would not truly miss the old one, it would have a different set of cognitive skills and comprehension, not accessing the abstract thinking that lead to understanding previous psychological perspectives
This of course isn't a phenomenon that's unique to people who enjoy intellectual pursuits. Anyone who is deeply passionate about something will fall into deep dispair when the avenue to ingluging in that passion is taken away. It's a loss of identity in many ways. A loss of something that we tell ourselves makes us valuable. I most likely will not become the artist I wanted to be due to things largely out of my control. It's made me not want to live. Not want to try. What's the point if I can't show the beauty of my inner world to others? I have to remind myself that my value is multifaceted. That even when I can't see it or I don't appreciate it, I bring value into the world by persisting. Maybe I'm frustrated and depressive but I can still make a friend laugh, or enjoy the sunset, or enjoy a good meal. These stupid little minor things where I can feel alive in between the deadness I often feel inside. When you suddenly find yourself profoundly disabled, and no longer fully able to do what you loved, you still have value and you can still find value.
As much as I wish I could throttle my "thinking" at will, I would never willing surrender it.
@@tanausu7Sure, your new self may not miss your old self. But who would willingly turn themselves into something like a zombie? What if your new self has the concept of *something* missing in their lives but never the capacity of knowing what it was? While being "intellectual" may not "get someone somewhere"... It clearly has benefits for the intellectual person... A sense of acceptance or calm when they've 'figured out' something, for instance. Knowing that your post-surgery self may never have that... Idk
I would never have the surgery, the thought of part of my mind missing is scarier than even death.
Better off dead?
I agree. There are some things that are worse than death and like his friend said he would be dead anyway. I would never sacrifice my love of truth
i agree i feel like if i coudent think what is the point to live we are humans because we have the ability to think and comprehend complex ideas without that i am no better than a dog (my personal belief )
@@arishubros1878whats wrong in becoming a dog then
@@daizee106we need more folks like you stateside
I read the comments about people thinking that they thought that the person in the story was real and then found out that this is fiction
Well , ig these are new comers and i am really delighted to find out that my , along with a lot of other peoples' ( I'd like to imagine , atleast ) fav youtuber has gotten even more viewers
Most of Robert's stories ( the narrator on the pursuit of wonder ) are fictional , and he uses that to keep you immersed in the story and also learn a loads of things alongside with it.
Well good to know, thank you. I wish there was a little bit more clarity in the video-especially when they’re talking about books and accomplishments of the individuals. Would have liked to check Neil’s work out.
@@MiraWindley+1, I just scrolled through all the comments because I couldn't find anything about him online. Was also looking to check out his work
Thanks for actually saying it, I was starting to become frustrated trying to find out more information about Neil. I was ready to hop into the comments like "Neil Who?"
dude this is beautiful, like in a sense of relatability and the way this story is delivered throughout the video.. even your voice contributes to the vibe; I had to shed a tear while watching this lmao
If you consider Neil's last line carefully, you'll realize that we never find out what his decision was.
The question is, "Have you decided?" The answer is "Yes, I've decided." But _what_ his decision is, we never hear.
For myself, I'd risk the killer seizure. Losing my essential self would be no better than death and I'd surely end myself anyway, probably sooner rather than later.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who picked up on his non answer. I read some comments, and everyone seems to think he had the surgery. I don't think he would have as it would erase who he is . Life is a crap shoot as it is , we're all going to die in the end. It's just a matter of when . I'd rather die as myself than live longer as a shadow of myself .
I’m with you on that. Putting myself on Neil’s shoes for moment was quite discomforting, but if I was to choose between living without my main abilities or risking a sudden death, I’d go with the second one.
I concluded that the question has been left unanswered in the video. Then seeing the comments I came to doubt my conclusion. I had found me placing myself in Neil's position and the answer was prettty obvoius to me. I do not believe there is anything that can be called 'overthinking'. Some have the inclination to go deeper, some do not. To those who go deeper 'bliss' is in the clarity they discovered.
I picked up on that too. Was going to come to the comments to ask “what did Neil decide?” But the cliffhanger was intentional- not knowing what happened to “Neil” helps internalize this scenario for the viewer. An appeal of these videos for me is I’m left asking questions, not for the writer but for myself
I have been told I overthink. Overthinking is not thinking too deeply, which I also do, it is (for me) thinking too much and not coming to a decision and cutting off the thoughts at the descision point, so thinking about my options again (if I CAN think of options) going past the point of decision (buried by walking over it once) AGAIN and having that cycle continue. Where I end up thinking and going around and around, mulling over senarios and options and not being able to pick. What are some other commentators' experiences? @pallavis7609
I think about this every day when I ponder on how useful it is or how happy I will be when chasing answers to questions that sometimes can also be pointless.
I sometimes think banality can be good but then reality shows up and I change my mind again.
Loved the video.
Thanks for your work.
WAIT WHAT DID HE DECIDE !!!
frrr😭
He DIIIIEEEDDDD!
He decided to move forward with the surgery
@@aleksandarpenchev7807We don't know that
There’s a book “Flowers for Algernon” that covers almost all of this in a short, readable paperback.
YES! Such a thought-provoking book! And so sad😭
Intelligence prompts one to never stop thinking, which brings about all kinds of unhappiness but a wise mind can look beyond those thoughts
Not if the person in question has an ounce of empathy. Some things can't be "looked beyond".
@Rattus-Norvegicus the key is knowing what you can and can't change. Having both intelligence & empathy isn't a bad thing. It does make life much more difficult but it also makes it more fulfilling overall. Use that intelligence to make the biggest positive Impact on the world!
I love how the ad came up with a philosophical style of delivery!
The surgery affects his ability to comprehend, not his ability to experience happiness. If you break it down like that, I think Neil is a true philosopher: he made the wiser choice.
Powerful video.
You don’t know he had the surgery. Neil only says that, yes, he has decided. And he said it confidently. But he never says what his decision was.
Wouldn't that be built upon the assumption that happiness is the goal?
Why is happiness the goal?
Dude you don't know what his decision was
we dont know what his decision was, but even if he had said yes, it doesnt necessarily mean he will be happy, i dont think someone looking at their own previous work and not even being able to comprehend it would make them feel very happy, and besides, it's all very personal, maybe he cares more about philosophy than even his own happiness.
Cause it feels nice, not in the way that drugs and sex or hedonistic things do, but more in a fulfilling and content way. I'd say most people would want that kind of happiness in their life@@judas611
Bro said : « Suffering from success »
It may be hard to believe, but it is indeed a thing.
Interesting how the video ended open for interpretation. People will assume he went with either or based on their own discussions and values and that's kinda cool. Thank you
Ignorance is rarely bliss... it is more usually deferred unhappiness. Truth, however, is never bliss. So if bliss is the objective... the denial of truth in some fashion (usually at someone else's expense) is the only bet.
This video resonated with me because I saw myself in it. As a child, I was consistently punished for expressing my ideas, opinions, or suggestions by my parents. Due to my stutter, I was often perceived as 'dumb' and 'special.' Despite facing these challenges, I exhibited a keen interest in astrophysics at an early age. I delved into complex concepts like black holes and even read books by Stephen Hawking multiple times, comprehending them entirely. My self-taught math skills were also above average, as I learned from a math book belonging to my older sibling, who was five grades ahead of me (in the 10th grade, the final grade in my country before exams). Although the material was initially challenging, I mastered much of it within 3 to 4 days.Unfortunately, my peers did not appreciate my interests, and I endured bullying, even from my own siblings. Realizing that much of the negativity stemmed from my hobbies and being perceived as a 'smarty pants,' I withdrew at the age of 12. During walks or when I craved soda, I ventured outside, spending the rest of my day either completing homework or lying in bed until sleep took over. The constant criticism convinced me that I was stupid, leading me to abandon my logical thinking.
As the years passed, I succumbed to the pressure of conforming to societal norms, desperately wanting to fit in. Despite my efforts, I continued to face dislike from those around me. However, at 18, I found solace in one true friend who occasionally stuck by my side. I am incredibly grateful for this companionship.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel frustrated and regretful about losing my authentic self. I resent myself for allowing the opinions of others to manipulate me, ultimately transforming into someone I despised and feared - an 'idiot'.
Another self proclaimed internet genius, how shocking
@@DreadPirateRobertzNot once did he proclaimed that he was a genius. Only "above average" in self-teaching mathematics.
He stated that he's often told and/or made to feel like an idiot by some of those people around him. Those statements does not proclaim that he's a genius, it only states that he's actually not an idiot.
@@DreadPirateRobertzbrother he finished the comment labelling himself as an idiot
@@nil.3743Claiming to have mastered mathematics 5 grades above yours in 3-4 days gives off quite the iamverysmart vibe.
@@existentialbowlofnoodles2495Read the main section…
" The Curse of Thinking Too Deeply "
the thing i appreciate the most of this video is the title. nothing arrogant or delusional like "this video will change your life / mind / destiny /whatever"
At a certain point in life, though we technically experience living as something we do alone and internally.
After marriage, having kids, and creating lives with others. We must realize that the decisions we make for ourselves no longer just affect us, but those we love and love us.
When people die, it isn't the people who die who suffer, but the people we leave behind who feel the pain of loss.
Exactly my thoughts.
But death is part of life and we all must face it eventually. Turn it around and you get, it would be selfish for your family to want to keep you, even if that would mean certain walking death to you
I would imagine those who care about us want us to be happy. Sometimes that means doing what one needs to do.
@daizee106 I think we're talking about 2 different things. If you're dying and in discomfort I agree. You're family shouldn't want to keep you alive just for the sake of not losing you. But I think the situation in the video is different from that
I’m getting a MRI of my brain on the 15th, less than a week.
Everything from why he got into philosophy to what philosophers he got into are the exact same for me (the loss was my mom not my brother though)
you never fail to make videos at the perfect time.
I'm deeply sorry to hear you had such a loss.
I could never understand what it is to lose a mom because mine is still with me.
But funny enough when I had my baby daughter 16 years ago,and I laid her down next to me to breastfeed her, one thought came into my mind while I was holding her tiny hands: "what a sad thing when mother and child are brought apart because death calls"; and I swear that thought has stuck with me since that moment until right about this very second.
I'm a day late, but hope your MRI turned out okay. I lost my mother as well. I realized today that I have been piloting my "death drive" ever since. I quit participating in life in an attempt to prolong it.
The death of who you are for what you will become, changed and different. Or the death of who you are and what you may become, nothing. Its a hard decision, an extremely hard decision. You have no way of knowing if what you may become is worth giving up what you were. But at the same time, it may be better, or the same but different. However thats all from the point of selfish decision making, to consider others in the matter is important as well. We are not simply individuals but communities. Its very possible that you can find happiness as a new individual, and also benifit you unique community. But the loss of you will only ever scare and negatively impact your community, given that you are a good part of it.
Depending on what "better" means exactly
Me waiting til the end of the video to find out this ‘Neil’s’ full name to read his work only to realise it’s a hypothetical 😂😭 As an aside I’d have chosen to not have the surgery.
Why?
@@iwannabeadored69420 because I see all the people around me accepting tabloids as gospel, not thinking out complex subjects critically, merely regurgitating headlines or takes they’ve consumed. At that point you’re a pawn to propaganda, no free thinking.
However the surgery was definitely appealing. Dogs, I could imagine, don’t have these complex thoughts, yet many seem happy a lot of the time (consistently happier than my experience with life anyway).
Nevertheless I rate deep thoughts over happiness.
So would i
As would I.
I wouldn't, too
To quote "Full Metal Jacket": "The dead only know one thing. It is better to be alive."
Vice versa for living
Yknow thinking too deeply about things I cant do anything about has always been a problem
Just to ask "is it worth questioning this?"
Autism leaves me with quite an active internal monologue. People say we're all on the spectrum. I say that being on the first step is like being on the floor, not having stepped
Its hard going through life making yourself uncomfortable while not being able to open up opertunities with that discomfort. At some point, maybe that logic points to you being inefficient, not being able to give enough back to others around you. To see the world as a machine and socializing as transactional
I am no professionsl philosopher and I dont intend on going down that route, but I've still had theese burning questions that need filtering Sometimes sone questions are better living life without.
This video reminded me why im still here, and why I continue to pursue what I find fun while I can.
In situations like this I would first think about my family and proceed with the option most beneficial for them
Which is losing your job and probably turning into a person they never knew?
or keeping it all and dying much earlier
@@Guy_pod how will turn into a person they never knew?
Only my thinking ability will get hampered
I am not going to get completely paralyzed or something like that because of the surgery
My family would rather choose to take care of a child again(worst case scenario) than having to spend every moment of rest of their lives being concerned with the thought of my sudden demise and live with grief after my death
And also my family would value my life more than the money I earn
Are you American?
Both. If you can somehow balance the both lifestyles by chasing a purpose but also being able to appreciate the smiple things in life you will become unbeatable. Actually i think the vlaue of life comes in chasing that balance and improving yourself everyday and also being content and happy with what you have
The timing for this, is scary. I was just thinking how i am as a person so caught up with my mind. Looking back, growing up all i had was worries. I worried about anything and everything
Back when i was in school, i was worried about my school project.
Back when i was in college, it was about the same thing.
Now that i work, I am worried about what or how I'm going to be in the future. I overthink about everything and worried about everything
Looking at other people, they live just fine without "thinking much" (exactly like how his dad is portrayed)
That's why the timing of this video is oddly scary for me
experiencing something similar here, the last 12 years have been the same, constantly worrying about a failing relationship, career, meanwhile loosing an objective sense of who i am and giving in to subjective feelings and trains of thoughts that has derailed my life to no extent.
It is a blessing and a curse to have a powerful mind. Mindfulness helps me a lot when all the accumulated knowledge of my soul searching and ego death experiences ways on me. We need to possess the wisdom of the ages but not be weighted down by it. I think true power comes when we can live like birds. Birds don't worry about their next meal, their consciousness is here and now. Pecking this thing, flying here, flying there. Complete randomness, and yet they flourish. What I'm trying to say is trust the universe as you would yourself and all will be provided.
The curse of thinking to deeply. Second only to the curse of not thinking.
Constantly questioning things that I've noticed a lot of other people do not think of is a curse, because you have no way of knowing if it's normal or not. It's definitely a curse.
I think that you are saying something really interesting, but I don't truly get what you mean, would you mind explaining It?
(Maybe by defining what curse and normal mean in this context)
It’s not a “curse”, sounds more like you lack social skills.
@@dantedharma6252Wow, didn't expect this!
I probably sound exaggerated when I say this but hmm...
I'd say over analysing a certain situation in the pursuit of gaining as many different perspectives as possible. It's good to view a particular situation from as many different perspectives as possible with an approach of curiosity but when it goes overboard, it's hard to break out of that loop.
There is this certain dissatisfaction attached to not knowing enough about whatever is on your mind.
In this context, a curse would mean the inability to stop questioning the belief systems or anything that was taught to us in general.
'Normal', I'd say, is following what was taught to us without questioning the underlying mechanism. In a way, it is peaceful as you believe that what you are doing is right without questioning a different possibility.
I feel like it's a curse to constantly wonder whatever is being said is truly accurate or not.
@@littleflowersbloom Absolutely; it's often the pursuit of gaining perspectives in hopes for an answer that drives a thinker. It is when there is no truth to be found that they are left feeling emptier than before. In turn, there's no simple way for their accumulations of thoughts and findings to be put into words. Primarily, it is a curse of miscommunication. There is a gap between true thought and concepts that is often disregarded by people in an attempt to rationalize. Most will say there's no reason to go inside the ravine rather than use a bridge to cross it. A select few will note they cannot bring the sides of the pit together, so they attempt to plunge inside and traverse it instead. The bridge was surely there, so why did they not use it? The few scaling it are unable to give an answer that the rational ones understand. But in the end, it's just a different way of crossing the gap; anything other than the bridge seems foolish, though that does not make climbing it or gliding over it any less of a method.
Some people are high on the conscientiousness scale and some are not. Sums all of this up.
Really having fun going through your content. Thanks so much for sharing your talent!
Exactly the video I needed to watch. My mind always defaults to the scarcity mode of thinking to the extremes. The worst may come real sometimes, but mostly it does not. I reckon that in effort of becoming more intellectual I became pessimistic and it is better to be an optimist realistically
If I didn’t have my critical thought I’d still be in the religious lies I grew up in. I wouldn’t trade my reason for anything but if the choice was risk death or get a simpler perspective of the world I think I’d take the latter. It’s easier to be happy that way, that’s for sure.
This sort of reminds me of how I interpret languages, I am fluent in German and English, and currently eagerly learn Norwegian. Whenever someone tells me something in either (or even any) language, I think way too much about how the words were meant. I constantly have to rethink on better ways to communicate, because my own brain sometimes just stops making it simpler to understand, but instead makes it even more complex and I have to think for weeks about that one thing to be able to translate it all to myself, and then somehow to others.
Covid has changed my brain. I wasn't a genius but I was intelligent, now I get by. I wish I could go back, I no longer feel myself.
Brain fog is really difficult, I also have it but not from covid. Keep moving forward my man
A lot of people were very ignorant about Covid for the sake of being happy but I always was aware that it was going to be the start of early cognitive decline for many people. Them spike proteins are terrible for us and we’re all going to end up as empty shells years earlier than we should
“Wow, it’s exactly me. Of course it is not my untreated depression, I’m really a deep thinker person.” - said the most of the people who watched this video and found it by their depressive behavior.
One doesn't exclude the other tbh.
I just watched Rick and morty last episode of season 7 and it was about fear it truly tripped me and watching this now made me realise about my own fears, it showed me how I am actually scared of a lot of things but I never realised it. Just like the episode of Rick and morty it actually fear consumed me bit by bit without me even knowing.
That episode made me think hard
Episodes like that are the only reason I keep up with the new seasons
Over analysing everything is a trait I have, and people might call it a ‘blessing’ to have. But it’s far from that
It's only a blessing if you're using it to change the world for the better but , speaking also from personal experience, it's extremely hard to motive oneself when one is constantly disecting everything and trying to decide whether a particular cause is worth it or not.
I see it as an adventure. I try to write down as much as can of who I am. I like to see if I can think my way back.
He would literally have the chance to start from scratch, a whole new life. It looks so curious and interesting
I’m not the most intelligent person in the world, however I still find this insightful. We appreciate your well researched information that we all needed to know more about.
This man can write a movie. Very good content
I really wished Neil would have shared his thoughts as why he chose to undergo the surgery. As usual, thanks Robert for the mind blowing video
You don’t know he had the surgery. Neil only says that, yes, he has decided. And he said it confidently. But he never says what his decision was.
Once you reach a certain level of understanding of philosophy, you realize that it is the only thing that matters. A thinking man sees bliss in his the fact he understands, and that nobody can take it away. Wealth matters very little when death comes knocking, inheritances are often wasted away, and millions now will be just thousands in a century, only the truth is true wealth, because its eternal.
The journey to knowledge is invigorating but I’m going to have to disagree with you that truth is eternal.
For me, I think the one true freedom I have is to think for myself. This is something that no one can ever take away. Thanks for your comment!
@@rennoc6478 I think you mean facts. Facts may change. For example, the fact that "france exists" may change, but that at this time it exists is the truth. The truth that "the country of france existed in western europe in the year 2024" will never change.
@@AnttiTakala23 when I said that I meant that knowledge can be forgotten and lost forever.
Solid work, per usual!
Gave me a lot to ponder on
This tale reminds me of a fictional story called 'Glimpse of Light' by Stephen Mumford.
A philosopher faces a crisis of confidence and hopes to resolve it in a self imposed exile in Northern Norway, far away from his home in the US. In his barely accessible snow bound cabin he too is visited by three people but from different religious beliefs. They each believe their faith to be the more righteous.
so true. Intelligence is a burden or baggage. It is like carrying a tool box always with you which can be useful at times but most times it is just there not being useful for daily life. I guess, once we get old enough, it would be perfect time to let go most of the tools.
If you cannot find meaning in your life without abstract thinking and you believe in and value leading a meaningful life, then it's "no surgery." We are gonna die anyways. There's no point in loosing yourself completely because someone else want you to live and not get hurt. It's your life, not someone else's. Live it to the fullest.
The price of knowledge is the weight of the world
You just told my story. But my issue is genetic heart disease, getting an ICD that will greatly diminish by quality of life as a bodybuilder and art model by preventing me from doing what I enjoy most with the physical restrictions on my training with the ICD or take a chance with no ICD. I am at risk for a fatal arrhythmia in the form of VT or AF that an ICD would defibrillate if I had it. I must decide.
This is a thought-provoking video, I'd be thinking for days what Neil would have decided... He lived his life as a pessimistic, and I think for some reason this is his chance to live life without giving anything a second thought. I think in the end everything comes down to personal details, the relationship we build with ourselves during our lifetime. To be able to think deeply is both a boon and a curse. After a point, you have to set limits for your thoughts and subsequent actions, otherwise, it's a road never-ending with no reasonable answers at the end. To be so entangled with oneself truly depends on how well you handle your thought and self-awareness.
You didn’t say whether he chose to have the surgery or not. All you said is he had decided. But you didn’t say he decided yes he decided to have the surgery. It could be yes he decided and his decision was not to have the surgery.
One thing we should realize about ourselves is that we are ever changing, through outside force or because we want to, to lose one thing we may gain something else we would've never known we could without losing the other. As such we continuously move forward. Forward does not have to be seen in a positive light either, as it is neutral. We simply change.
I mean, i would say no
This tale reminds me of a fictional story called 'Glimpse of Light' by Stephen Mumford.
A philosopher faces a crisis of confidence and hopes to resolve it in a self imposed exile in Northern Norway, far away from his home in the US. In his barely accessible snow bound cabin he too is visited by three people but from different religious beliefs. They each believe their faith to be the more righteous.
This story presents an interesting dilemma. Although, to many, it seems obvious that going under the surgery is better, it saves lives and usually the life of a person is considered more valuable than his intelligence. But for someone who values their intelligence a lot(and sometimes more than their own life), losing it makes them feel as good as being dead. Personally, I would still choose the surgery because I overthink a lot and sometimes I just wish I didn't carry this trash in my head. At least I'll get to see life with a new perspective, a perspective of ignorance.
If you are truly an intelligent person you will have to jump between deep and practical thinking and simple and soft thinking to feel the bliss for a short amount of time. Right now my mind wants knowledge and heart wants bliss, but both are always telling me not to die ignorant.
I would honestly prefer to retain my mental capabilities at risk of death then comprimise them.
You can by doing more and more dangerous stuff
The part's with Neal's Gf and father really struck me. This is what it's like not being fully understood, but knowing the easy path is there, choosing not think abstractly or critically seems like an offense against my own intelligence. It is strange though, the dad is exactly like mine, going through life not asking themselves these questions.
I don't know if I would have done the surgery. Everything that he was will be taken away, then what is left in life? If i couldn't do what makes me happy I don't think I would want to be around.
Maybe it would be different if I was in that situation...
i mean there is still food
or like trampolines and shit
As someone who loves philosophy and literally couldn’t live without it as much as the man in this video, I would go through with the surgery. If I can’t have philosophy anymore, I will spend the rest of my life being there for my family and the people I love. I can still be useful. To me, NOT going through with the surgery is selfish.
@@cluelessandcurious5277 Its a question of mental death vs. physical death. It depends on your philosophical parameters regarding that. If it is the case that you refer to ego death and mental death as real, meaningful forms of death, then your family and such are merely interacting with a shell of you. I hardly think anyone wants that. Its simply death.
To me, for example, this is merely a choice between guaranteed death and a chance at living. The choice is obvious.
@@cluelessandcurious5277 Perhaps - but a loved one who desired you give up what you love would be guilty of the same.
Wait, what did he decide?
Those who see a strictly obvious answer in choosing the life-saving surgery for any reason may struggle to understand just how much perspectives can differ. Though the decision might appear obvious, that is not the case for every person; experiences are vastly changed when concepts are nothing more than abstractions. Life and death begin to have no weight, relationships and careers are merely something that's there. These people do not see in absolutes or values, rather process things in an entirely different way.
It is life to be lived, beauty to be seen, not judged or confined. To them there is nothing emptier than assuming the nature of one particular thing. Yet they are not apathetic or selfish - that is often opposite the case. They live appreciating the things around them, whether that be family, love, joys; or something else entirely. These things are appreciated in ways unique from what is considered the typical. It is not as black-and-white as painted to be, and it's often impossible for this way of thinking to be put into words: as seen even here, it can come off as prestigious, falsely superior, or self-pitying. It's thinking too broad, too deep to be conceptualized, and that is often more frustrating to the thinker than anything.
From this, a lobotomization might seem ideal to put something so distressing to rest. But to someone who has seen that as their truth for their entire life, it is a fate worse than death. Equate it with religion; it is a sacrifice of your meaning and identity, something put above the people and things you love. Live again, but at what cost? The thinker becomes another person, stripped of what made them before. Their family is with a familiar body, but not the one they loved. It is desperate clinging that is the selfishness of those pleading not to let go. It is refusing to put down a beloved pet who would suffer profoundly more alive. I'd like to use this not as an answer, but a call to think.
*Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it.. Building wealth involves developing good habits, such as regularly setting aside money for sound investments!!*
I invested in both Stock and Cryptocurrency but I see Crypto doing more better and profitable to me
After meeting Mr Brian Taylor in the United States, my life changed completely.
Yours can change too, it's just a matter of commitment and focus.
*Same here I'm celebrating a $30k stock portfolio today. started this journey with 6k. I have invested on time and also with the right terms now I have time for my family and the life ahead of me*
“A creature who has spent his life creating one particular representation of his selfdom will die rather than become the antithesis of that representation”
― Frank Herbert, Dune Messiah
I thought it could have a place here...
i wonder what he chose, personally i can understand both sides but i feel like Im leaning more toward the professors argument