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Consciousness Quote by Thomas Metzinger

“First, we developed the self-model, because we had to integrate our sensory perceptions with our bodily behavior. Then this self-model became conscious, and the phenomenal self-model was born into the Ego Tunnel, allowing us to achieve global control of our bodies in a much more selective and…” quote by Thomas Metzinger
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““First, we developed the self-model, because we had to integrate our sensory perceptions with our bodily behavior. Then this self-model became conscious, and the phenomenal self-model was born into the Ego Tunnel, allowing us to achieve global control of our bodies in a much more selective and flexible manner. This was the step from being an embodied natural system that has and uses an internal image of itself as a whole to a system that, in addition, consciously experiences this fact.””

Thomas Metzinger

About This Quote

Source Book: The Ego Tunnel by Thomas Metzinger, 2009

The self-model integrates perception and action, becoming conscious and enabling flexible control over the body.

In simple terms: Self-awareness arises from integrating perception and action.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate self-awareness for better control.

Themes

consciousness self-awareness embodiment

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • psychotherapy
  • mindfulness training
  • robotic design
  • sports performance

Key Concepts

Ego tunnel phenomenal self-model global control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does self-modeling affect decision making?
  • Can we enhance flexibility through training?
A Different Perspective

Conscious control still depends on accurate sensory input.

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