Self-Consciousness
blogHeisenberg’s uncertainty principle tells us that the observer affects that which is being observed. The closer the observer is, the more he will interfere, and the less accurate the results.
Self-consciousness, or the practice of observing oneself, is typical in distorting and undermining the observed. Who hasn’t had an exchange with a person ruined by becoming self-conscious and falling short of words?
There is a reason for this. Scientists tell us that the total number of bits of information that can be processed by the conscious mind at one time is seven. In contrast, the unconscious mind processes 14 million bits of information per second. It regulates all your physiological processes, helps you to avoid dangerous situations and provides an endless supply of devices to help you communicate with people.
The idea that you should set aside this super-computer and replace it with the mediocre computations of your conscious mind is frankly ludicrous.
But understandable.
The first time that a person becomes self-conscious, the first time that you really observe who you are, seeing how things work, understanding the machinations beneath the placid exterior – that is a moment of joy. It is self-consciousness that allows a fellow to differentiate and individualize. It is unlikely that there would be any such thing as dandyism were it not for a good dose of self-consciousness. Self-consciousness can be rewarding.