Mind parasites

[IgnorantGod]

Good day everyone! I've finally managed to bring myself to make my first thread here on DI. Took some time to choose what to discuss first and assemble ideas to try to fuel an interesting discussion, so here we go.

For those that may not already know about it, there exist this interesting parasites that goes by the name of Toxoplasma gondii.

Here's a link about it from NIH in 2007 : archive link

Note that this paper specifically discuss about the psychological differences between infected and uninfected that were studied during the 90s.

Now, of course, the idea that a high percentage of humanity might be or have been infected is in itself fascinating, and quite important in several aspects, notably in social behaviors and even current global dynamics.

However, as far as I'm concerned, there's something even more intriguing than its potential effect on human mind, and it has to do with infected rodents.

Here's a second link from NIH specifically about infected rodents : NIH toxoplasmosis infected rodents study

To resume in a sentence the research above, and by stealing an ATS member's expression : It makes rats dance in front of cats (or something similar to that). Point is, it reminds me of another species, isn't it? How, once infected, rats basically stop fearing cats (reduction or suppression of instinctive survival behaviors), so that there's a higher chance of them being eaten by feline, and thus, is beneficial for the parasite's lifecycle (since it can only reproduce in cats).

I put a third link here to a fascinating thread made by member karl 12 in 2022 : Neuralink Test Monkeys ‘Dying And Chewing Their Fingers Off'.

I recommend to anyone interested in consciousness the last video he posted in the OP. The reason I put that thread in this one is because in that video, Peter Watts end up discussing about how his pondering about consciousness/awareness made him entertain the idea that ; since consciousness doesn't seem like a requirement for the body surviability, and in some cases, is detrimental, then it could be that the "I" is not from the body, but might be a parasite.

Funnily enough, or sadly, depending on how you view it, seems like some neuroscientists took his idea about parasitic mind seriously and might be indications that 'he knows something'. On a similar note, I can't find a specific link about it, but weren't neurologist and/or parasites experts amongst one of the scientific teams assembled to "study" Skinwalker Ranch 'high strangeness' at some point?

So this thread's purpose is pretty much about discussing ideas such as the possibility that the "I"/"self" of the human species may not comes from the body itself, but rather as a relationship with a parasite, or similar entity/lifeform (wether physical, non-physical or anything in between), of which, one might argue, isn't outright, or sorely detrimental to humans.

Thanks for reading, and cheers! 

[UltraBudgie]

this is thought-provoking, and somewhat scary

i've thought before about the ecosystem of trillions of gut-bacteria we have

parasites or symbiotes?

maybe they act in concert in some ways as a unified consciousness would, like an ant colony does

certainly i know when i've "upset" my gut

also embodied consciousness is an illusion and the world is a simulation and we are the parasites and all meat is the host

[IgnorantGod]

this is thought-provoking, and somewhat scary

i've thought before about the ecosystem of trillions of gut-bacteria we have

parasites or symbiotes?

maybe they act in concert in some ways as a unified consciousness would, like an ant colony does

certainly i know when i've "upset" my gut

also embodied consciousness is an illusion and the world is a simulation and we are the parasites and all meat is the host

Lol, yes it is somewhat scary.

I also often ponder about the compound that is the body, and how it functions without awareness involvement for the most part.

But I think Peter Watts in his speech was too 'narrow' in his consciousness utility factor. I believe he got too far in detailed and specific mechanisms of the body and somewhat 'lost view' of the 'bigger picture'. One could wonder if the human body could survive as long as now without having these irrational desires and drives.

Now, to come back on micro consciousness from body parts and symbiotic/parasitic lifeforms within it that could constitute the main consciousness (macro), and influence it without its awareness. I'd think the "I" in this case would be more of a useful function to maintain individual bodies within a species alive.

Though, as with anything, it is a double-edge sword, or so it seems. Consciouness can be seen as either a curse or a benediction, I've experienced both during my life. It is as terrifying as magnificient, as destructive as creative.

As far as "I" know, I'm always in conflict with myself.

[Sirius]

Thanks for reading, and cheers!  [Image: https://denyignorance.com//images/addsmi...cheers.gif]

Very cool thread, you must make more.

" It makes rats dance in front of cats "

sounds familiar

"Peter Watts end up discussing about how his pondering about consciousness/awareness made him entertain the idea that ; since consciousness doesn't seem like a requirement for the body surviability, and in some cases, is detrimental, then it could be that the "I" is not from the body, but might be a parasite."

what am i reading?

" some neuroscientists took his idea about parasitic mind seriously and might be indications that 'he knows something'."

most assuredly so..just... "parasite" what?

" neurologist and/or parasites experts amongst one of the scientific teams assembled to "study" Skinwalker Ranch 'high strangeness' at some point?"

all the time


" ideas such as the possibility that the "I"/"self" of the human species may not comes from the body itself, but rather as a relationship with a parasite, or similar entity/lifeform (wether physical, non-physical or anything in between), of which, one might argue, isn't outright, or sorely detrimental to humans."

not sure where to start

All other things aside I love cats and they will regret what they did to the monkeys.

[IgnorantGod]

Very cool thread, you must make more.

[...]

All other things aside I love cats and they will regret what they did to the monkeys.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. As the typical shy introvert, I really have to fight with myself in order to post something in a public domain, and have for most of my life avoid to socialize with others and to expose my ideas of fear of confrontation since I have terrible self-esteem, of which nowadays I don't mind.

But in order to progress my ideas/thoughts, I understand the necessity to confront them with other views, and get criticized. Its all part of the game, hence why I'm here.

Of course, the part about some parasites that might have infected homo sapiens at some point is all speculative. But I do find it fascinating to entertain the idea that the species unconscious as Jung called it, may have been hi-jacked by some physically unconventional entities or whatever.

Equally interesting is to model consciousness based on fractals, and additionally, to apply Rupert Sheldrake's morphic resonance as a way for fractal parts to communicate with the different parts of the whole.

As a sidenote, I live alone with 2 cats, so go figure LOL.

[Sirius]

Thanks, I really appreciate it. As the typical shy introvert, I really have to fight with myself in order to post something in a public domain, and have for most of my life avoid to socialize with others and to expose my ideas of fear of confrontation since I have terrible self-esteem, of which nowadays I don't mind.

But in order to progress my ideas/thoughts, I understand the necessity to confront them with other views, and get criticized. Its all part of the game, hence why I'm here.

Of course, the part about some parasites that might have infected homo sapiens at some point is all speculative. But I do find it fascinating to entertain the idea that the species unconscious as Jung called it, may have been hi-jacked by some physically unconventional entities or whatever.

Equally interesting is to model consciousness based on fractals, and additionally, to apply Rupert Sheldrake's morphic resonance as a way for fractal parts to communicate with the different parts of the whole.

As a sidenote, I live alone with 2 cats, so go figure LOL.

welcome to the club and yeah, that sounds allot better    you are in the perfect place to do what you want to do. Absolutely love Rupert Sheldrake and I find Donald D Hoffman compliments him well.

I have pondered the parasite thing and viruses, but not pertaining to the origin of my own consciousness, guess it depends on who's reading and who's typing. A matter of perception.

I take it you are making references to the NHI here, parasitic or virus like is the wrong things to think about. Contact is arguably been beneficial and has been occurring along time as you pointed at. The hitchhiker effect is strange however and that is viral behavior.

I could argue we are all memes, viruses and parasites. Something along the lines of nobody ever had a an original thought that didn't come from...

[MonkMode]

Good day everyone! I've finally managed to bring myself to make my first thread here on DI. Took some time to choose what to discuss first and assemble ideas to try to fuel an interesting discussion, so here we go.

For those that may not already know about it, there exist this interesting parasites that goes by the name of Toxoplasma gondii.

Here's a link about it from NIH in 2007 : archive link

Note that this paper specifically discuss about the psychological differences between infected and uninfected that were studied during the 90s.

Now, of course, the idea that a high percentage of humanity might be or have been infected is in itself fascinating, and quite important in several aspects, notably in social behaviors and even current global dynamics.

However, as far as I'm concerned, there's something even more intriguing than its potential effect on human mind, and it has to do with infected rodents.

Here's a second link from NIH specifically about infected rodents : NIH toxoplasmosis infected rodents study

To resume in a sentence the research above, and by stealing an ATS member's expression : It makes rats dance in front of cats (or something similar to that). Point is, it reminds me of another species, isn't it? How, once infected, rats basically stop fearing cats (reduction or suppression of instinctive survival behaviors), so that there's a higher chance of them being eaten by feline, and thus, is beneficial for the parasite's lifecycle (since it can only reproduce in cats).

I put a third link here to a fascinating thread made by member karl 12 in 2022 : Neuralink Test Monkeys ‘Dying And Chewing Their Fingers Off'.

I recommend to anyone interested in consciousness the last video he posted in the OP. The reason I put that thread in this one is because in that video, Peter Watts end up discussing about how his pondering about consciousness/awareness made him entertain the idea that ; since consciousness doesn't seem like a requirement for the body surviability, and in some cases, is detrimental, then it could be that the "I" is not from the body, but might be a parasite.

Funnily enough, or sadly, depending on how you view it, seems like some neuroscientists took his idea about parasitic mind seriously and might be indications that 'he knows something'. On a similar note, I can't find a specific link about it, but weren't neurologist and/or parasites experts amongst one of the scientific teams assembled to "study" Skinwalker Ranch 'high strangeness' at some point?

So this thread's purpose is pretty much about discussing ideas such as the possibility that the "I"/"self" of the human species may not comes from the body itself, but rather as a relationship with a parasite, or similar entity/lifeform (wether physical, non-physical or anything in between), of which, one might argue, isn't outright, or sorely detrimental to humans.

Thanks for reading, and cheers!  [Image: https://denyignorance.com//images/addsmi...cheers.gif]

Hey this topic is right up my alley!

I first read about this parasite more than 3 years ago, the article was called something like, mind altering parasite might make you more attractive.

The researchers had a sample of young students, all still relatively healthy.

They found that the students who tested positive for this parasite were generally prettier than those in whom the parasite was not detected.

I believe that was a ground breaking discovery.

But I concluded that those who tested positive were already prettier before this parasite got to them.  That is basically the reason they tested positive.

What could be the reason prettier people are more likely to be infected by TG?

They have more sex!  

Turns out this parasite infects about half the world’s population, so it doesn’t look like anybody avoids its infection for very long into their lives.

Hopefully I have made it clear by now, how to be a good host to this parasite. Have lots of orgasms!

Another observation about TG is men are much less susceptible to toxoplasmosis than women.

Based on these observations, I concluded this is the parasite that causes monthly periods in women.

[Sirius]

What could be the reason prettier people are more likely to be infected by TG?

They have more sex!  

hmmm, a trick in colony building is to send a bunch of beautiful colonists to get the population breeding. Where does mushrooms fit into all this?

[MonkMode]

hmmm, a trick in colony building is to send a bunch of beautiful colonists to get the population breeding. Where does mushrooms fit into all this?

Men must still be infected, but not as much as women.

Semen infects men more so than women, but women do have semen too.

TG and Semen are the world’s top 2 parasites IMO.

The trans parasites I like to call them.

[IgnorantGod]

Hey this topic is right up my alley!

I first read about this parasite more than 3 years ago, the article was called something like, mind altering parasite might make you more attractive.

The researchers had a sample of young students, all still relatively healthy.

They found that the students who tested positive for this parasite were generally prettier than those in whom the parasite was not detected.

I believe that was a ground breaking discovery.

But I concluded that those who tested positive were already prettier before this parasite got to them.  That is basically the reason they tested positive.

What could be the reason prettier people are more likely to be infected by TG?

They have more sex!  

Turns out this parasite infects about half the world’s population, so it doesn’t look like anybody avoids its infection for very long into their lives.

Hopefully I have made it clear by now, how to be a good host to this parasite. Have lots of orgasms!

Another observation about TG is men are much less susceptible to toxoplasmosis than women.

Based on these observations, I concluded this is the parasite that causes monthly periods in women.

Thanks for the input! Yes, I think they do mention this a bit in the first link of the OP.

High percentage of the global population has been infected, but not homogenouesly distributed. IIRC, 80% of cats population is infected.

But as far as humanity goes in regards to Toxy, its effects seems negligible. However, it can be deadly for the immunosuppressed.