'The Interview': Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change

Michael Pollan discusses human consciousness, exploring its definition as subjective experience and awareness. He addresses the "hard problem" of consciousness: how matter becomes mind, and why awareness is necessary, suggesting it aids decision-making and social interaction. Pollan considers panpsychism, the idea that all matter possesses some degree of consciousness, and examines the implications of AI, questioning whether machines can achieve consciousness, which he believes originates from feelings and embodiment. Drawing from Buddhism, Pollan explores the ego, its isolating effects, and the desire to transcend it through practices like meditation and psychedelics, sharing a personal experience of emotional revelation during a meditation retreat. He also touches on the need for skepticism toward scientific authority and the relevance of consciousness in today's world, particularly in the face of political manipulation.