What principles does the underlying machinery of consciousness follow?

Deepak Chopra

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

As a choice-maker you can act on a whim; you can follow arbitrary or irrational paths. But the underlying machinery of consciousness doesn't alter. It keeps following the same principles, which are:

To adapt to your desires
To keep everything in balance
To harmonize your individual life with the life of the cosmos
To make you aware of what you are doing
To show you the consequences of your action
To make your life as real as possible

Since you have free will, you can ignore these principles entirely -- we all do at one time or another. But you can't make them deviate. Life depends on them. They are the ground of existence, and even as your desires come and go, the ground of existence is unchanging. Once you absorb this truth, you can align yourself with any possibility that comes your way, trusting that win-win is the attitude that life itself has been taking for billions of years.

Continue Learning about Personality

All About You: Personality Trait or Disorder?

Is your personality trait idiosyncratic and somewhat endearing? Or is it so destructive that it changes the way you and others around you live? With ...

Ronald Siegel

In positive psychology, the virtue of courage is associated with strengths of will that help you acc...

Lisa Oz

With very powerful people like the strong, self-confident, resourceful Eights, the potential for gre...

How Should We Feel When We Think We Think About Death?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Personality

When we have a sense of self that allows us to interact appropriate with the world and other people we have a functional personality. Some forms of mental illness can skew the thought process so it interferes with how we deal with others. People with personality disorders may abuse drugs, may have lots of ups and downs in relationships, may have trouble making friends, may be isolated. There are many different kinds of disorders, but its important to know that it is possible to overcome them.

Learn More