How Much Of You Is ACTUALLY Alive?
Be Smart・12 minutes read
The text explores the concept of identity and renewal through various philosophical and biological perspectives, questioning the essence of self and continuity in the face of constant cell replacement and regeneration within the human body. Different thought experiments and examples illustrate the ever-changing nature of our physical selves, raising intriguing questions about the permanence of identity and the composition of the "self."
Insights
- The human body undergoes constant renewal, with cells being replaced daily, leading to a new "you" every 100 days.
- Various thought experiments, from the French proverb to Plutarch's ship analogy, challenge the notion of identity by questioning the essence of continuity and change within the body and external objects.
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Recent questions
How does the human body renew itself?
Through cell regeneration and replacement.
What is the essence of identity in thought experiments?
Questioning the concept through replacement scenarios.
Which cells in the human body have the longest lifespan?
Neurons and muscle cells in the heart.
What causes cell death in the human body?
Programmed apoptosis or damage.
How does the body challenge the concept of identity?
Through non-living components and constant renewal.
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Summary
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Constant Renewal: The Essence of Identity
- French proverb questions the longevity of a knife, comparing it to the human body's constant renewal and replacement of cells.
- Greek philosopher Plutarch's thought experiment involves Theseus' ship, gradually rebuilt until no original parts remain, questioning its identity.
- Similar thought experiments involve replacing a stack of blocks or a Shinto shrine every 20 years, pondering the essence of identity.
- Human body constantly regenerates cells, with roughly 330 billion cells replaced daily, leading to a new "you" every 100 days.
- Cell death occurs through programmed apoptosis or due to damage, ensuring the body's maintenance and renewal.
- Different cells have varying lifespans, with neurons being relatively permanent, while muscle cells in the heart last the longest.
- Skin cells, red blood cells, and gut lining cells have short lifespans, constantly being replaced to maintain bodily functions.
- A significant portion of the body is made up of non-living components like fluids, minerals, and connective tissues, challenging the concept of what constitutes "you."
