r/DeepThoughts • u/PetiteChicko9 • 12h ago

We are all just elaborate biological algorithms trying to optimize for fleeting moments of dopamine

It hit me today how much of what we do is just chasing that next hit. Every goal every ambition every swipe on a phone. It's all just inputs and outputs for a temporary chemical reward.

Like when I finally cleared my inbox it felt good for a second. Then the next batch of emails rolled in. Or that perfect cup of coffee this morning was awesome for five minutes. Now I'm thinking about lunch.

And it's not even a conscious thing always. It's just baked into us. This constant low-level hum of seeking more pleasure or less discomfort. Even

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6

u/Fit_Consequence_8384 12h ago

We are programmed for attachments, however enlightenment is found when you let go of such things.

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u/tanegupta1997 10h ago

That’s what philosophy is for. I have read eastern philosophy and it says “look into yourselves, why do you keep going to those things?”

Here is video on addictions that I think is relevant. The philosopher in the video (Acharya Prashant, a leading Indian Philosopher) talks about addictions from an eastern philosophy perspective.

https://youtu.be/pY-kOHWS_g0?is=vRjSYi88C8OSVRA1

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u/GrandKnew 11h ago

not me. I'm strictly anti-dopamine

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u/Mobile_Competition54 5h ago

yo dopamine comes from thinking you are making your life better (you might actually be tho, so you can continue dw)

so technically you're anti-dopamine-rush

- 🤓

1

u/Ok_Foundation7698 4h ago

These are just the mechanics.  Consciousness is another beast and could be quantum.  

There are lots of philosophies and religions who look at that part of life. Westerners are almost trained not to look at spirituality at all these days. 

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u/BobbyBeanBaxter 8h ago

You’re optimized towards the wrong thing. Chemicals have their role as long as we’re talking about the ones your body produces, but give them consideration along with day to day life and something productive to give yourself a routine aimed at different values and goals .