If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you?

Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

To post in this forum, you must buy and read the book. After buying the book, please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Forum rules
This forum is for discussing the book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All. Anyone can view the forum and read the post, but only people who purchased the book can post in the forum.

If your purchase has not already been verified (i.e. if you don't already have access to post in this forum), then please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Post Reply
Silvo
Premium Member
Posts: 2
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Silvo »

Scott wrote: November 17th, 2022, 12:11 pm
Silvo wrote: November 17th, 2022, 6:19 am The brain, for instance, requires 100% of certain cells to function normally. I am not a guru in science, but I guess all these cells interact and share "information." So, if atom A in me is replaced with atom B from someone else, atom A will interact with my remaining atoms, bringing in new traits and at the same time absorbing new ones from his new environment. In the end, when all my cells have been replaced, they will have left a copy of their traits in the new ones. At the same time, the new cells will have inherited their traits from their previous host. Therefore, I think it's possible for me to still be me and also be you, but only if the cells were morphed gradually. 
I agree. I would probably use the word 'relationships' instead of 'traits', since the qualities described are presumably extrinsic, not intrinsic, to any individual atom. I think the word 'relationships' implies that more clearly than 'traits', but that's just semantics and surely either word can work to denote the denotative meaning. :)
Thanks for the suggestion, Sir. :D
User avatar
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
The admin formerly known as Scott
Posts: 5765
Joined: January 20th, 2007, 6:24 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
Contact:

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes »

Dattatraya wrote: November 17th, 2022, 6:44 am After reading all the posts ( as of now) it's my observation and conclusion, that the original question and the answers opinions/comments/discussion of the participants, are related/concerned (only ) about ' change in the body '.

Why we should not go and think beyond ' body ' ?! ( one member has rightly said: the body is not more than ' simply a vessel for one's life force ' )

The reader/anybody will be in a better position to think about and comment or give opinion, about the original question;
if ' I ' , ' Me '. ' you '. are defined completely .

And what is ' one's life force ' ?

:)
Interesting points and questions! :)

Perhaps, the words "I", "me", and "you"—at least in the sense of what the book refers to as the real you and the real me and the real us—all refer to that which never changes.

That would help explain why few if any would talk about it changing: For then it is something that by definition does not and cannot change.

Then, possibly, we could define the bodily and physical as that which is under constant flux, meaning that which constantly changing.
My entire political philosophy summed up in one tweet.

"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."

I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
Bertha Jackson
Premium Member
Posts: 18
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Bertha Jackson »

Even though we may appear to be the same person, I do not believe our souls will change. Therefore, we would still be two separate individuals who may look and think alike.
Dattatraya
Premium Member
Posts: 31
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Dattatraya »

Scott wrote: November 17th, 2022, 12:26 pm
Dattatraya wrote: November 17th, 2022, 6:44 am After reading all the posts ( as of now) it's my observation and conclusion, that the original question and the answers opinions/comments/discussion of the participants, are related/concerned (only ) about ' change in the body '.

Why we should not go and think beyond ' body ' ?! ( one member has rightly said: the body is not more than ' simply a vessel for one's life force ' )

The reader/anybody will be in a better position to think about and comment or give opinion, about the original question;
if ' I ' , ' Me '. ' you '. are defined completely .

And what is ' one's life force ' ?

:)
Interesting points and questions! :)

Perhaps, the words "I", "me", and "you"—at least in the sense of what the book refers to as the real you and the real me and the real us—all refer to that which never changes.

That would help explain why few if any would talk about it changing: For then it is something that by definition does not and cannot change.

Then, possibly, we could define the bodily and physical as that which is under constant flux, meaning that which constantly changing.
I am happy to have my points and questions answered brilliantly!

And I believe in ' we ' rather than 'I' , ' you ' !
' Universal Oneness '.

:)
User avatar
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
The admin formerly known as Scott
Posts: 5765
Joined: January 20th, 2007, 6:24 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
Contact:

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes »

Bertha Jackson wrote: November 17th, 2022, 12:56 pm Even though we may appear to be the same person, I do not believe our souls will change. Therefore, we would still be two separate individuals who may look and think alike.
What if the atom-by-atom copy of me was made with the actual atoms from my original body?

For example, what if somehow, the atoms in your body were swapped out one-by-one with the atoms from my body, such that your body didn't merely become a copy of mine but also became a literal re-creation (along the lines of the Star Trek transporter) of mine with the actual atoms that currently make up mine?

Or vice versa: What if mine become a copy of yours, with your memories and everything?
My entire political philosophy summed up in one tweet.

"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."

I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
mrlefty0706
Premium Member
Posts: 55
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by mrlefty0706 »

I have read several of the replies to this topic and I can see how readers have different perspectives. I agree with the author that one would be an identical copy of the other since it is atom by atom including the brain. The only difference that cannot be duplicated is one's soul since it is not a physical part of the body but is an extremely important part of every human being. I do believe that people like Putin are soulless but that should stimulate a different topic.
Dattatraya
Premium Member
Posts: 31
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Dattatraya »

mrlefty0706 wrote: November 19th, 2022, 12:36 am I have read several of the replies to this topic and I can see how readers have different perspectives. I agree with the author that one would be an identical copy of the other since it is atom by atom including the brain. The only difference that cannot be duplicated is one's soul since it is not a physical part of the body but is an extremely important part of every human being. I do believe that people like Putin are soulless but that should stimulate a different topic.
Very well said the Truth!

:)
User avatar
hsimone
Premium Member
Posts: 14
Joined: November 2nd, 2022, 9:10 pm

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by hsimone »

Okay, I’m going to take a chance in asking a question. 😬🙃

How would this question relate to the individuals we care and love so much? Would we then shift the love we have to another significant other? Or shift the love we have for our children for other children?

Does that make sense? 🤔
Mayuri Kotalawala
Premium Member
Posts: 14
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Mayuri Kotalawala »

Even if the atoms were replacas or originals, the vessel will have my essence(soul or whatever). So even though I look like you & think like you, I will have my experiences, memories etc. Unless your essence comes into my vessel too. But I think it's only one essence per body.
Dattatraya
Premium Member
Posts: 31
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Dattatraya »

hsimone wrote: November 19th, 2022, 12:59 pm Okay, I’m going to take a chance in asking a question. 😬🙃

How would this question relate to the individuals we care and love so much? Would we then shift the love we have to another significant other? Or shift the love we have for our children for other children?

Does that make sense? 🤔
' Our children '
And
'Other children '

What may be the change after
' Transformation ' predicted : There will be no existence of ' our ' and ' other '!

Here comes in the picture: The Soul !

:)
Dattatraya
Premium Member
Posts: 31
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Dattatraya »

Mayuri Kotalawala wrote: November 20th, 2022, 2:14 am Even if the atoms were replacas or originals, the vessel will have my essence(soul or whatever). So even though I look like you & think like you, I will have my experiences, memories etc. Unless your essence comes into my vessel too. But I think it's only one essence per body.

Essence can't be soul .
'Existence ' is soul

Essence will be essence only if and when sensed by body ( Senses : smell ) !


:)
Mayuri Kotalawala
Premium Member
Posts: 14
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Mayuri Kotalawala »

"Essence will be essence only if and when sensed by body ( Senses : smell ) !"- Ok not essence but will call it the mind. I meant the energy that is in a body and when that body dies, the energy that goes into the next body.
User avatar
hsimone
Premium Member
Posts: 14
Joined: November 2nd, 2022, 9:10 pm

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by hsimone »

Dattatraya wrote: November 20th, 2022, 4:47 am
hsimone wrote: November 19th, 2022, 12:59 pm Okay, I’m going to take a chance in asking a question. 😬🙃

How would this question relate to the individuals we care and love so much? Would we then shift the love we have to another significant other? Or shift the love we have for our children for other children?

Does that make sense? 🤔
' Our children '
And
'Other children '

What may be the change after
' Transformation ' predicted : There will be no existence of ' our ' and ' other '!

Here comes in the picture: The Soul !

:)
That makes sense. :)

Guess I don’t really want to think about not knowing and loving my own children since that makes it sound like none of this matters. That everything we’ve gone through to become the family that we are means nothing. Then, if none of what we do matters, then what’s the point of doing anything at all.

This is probably the most philosophical I’ve ever been! 🙃
Richardkcaputophd009
Premium Member
Posts: 6
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:20 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Richardkcaputophd009 »

Might not the soul or our idea of having one be a function of some inexplicable physical processes? Also, how would Scott or anyone else who buys into the two-selves idea know that they are incorrect? Finally, for now, imagine if Descartes had proclaimed "I feel therefore I am" instead of "I think therefore I am"? How might that affect the logic undergirding In It Together?
Dattatraya
Premium Member
Posts: 31
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 10:16 am

Re: If your body very slowly and steadily morphed into an atom-by-atom identical copy of my body, would you still be you

Post by Dattatraya »

hsimone wrote: November 20th, 2022, 3:37 pm
Dattatraya wrote: November 20th, 2022, 4:47 am
hsimone wrote: November 19th, 2022, 12:59 pm Okay, I’m going to take a chance in asking a question. 😬🙃

How would this question relate to the individuals we care and love so much? Would we then shift the love we have to another significant other? Or shift the love we have for our children for other children?

Does that make sense? 🤔
' Our children '
And
'Other children '

What may be the change after
' Transformation ' predicted : There will be no existence of ' our ' and ' other '!

Here comes in the picture: The Soul !

:)
That makes sense. :)

Guess I don’t really want to think about not knowing and loving my own children since that makes it sound like none of this matters. That everything we’ve gone through to become the family that we are means nothing. Then, if none of what we do matters, then what’s the point of doing anything at all.

This is probably the most philosophical I’ve ever been! 🙃


" Then, if none of what we do matters, then what’s the point of doing anything at all. "

It is Not like that at all!
Whatever we do is directed by our Mind. And maybe by Soul.
The value of our acts is always included in the work itself.
There is no need to think about the intention and result.
If we are honest and genuine, we will get satisfaction and happiness!

I am happy with your response.

:)
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All" by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021