How Your Brain Alters Your Reality (W/ Anil Seth) | How to Be a Better Human | TED
In the TED talk “How Your Brain Alters Your Reality,” neuroscientist Anil Seth explores the complex relationship between consciousness, perception, and reality. Seth shares his personal experience of waking from anesthesia, highlighting the profound differences between waking from sleep and anesthesia—a state he describes as “total oblivion.” This experience prompts a deeper inquiry into the nature of consciousness itself, emphasizing that all our experiences, emotions, and even our sense of self are intricately tied to how our brains interpret sensory information.
Throughout the discussion, Seth explains the concept of “controlled hallucination” as a central idea in understanding consciousness. He illustrates how our brains construct our perception of reality, including color and emotion, from limited sensory input. Remarkably, he suggests that our perception of the world is not a direct reflection of reality but a complex inference derived from the brain’s predictions.
Seth further delves into the implications of neuroscience on our understanding of self and identity, questioning our notions of uniqueness in the face of emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces. He emphasizes the critical need for awareness and understanding as we navigate the ethical landscape shaped by scientific advancements. Ultimately, the talk challenges viewers to reflect on the essential elements of what it means to be human and how our consciousness shapes our experience of reality.
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Video “How Your Brain Alters Your Reality (W/ Anil Seth) | How to Be a Better Human | TED” was uploaded on 10/22/2025 to Youtube Channel TED