levels of
thought by matt ponka
The mechanics of our minds. The levels are cycled through constantly. We're all human, equals, however not everyone can reliably access the highest levels.
LEVEL 1 SURVIVAL
DESCRIPTION: Simple moment to moment awareness of own sensations and drives.
EXAMPLE: I need food and sleep.
LEVEL 2 OTHERS EXIST
DESCRIPTION: Focus on avoiding pain and danger, and seeking pleasure and safety.
EXAMPLE: Others have thoughts and they need things too.
LEVEL 3 CONTROL
DESCRIPTION: Focus on enduring needs. Impulses can be suppressed in the interest of a self that lasts longer than this moment. Social situations are created.
EXAMPLE: Other people are aware that other people have feelings and needs.
LEVEL 4 2nd PERSON PERSPECTIVE
DESCRIPTION: Social norms rule over personal needs. Focus is on acceptable behavior.
EXAMPLE: Recognizing that everyone is navigating group culture and is in their own situation.
LEVEL 5 3rd PERSON PERSPECTIVE
DESCRIPTION: Objective observation becomes a held value. The effects of culture on an individual come into a light of understanding.
EXAMPLE: Seeking to understand how a stranger would view a group's culture and its beliefs.
LEVEL 6 4th PERSON PERSPECTIVE
DESCRIPTION: Understanding the role of the perceiver during objective observation. A different perceiver creates a different perception.
EXAMPLE: Recognizing that there are multiple perspectives that are valid because we all have a unique subjective reality.
LEVEL 7 2nd TIER CONSCIOUSNESS
DESCRIPTION: Awareness of self as a history of experience. The first level that can understand and include all previous levels before it.
EXAMPLE: Seeking to find ways everyone can live in harmony no matter their acheivable level of thought.
LEVEL 8 2nd TIER CONSCIOUSNESS WITNESS
DESCRIPTION: Witnessing the self change over time in the moment. Combines all previous levels.
EXAMPLE: Aware of mind constructing itself, including in the present moment.
NOTES: Able to completely deconstruct your own feelings, drives, and impulses and provide reasoning on their core foundations and relationships.
LEVEL 9 MAX
DESCRIPTION: All the mind is doing and has ever been doing is watching and wishing.
EXAMPLE: I am watching myself observe my emergence over time while interacting with the present moment and understanding where I'm from and how that has made me what I'm like.
NOTES: At the first three levels, you see yourself as the main character. At Level 4, you realize that everyone is their own main character. By Level 5, you understand that each person exists within their own show, and at Level 6, you recognize that these shows are different, but equal. At Level 7, you see that each narrative is constantly evolving over time. By Level 8, you no longer identify with a show but simply observe it unfold. Finally, at Level 9, you reach a foundational realization—much like how paradoxical doubt proves one's existence, but instead, it is hope that confirms.
If you liked this, you may also enjoy the Nothing page