Consciousness & Reality

Mark Gober is the author of An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness and the Implications for Everyday Life. Curious and intrigued by the nature of the universe and with a desire to answer some of life’s big questions Mark began his journey and what he discovered was an upside-down view on the nature of consciousness.

He delivers this breakthrough concept that consciousness creates all material reality. Biological processes do not create consciousness. His book has been described as Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time meets Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now.

With a broad range of research into the disciplines of quantum physics to psychic phenomena and near-death experiences Mark clearly highlights how such a view can bring comfort and even greater happiness to one’s life. Personally, this I was blown away by this conversation with Mark – turning traditionally held perspectives and scientific thought upside down. Amazing! Please enjoy.

Guest Bio

Mark Gober is an author whose worldview was turned upside down in late 2016 when he was exposed to world-changing science. After researching extensively, he wrote An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life to introduce the general public to these cutting-edge ideas – all in an effort to encourage a much-needed global shift in scientific and existential thinking.

Mark, a partner in a Silicon Valley investment bank and strategy firm, has long sought answers to life’s challenging questions. As an undergraduate at Princeton University, he was drawn to astrophysics because he wanted to understand the universe. But because due to commitments as a member of Princeton’s Division I Tennis Team, he decided that astrophysics would be too demanding. So instead of studying the invisible forces that govern the universe, he studied the invisible forces that secretly drive human behaviour, getting a degree in psychology, focusing on behavioural economics.

In the summer of 2016, he randomly stumbled across a series of podcasts that exposed him to some radical new ideas. Those ideas put into question the most basic assumptions about who and what we are as human beings. An End to Upside Down Thinking will change how you look at everything!

Topics of discussion 

• What is consciousness and how does it exist?
• Matter, the brain and consciousness.
• What is the universe made out of? Where does consciousness arise?
• Near death experiences, Psychedelic experiences, tuning into consciousness.
• Psychic phenomena and the placebo effect – mind over matter.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Remembering the broader reality.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Do some consciousness research.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Following passions.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Sensory deprevation floatation tanks.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Chocolate cake with ice-cream.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Researching something that I am really intersted in.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters by Larry Dossey

An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life by Mark Gober

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” Arthur Schopenhauer

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

I think we do. We have something deep inside ourseles that we are passionate about.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

It’s a feeling of knowing what you’re doing is on target.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

I want to understand the nature of reality.

Connect with Mark here. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.