A while back I was reflecting on the source or cause of behavior and action – from a pure subjective standpoint, excluding scientific and causal (objective) explanations. Here are some insights that emerged.
Starting with action; to engage in any way we need a sense of motivation or drive. Motivation, then, is the source of action. What is the source of our motivation? Well, trimming it down to one word: perception. We know and expect based on our perception of reality. Perception is the filter within our mind that colors or clouds our inner world (which is often presumed to be a direct reflection of the outer world). It is obvious that any objective reality – a glass falling to the ground, for instance, is not perceived subjectively in the same way for every person. Perception is the basis for what motivates us – and not.
What is the source or cause of perception? The mind. The functioning of mind is the source of perception. What is the source of mind? I don’t know. That might be a loaded question with many possible answers and angles. What do you think?
So, here it is: Action < Motivation < Perception < Mind
If you ever feel compelled, look into your own subjective experience and see if you can analyze the source of your actions and the source of that underlying source, and so on. Do you find a dead-end – a wall or depth that has no explanation or apparent cause?
Questions for thought:
- Does the fulfillment (or lack of fulfillment) of our actions change our motivation?
- How does action affect motivation, perception or mind?
- Are there other aspects or angles to consider beyond the ones mentioned here?
- How does the free will vs. causal determinism debate play into this equation?