'''Miranda''': So we and the universe are the same?
'''Miranda''': So we and the universe are the same?
'''Athena''': No - and that's the crucial part. We are conscious. Consciousness is rare, unlikely... but it's also the foundation of everything else. But that shouldn't make us arrogant. No, in fact it means we carry a tremendous responsibility. We are the light of the cosmos, and if we go out... there will be nothing but a cold, dark machine. </blockquote>
'''Athena''': No - and that's the crucial part. We are conscious. Consciousness is rare, unlikely... but it's also the foundation of everything else. Without us, there can be no meaning. Without someone to perceive it, the beauty of the universe is pointless. But that shouldn't make us arrogant. No, in fact it means we carry a tremendous responsibility. We are the light of the cosmos, and if we go out... there will be nothing but a cold, dark machine. </blockquote>
Noema_1C15_5358 is a schematic that causes a datastream overload. In it, 1k can see Athena and Miranda talking about the universe and consciousness:
Athena and Miranda
Miranda: Mother... What are you thinking about, mother?
Athena: The Talos Principle. You see... it has two applications. One is to the self. It means facing the truth, even if it frightens us. Understanding that living beings are machines, and we can't afford to lie to ourselves. But that's just the beginning. The second application is to the world. This one seems easier at first. It's less difficult to understand that the universe is a machine, governed by laws.
Miranda: So we and the universe are the same?
Athena: No - and that's the crucial part. We are conscious. Consciousness is rare, unlikely... but it's also the foundation of everything else. Without us, there can be no meaning. Without someone to perceive it, the beauty of the universe is pointless. But that shouldn't make us arrogant. No, in fact it means we carry a tremendous responsibility. We are the light of the cosmos, and if we go out... there will be nothing but a cold, dark machine.
