You Are Watching Your Own Mind

You are only conscious because your brain is busy observing itself. Higher-order theories suggest that we feel aware only when our minds form internal representations of our own thoughts.

Think of your consciousness like a spotlight that is turned inward. While you see the world, your brain is simultaneously monitoring those mental images to create a sense of presence. Without this internal feedback loop, you might process information like a computer but lack the feeling of actually being there. It turns out the key to self-awareness is simply thinking about what you are currently thinking.