The Layers of You

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Authors: Bryant M. Stone
Cited by: 0

Abstract

We form, preserve, and layer our identities and perspectives through an ongoing relationship with The Record—the fractal memory of existence—via recursive introspection, one of the four instruments of consciousness. At every moment, existence progresses via recursive propagations (RPs): iterative updates unfolding over time and space. These updates generate a spectrum of existence called definedness, where some phenomena exist more or less than others. Across RPs, existence records, and stacks every moment. Instead of disappearing, each RP loses definedness as it moves into The Record. Humans and other agents use recursive introspection to prevent specific RPs from losing definedness by restoring it via recall and repetition, such as reminiscing, collecting objects, or engaging sensory cues (e.g., cooking childhood meals). This continual restoration shapes and forms our identities and perspectives. Take a walk with me… and let me show you the layers of you.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Philosophy and Theoretical Science Identity Memory and Therapy History Trauma

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
17 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter