Journalist Michael Pollan has long been fascinated by the mysteries of human consciousness. His latest book, A World Appears, explores this topic in depth. After a disturbing encounter with František Baluška, a cell biologist, Pollan began to wonder if plants might feel pain, just like humans do.
Baluška’s response was surprising: “If you don’t feel pain, you ignore danger and you don’t survive.” This suggests that plants have some form of sentience or awareness. But what does this mean for our understanding of consciousness?
Pollan delves into the subject under four main headings: sentience, feeling, thought, and self. He argues that while plants are sentient, they lack feelings like humans do. Thoughts are also a complex issue, as they are often intertwined with emotions.
The question of human experience is another area where Pollan explores consciousness. He suggests that our sense of self is not always clear-cut, as seen in the experiences of babies and people on psychedelic trips.
Pollan’s book also touches on the topic of artificial intelligence and machines. He warns that we need to be cautious about giving machines moral consideration, as they are not capable of experiencing emotions or pain like humans do.
Despite the lack of concrete answers, Pollan hopes that his book will encourage readers to think more deeply about consciousness and its importance in our lives. By exploring these complex topics, he aims to inspire a greater appreciation for this precious gift – human consciousness.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/08/michael-pollan-psychedelics-consciousness