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Originally Posted by <<>> The goal of evolution is to survive. |
True. But survival falls within a range of bodily states. The quality of survival varies within these states. Thus, the goal of evolution is to survive at optimum states. Technically, this is striving to achieve the highest state of homeostasis (Walter Cannon, 1920s).
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Originally Posted by <<>> Sleep is the rest of our mind and body (including consciousness) |
Actually, "sleep" appears to be our closest state to homeostasis which is why it is refreshing. Meanwhile, consciousness is somewhat stressful (related to beta-CCM activation) which is why we eventually get tired and sleepy. (Prolonged wakefulness is fatal in rats - J. Allen Hobson, 1980s-1990s.)
Essentially, "consciousness" is a defense mechanism evolved by an organism to exploit external environmental opportunities while avoiding external environmental hazards. This is why all of its facets (like our 5 primary senses) seem geared to the collecting of and acting upon external data.