The Fading Wonder of Life in Modern Society Amidst our busy daily lives, how often do we truly have the opportunity to deeply explore our own existence? In an era where technological advancements have made everything faster and more convenient, we may paradoxically be losing the time to reflect on the essential meaning of life. This brings forth a discussion that poses unexpected challenges and questions. It is the question of 'consciousness.' Where does consciousness begin and originate? And through what mechanisms is the core of our human existence formed? On April 12, 2026, Amy Frykholm's essay 'In the Breaking of the Bread,' published in Aeon, offers surprising answers and possibilities to these questions. She points out that modern people often overlook the wonder of consciousness and existence, providing meaningful insights by integrating scientific and philosophical thought. In particular, she cites Michael Pollan's research, presenting an intriguing hypothesis that consciousness may originate from the body rather than the brain. She suggests that the vulnerability, pain, and mortality inherent in the human body could actually be key elements in the manifestation of consciousness. This is not merely a theoretical discussion but a topic that poses unwavering questions to the reality we live in. Frykholm states in her essay: "How do we know what we know?" This fundamental question is not limited solely to the realms of cognitive science or neuroscience. It can also be found in the everyday moments we experience, in simple acts like breaking and sharing bread. This perspective can be seen as an attempt to restore the totality of human experience, which modern science often tends to overlook. The shift towards a technology-centric society that we experience today is an undeniable fact. With the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, smart devices, and the digitalization of daily life, we are increasingly freed from the constraints of time and space. In South Korea, this change is even more pronounced. The average daily smartphone usage time for Koreans has exceeded four hours, placing the country among the top OECD nations. Notably, individuals in their 20s and 30s were found to spend more than five hours a day with digital devices. However, researchers warn that such technological advancements could weaken unique human conscious experiences—the genuine wonder felt in life. Frykholm emphasizes that this can be recovered through meditation, communal experiences, and simple daily acts. The 'breaking of the bread' act, which she references in her essay title, embodies precisely this symbolism. Despite being a simple physical act, the shared meaning and connectivity embedded within it allow us to experience the essence of existence. Frykholm's analysis offers significant insights for Korean society as well. In a digitized and automated life, aimed at providing a better living, what exactly are we losing? For instance, South Korea's modern history, built on rapid development and an economy-first mindset, prioritized efficiency and production. As a result, it's plausible that many meanings of life we sought to sensually enjoy have been pushed to the periphery. The diminishing time for peaceful conversations with others or for deeply exploring one's existence through reading is a commonly observed phenomenon in Korean society today. Indeed, a 2025 Gallup Korea survey revealed that 62% of Korean adults responded, 'I lack time for self-reflection or deep thought.' This percentage was even higher for office workers, at 74%. This clearly illustrates the modern individual's experience of inner poverty despite material abundance. Professor Kim Hyun-jung of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology points out, 'The rapid pace of development in Korean society focused on external achievements but did not sufficiently allow for time for internal growth and self-understanding.' New Possibilities for Consciousness Beyond the Brain Interestingly, the hypothesis that consciousness does not operate independently solely within the brain, a physical organ, is also being discussed in many recent studies. Neuroscientists explain the close interaction between the brain and the body as a key factor in the formation of consciousness. This is not merely a story that ends with the firing of neurons; it means that our physical reactions, such as heartbeats, and sensory experiences play a crucial role in conscious decisions and cognitive behaviors. The core insight from Pollan's research is that consciousness does not simply originate from the brain but from the experience of the entire body. The very fact of our vulnerable, suffering, and mortal existence, heading towards death, enriches our consciousness. This may sound paradoxical, but it means that the very fact that we are imperfect and limited compels us to think more deeply and explore the meaning of life. Philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty once stated
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