The Feeling of What Happens

"The Feeling of What Happens" by Antonio Damasio explores how our sense of self and consciousness emerge from the integration of brain processes, especially emotions and feelings. Damasio argues that feelings are essential for understanding our experiences and making decisions, as they reflect the brain’s assessment of our body's state. By examining the connection between emotion, memory, and awareness, the book emphasizes that consciousness is rooted in bodily states and their neural representations, shaping how we interpret the world and ourselves. It offers a scientific perspective on the nature of subjective experience and the importance of feelings in human life.