This is the introduction of my paper Conciousness Vs. Oneness:

We've all come across phrases adorned with the ideals of "peace,""love," and "unity," occasionally substituting "oneness" for "unity." But do we truly understand the depth of these words? Specifically, the elusive concept of "oneness?" Personally, I've grappled with the idea of merging with something greater than ourselves. It's a concept I've been on the fence aboutfor a long time, unable to pinpoint the source of my resistance. However, my journey of self-discovery has shed light on this subject for me. I hope that as you, the reader, scour these pages, you will gain some insight and personal truth as well.

As I delve into the discourse surrounding 'oneness,' it's clear that this definition often involves merging the self with a perceived higher power and/or the cosmos. While my view may not resonate with everyone, I will share my personal understanding of this enigmatic concept. I invite you to join me in my journey. Let us embark on a quest to illuminate the complex interpretations of
'oneness' within religious, philosophical, and esoteric realms. This journey aims to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between sentience, consciousness, and, especially, our
self-awareness, sparking intellectual curiosity and engagement. According to multiple sources, the relentless pursuit of "oneness" may lead to a diminishing sense of individual consciousness. I wish
to articulate this view, understanding that truth is subjective and my perspective may differ from others. I don't intend to offend anyone.

This paper serves as a platform for my exploration, delving into my reluctance to merge with the universe or embrace "oneness." Firstly, in Section 2 (“Ancient Greeks"), I'm going to delve deeper into the concept of "oneness" by exploring Plato's philosophical framework. To provide a comprehensive understanding, it is crucial to bring into context Plato's ideas within his broader philosophical system. We can gain insight into its significance by examining Plato's perspective on "oneness" and its integral role within his philosophy. Additionally, I will delve into Neoplatonism, a branch of philosophy deeply influenced by Plato's teachings. I will explain why consciousness cannot exist in "oneness." Furthermore, I will explain why, in my opinion, the ideas of another ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, are a bit more realistic and balanced when it comes to consciousness.

Continuing our journey in Section 3 (“What is Consciousness?”), we will explore various perspectives on the nature of consciousness. This inquiry extends beyond human consciousness to include observed animal consciousness, recognizing humans as part of the animal kingdom. I will introduce the Integrated Information Theory and draw parallels between its principles and those of Heraclitus. Based on Birch, Schnell & Clayton (2020), I will explore the idea of consciousness using five dimensions of variation. Birch, Schnell & Clayton (2020) stress the significance of considering these dimensions when analyzing different manifestations of consciousness. We will explore each dimension in detail, comparing them to previously discussed concepts of "oneness," individuality, and consciousness. Finally, I will establish the importance of contrast in our perception of consciousness, highlighting how different emotions contribute to our conscious experience.

We will then delve into dualism, pluralism, and their implications for a clearer understanding of consciousness. I subscribe to a duality between the observer and the observed, akin to the dualism between the objective and subjective universe (i.e., our individual perception of the universe). I also perceive our collective consciousness as existing between the objective and subjective universes. Thus, I will highlight the distinctions between collective consciousness and the potentials inherent in consciousness from the subjective universe. Sometimes, subjectivity is viewed negatively; I will explain why I believe subjectivity is necessary and why I prefer subjectivity over objectivity. Then, I will clarify why I believe comprehending or knowing ‘everything’ is unattainable and unnecessary. To facilitate understanding this concept, I will demonstrate a brief experiment for readers to
conduct, demonstrating the limitations of focusing on multiple things simultaneously and the importance of directing our focus effectively. This might help us understand why we cannot focus on too many things simultaneously, in addition to learning to direct our focus.

Subsequently, in Section 4 (“About some religiousmovements”), I will scrutinize various ideas from different Buddhist movements, highlighting significant differences that relate to my perspectives on consciousness. Furthermore, I will explore sources on Nondualism, comparing previously discussed concepts of consciousness and “oneness.” I touch on these specifically because Buddhism and Nondualism advocate for a form of “oneness,” which I will utilize as examples of similar beliefs across diverse religions and movements. While I may disagree with specific ideas from these movements, I will underscore the crucial role of increasing (self-)consciousness. This emphasis on consciousness, rather than its reduction, is a powerful tool for enhancing the deepest parts of ourselves. The journey to find the self is of such paramount importance that millions of words are written in dusty old tomes speculating about its existence.

In the next segment,Section 5 (“Different levels of being”), I will explore speculative ideas surrounding different levels of being and consciousness. While theoretical, this exploration is grounded in many religious beliefs and movements, warranting investigation. I will contemplate how these levels function and the role ofconsciousness within them, with a central “oneness” at the
highest level and underlying source of everything. Exploring the notion that lower levels offer more potential for consciousness due to increased detail, I will also consider the potential for decreased
consciousness in the face of overwhelming chaos. Additionally, I will play with the concept of considering conscious ideas as memes, as Richard Dawkins (1976) proposed, viewing memes as evolving entities akin to organic beings. I will also touch upon Sigmund Freud’s ideas regarding different levels of consciousness.

THIS PAPER WILL SOON BECOME A BOOK!!!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me