Why did the chicken cross the road? This well-known joke often brings a chuckle, but let's delve into the deeper reasoning behind the chicken's actions. To truly understand this, we need to explore the thought process and perspective of the chicken. A chicken perceives the world differently than humans. It does not distinguish between a house and a tree or between the ground and a road. From the chicken's point of view, it simply navigates its environment without cognitive recognition of these elements. Consequently, the chicken did not intentionally cross a road; it simply moved from one place to another without recognizing the difference between dirt ground and paved road.This lack of cognitive thought implies that the chicken does not have an identity in the way humans do. Our identity and sense of self are shaped by our understanding of the world and our interactions with it. This brings us to the philosophical question of choice and identity: do we have control over our identities, or are we shaped by predetermined factors and past decisions?At birth, we are given a name and a heritage, forming the initial layers of our identity. As we grow, our parents' beliefs and ideologies influence us significantly. Early ceremonies like baptism or circumcision set the stage for our future selves. Some theories suggest that our minds are shaped even before birth, influenced by genetic and prenatal factors.For instance, studies on the visual cortex in mammals suggest that our neural networks are trained to respond to certain stimuli even before birth. This indicates that some aspects of our mindset are predetermined. Therefore, our identity may not be entirely within our control; we may be influenced by factors beyond our conscious awareness. However, once we recognize these influences, we can strive to change ourselves according to our desires.Throughout our early years, we learn to navigate emotions and social interactions. Experiences in elementary school help us form social circles based on shared interests. Our likes and dislikes are shaped by trial and error. For example, touching a hot stove teaches us to avoid pain, forming a memory that influences future behavior.As we grow, we begin to question and reassess our beliefs. The allegory of the cave by Plato illustrates this process. A prisoner freed from the cave would initially resist the reality outside, preferring the familiar shadows. This resistance reflects how we often cling to our beliefs even when confronted with new evidence. Our minds perform mental gymnastics to maintain our version of reality, sometimes denying obvious truths.During high school, our societal norms and ideas are further developed. We seek like-minded individuals and form cliques based on shared interests. Acceptance within these groups feels good because it aligns with our emotions. However, as we learn more about ourselves and our environment, our perspectives may change. The ship of Theseus paradox illustrates this: even if all parts of a ship are replaced over time, its identity remains the same. Similarly, our core identity remains, even as we undergo changes in beliefs and experiences.Returning to the chicken, if we observe it crossing the road, we perceive it as having done so. However, without motive or cognitive recognition, did the chicken truly cross the road? This question highlights the relativity of our experiences. Our perception of reality is influenced by our biases and knowledge. To mature and become the people we wish to be, we must acknowledge these biases and strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.The chicken's crossing of the road serves as a metaphor for exploring identity, perception, and the nature of reality. By examining our influences and recognizing the relativity of our experiences, we can better understand ourselves and our motivations, ultimately shaping our identities in a meaningful way.So yea, that’s what keeps me up at night.Read more about this authorRead less about this author