Thanks Noel, it seems we can divide views about the self (soul, mind, consciousness) into two fairly clearly defined camps: physicalists and the others. Physicalists of course believe that if there is such a thing as consciousness, it emerges from the random collection of matter/energy which makes up everything including our brains. Evolution is that "design" process that uses the innate desire to survive to select for the things that will aid it. Like our sense of self, in Anil Seth's view. Personally, I find that story difficult to believe. Mind, in my view, is more basic or fundamental than matter. As Eddington says, the only thing we can be certain of is that we are, but matter is something that emerges (or our awareness of it) via mind or our minds. Do you agree with that separation?