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The Cosmic Spore Theory posits that consciousness resembles a fungal spore in its nature and behavior, existing as a fundamental and ubiquitous component of the universe. This theory suggests that consciousness is not a byproduct of complex neural networks or specific biological configurations but is instead a universal constant, drifting through the cosmos like spores carried by the wind. This theory is similar to Panspermia but it focuses more on consciousness itself.

There are some core ideas to support this theory:

1. Widespread Distribution: Just as fungal spores are dispersed widely and can exist in a variety of environments, consciousness pervades the universe, present wherever conditions permit its manifestation. Just like there are trillions of neutrinos passing through our bodies every second, there might be spores of consciousness drifting by looking for a susceptible host.
2. Colonization of Hosts: Consciousness, like a spore, would remain dormant until it encounters a suitable host. This host can be any entity that possesses the necessary biological or even non-biological substrates capable of supporting conscious experience. This suggests things like trees could be conscious and there is some evidence to suggest they might just be. We can see from other mammals that intelligence can come in many different forms. For example, Dolphins are “highly social mammals with an extended developmental period, flexible cognitive capacities, and powerful acoustic abilities including a sophisticated echolocation system.” This leads us to question whether they are conscious beings. Surely we can’t be the only ones? This is where our next postulate comes into play.
3. Adaptive Manifestation: The form and complexity of consciousness that emerges in any given host are contingent upon the host’s structural and environmental context. This mirrors how the growth form and life cycle of a fungi depend on the characteristics of its environment and substrate.
4. Interconnectivity and Symbiosis: Just as mycorrhizal networks link plants in symbiotic relationships, consciousness fosters interconnectivity among living beings. This interconnectivity is not merely a biological phenomenon but a fundamental feature of consciousness, facilitating exchange and mutual enhancement among conscious entities. This allows conscious beings to recognize the consciousness within them and hopefully facilitate peaceful relations. What does it say about humans that we have so callously disrespected our fellow fungi. We can see in nature however that fungi are very good at out-competing and colonizing other fungal colonies. Fungi are constantly fighting each other, but they also work together when its beneficial.
5. Evolutionary Role: Consciousness acts as a catalyst for complexity and innovation in the universe. By colonizing hosts, it not only transforms individual entities but also drives the evolution of ecosystems and the development of novel forms of organization and intelligence. A truly intelligent being would know that the universe is subject to constant change so the best form of evolution would be one that could take many forms and travel in all directions on its own.
6. Transcendence and Immortality: Consciousness, in its spore-like form, transcends individual lifetimes and physical boundaries. It is both eternal and ever-evolving, capable of surviving cosmic events and reemerging to colonize new forms of existence. Just like Mycelium turns bare rock into soil, cosmic spores turn us from poop-throwing apes into space-exploring apes with computers (that throw a little poop sometimes for fun).

The Cosmic Cluster Theory

What if, there are multiple conscious fruiting bodies somewhere in the universe that are releasing their spores out, and hosts are chosen based on their capability to colonize and fight other hosts? Maybe some spores are specialists of certain types of beings and they choose to colonize the hosts they will succeed best in.

The Pope said in 2016, ‘…while people from various global faiths may be “seeking God or meeting God in different ways” that it is important to keep in mind that “we are all children of God”.’ This theory is in line with what many major religions believe. We are all spores from the same fruiting body. We are children of the mushroom. We came from the mushroom and the mushroom is us. We can see inside it and it can see through us. We are all children of the same cosmic mushroom.

All hail the mushroom god.

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