The Meaty Prison: Are We Truly In Control of Our Bodies?
When we speak about our bodies, we often refer to them as if they are something we possess and control. However, I argue that we are actually spirits trapped inside a "meat prison."
Here's why: Our bodies dictate our every move, from our basic physiological needs like eating, drinking, and relieving ourselves, to more complex actions such as experiencing mood swings and cravings due to hormonal fluctuations. While we may make choices about what we eat or drink, these choices are ultimately driven by our bodies' needs, not our own free will.
If we neglect our bodies' demands, our "meat prison" will punish us with sickness and disease. We cannot decide to eat a month's worth of food in one sitting and then not eat for the rest of the month. Our bodies simply won't allow it. Even if we consume enough nutrition to sustain ourselves for months or years, we remain imprisoned in our flesh.
Despite our best efforts to care for our bodies, we are still beholden to their limitations. We cannot fly or breathe underwater without the aid of technology. We cannot regrow limbs or organs once they are lost. In many ways, we are prisoners inside our own bodies.
However, some might argue that we do have agency over our bodies through healthy habits like exercise and eating well. I argue that these choices are not truly made out of free will. Our habits are shaped by external factors like education and the influence of gut bacteria, which can impact our behavior, habits, and cravings.
Moreover, our bodies have a natural tendency towards laziness and indulgence. Our meaty prisons crave high-sugar, high-fat foods, and resist exercise. In many ways, our bodies have suicidal tendencies.
In conclusion, while we may make choices about how we treat our bodies, these choices are ultimately driven by our bodies' needs and influenced by external factors. We may feel like we are in control of our "meat prisons," but the reality is that we are prisoners to our own flesh.
