Expert: Walter Hintz - 8/10/2005

Question
Hi, friend. No matter how cheesy this sounds - I'd still like to thank you for offering your services as a volunteer.:D

I'd just like to know if my heart and lungs are mine. I know the nerve cells contained within the nervous system are in my control or in other words; have axons which are directly connected to my mind or perception; but are the cells contained within my organs - which are obviously indirectly connected to my perception - mine and mine alone, or is only the nervous system genuinely me. Thanks a bunch. This would really help with my world changing book if you were to answer. Another question that has no relation to biology. (sry)

Do you believe the world can be saved with understanding?

P.S. I've gone about 1 year without showing anger in any elegitamite way. Allowing myself to be angry at my stupid neighbour who doesn't feed his cat - who eats out of my garbage - is another story. :D  

Answer
Hi Dan
It would appear you have come up with some philosophical questions.  Since you are a product of a sperm -egg combination the cells that have developed into organs are most certainly yours. As to the real you? All perceptions occur in the brain which is the site of conciousness so I suppose we could say that the brain is the "real" you.  But the real you cannot exist without the other organs.

AS to the second question?  I am not sure what you mean by "understanding"  I think most of the worlds problems come from the misunderstanding of each other so perhaps salvation lies in understanding.

I guess congratulations are in order due to your control over anger.  We all get angry but hope to control it.  Right now I am extremely angry at George Bush and his gang.