Between Memory and Superpowers
Philosophical and Scientific Considerations of Dissociative Consciousness
In contemporary fantasy works, the motif of a protagonist intentionally stripping away memories to acquire superhuman abilities contains profound implications that go beyond mere entertainment. In the comic 'Until the Chore-Duty Enchanter Realizes He Is the Strongest,' Vim's 'memory removal' is depicted as an extreme choice to boost the brain's processing power. This serves as an excellent subject for re-examining the relationship between memory and superpowers (magical power) from the perspective of viewing the foundation of consciousness as a 'dissociation from time, space, and mass.' In this paper, we explore the transformation of consciousness brought about by the thinning of memory, drawing on insights from psychology, philosophy, religion, physics, and quantum mechanics.
Stopping the Continuity of Memory
First, psychologically, memory is the foundation of personal identity. Locke argued that the continuity of consciousness (especially memory) constitutes the self. It is because we can recall past experiences that 'I' persist. However, if memories are actively removed, psychological continuity may fragment, potentially giving rise to new cognitive structures. In fact, research on dissociative disorders shows that suppressing traumatic memories brings temporary 'relief,' but in the long term, it leads to loss of identity and emotional flattening. Vim's case can be said to be an artificial acceleration of this. By cutting off relational memories (connections with others), emotional 'mass' is reduced, and pure information processing capacity increases relatively.
What Coercive 'Non-Self' or 'Emptiness' Brings
Philosophically, this dissociation leads to the state of 'non-self' or 'emptiness.' In Buddhism, especially in Esoteric Buddhism and Yogacara thought, it is believed that by thinning secular attachments (temporal continuity, spatial relationships with others, physical mass), access to the Alaya-vijnana (storehouse consciousness) or the Dharmakaya becomes possible. Meditation practice aims to loosen the boundaries of the everyday ego and remain in 'pure consciousness.' An effortless state of being is obtained through separation from worldly desires. Vim's memory removal is a modern version that mimics these traditional techniques using technology (the puppeteer). However, while the purpose of dissociation in Buddhism is the salvation of sentient beings and compassion, in stories, it is emphasized as an individual peak called 'the strongest,' with loneliness as the price.
Thinning the Observational Ego
In the context of physics and quantum mechanics, the relationship between consciousness and reality is even more interesting. In the observer effect, it is known that the act of measurement collapses the quantum state. In some interpretations (such as the Orch OR theory), it is hypothesized that consciousness itself is involved in quantum processes, and that quantum superposition at the microtubule level creates consciousness. The imagination that if the ego as an 'observer' is thinned by the reduction of memory, 'magical' influence dissociated from normal spatiotemporal causality becomes easier to manifest is attractive. However, in mainstream physics, the observer effect is explained not as a special power of consciousness, but as the physical interference of measuring devices. The claim that consciousness directly creates reality is often based on misunderstandings.
The Balance Between One's Own Pleasure/Displeasure and the Gaze of Others
The two axes of the gaze from others and the individual's own pleasure and displeasure become decisive here. Others see the dissociated existence as a 'lump of magical power' or a 'lost human.' For Vim, is the improvement in processing power a pleasure? Or does the void caused by the loss of mass create displeasure? This balance determines the ending of the story. Psychologically, persistent dissociation strengthens dissociative experiences and carries the risk of impairing well-being (a state in which one is fulfilled physically, mentally, and socially) in the long term. On the other hand, in a state of peace like enlightenment, dissociation becomes bliss. In conclusion, there is an essential trade-off between memory and superpowers. Removing memories is an effective means of 'opening' consciousness, but it simultaneously dissolves human connections. Science shows the importance of memory, religion shows the possibility of dissociation, and philosophy shows the fragility of identity. Whether Vim ultimately remains in that state as 'pleasure' or reactively regains mass is also a question faced by modern people. It is a question of the balance between technological enhancement and humanity. We must continue to ask whether the 'strongest' state obtained by losing memories is truly what we desire.