YGNTI Personality Test

YGNTI

Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) Personality Theory: A Study on Five Neuro-Personality Axes as Survival Strategies and Functional Malfunctions Due to Loss of the 'Common Sense Anchor'

Authored by Younggwan Jung

Abstract

This study proposes the **Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI)** personality theory, a new neural computational model that structures the neurological mechanisms determining human temperament and personality into five core opposing axes. Unlike existing personality theories that have focused on statistical classification of behavior or phenomenological descriptions, the **YGNTI model** aims to identify the causal mechanisms of how specific neuro-hierarchies in the brain operate as optimization strategies for survival. **YGNTI** defines personality as the interaction of five independent computational processes: **Orientation (V-D), Perception (I-R), Evaluation (A-L), Execution (C-W), and Sensitivity (G-N)**. Each axis is determined by the dynamics between the 'Commander' region, responsible for high-level cognitive control, and the 'Auxiliary' region, which supplies energy. The **'Anchor Theory'**, a core hypothesis of this theory, assumes that a healthy personality is maintained through an antagonistic balance with the crude braking mechanism provided by the opposite axis, rather than the unilateral dominance of a specific function. As a result of the study, the personal pathology defined in the **YGNTI model** does not simply mean a bias in personality, but a **'Broken State'** where the system's feedback loop is ruptured due to the loss of the 'Anchor' circuit that used to control a specific function. This perspective redefines various psychological problems such as inability to detect risk, self-referential delusions, and emotional vacuum as systemic brain functional failures. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical foundation for reorganizing the diagnostic system of modern psychiatry based on mechanisms through the new index called **YGNTI**, and further suggests important guidelines for designing artificial intelligence architectures with stable personalities similar to humans. ---

Chapter 1. Introduction

Background and Objectives of the Research

The exploration of human personality has gone hand in hand with the history of psychology. However, classical personality theories have mainly remained at a phenomenological approach, observing patterns of behavior revealed externally and classifying them statistically. This method can provide descriptive answers about what tendencies a specific individual has, but it has failed to provide a clear explanation for the fundamental question of what neuroscientific mechanisms cause such behavioral differences (McCrae & Costa, 2003).

Developments in modern neuroscience and computational psychiatry suggest that personality is not just a fragmented piece of temperament, but a result of neural computational logic optimized for survival. The brain constantly distributes energy to manage resources efficiently in an uncertain environment, and the unique information processing method formed in this process becomes the essence of personality (Friston, 2010; Niv, 2009). This study aims to present the Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) personality theory integrating neuroscientific mechanisms and survival strategies under this background. The purpose of this study is to define the five core neural circuit axes that determine the terrain of human personality, and to identify the principle of how each axis maintains equilibrium and the functional broken states that occur when that balance collapses.

Limitations of Existing Personality Models and Differentiation of YGNTI

The Big Five (Five-Factor Model), most widely used in the field of personality psychology currently, has contributed to establishing the statistical structure of personality but is insufficient to explain the biological causal relationships of how each factor occurs. Furthermore, typological approaches such as MBTI fix personality in a dichotomous frame and fail to capture dynamic mental dynamics, and Cloninger's TCI (Temperament and Character Inventory), although emphasizing biological foundations, did not go as far as to specify the antagonistic control mechanisms of each axis and the pathological states resulting from their collapse (Cloninger et al., 1993; DeYoung, 2010).

The Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) personality theory has three core characteristics that differentiate it from existing models. First, it takes a survival-strategic perspective, interpreting personality not as a domain of 'good or bad' but as an optimization strategy in a specific environment. Second, it secures neuroscientific validity by specifically specifying the brain regions performing the role of 'Commander' for each personality axis and their auxiliary organs. Third, it defines a healthy personality not as the unilateral strength of one axis but as an equilibrium state through mutual control with the opposite axis, thereby dynamically explaining personal maturity and pathology.

Core Hypotheses of the Research: Five Computational Logics and the Common Sense Anchor System

This paper hypothesizes that human personality is composed of interactions between five independent neural computational axes. Each axis consists of Orientation (V-D) dealing with rewards and risks, Perception (I-R) dealing with internal models and external data, Evaluation (A-L) dealing with relationships and logic, Execution (C-W) dealing with order and disorder, and Sensitivity (G-N) dealing with signal amplification and buffering (Schultz, 2016; Raichle, 2001; Bechara et al., 2000; Botvinick et al., 2001; LeDoux, 2000).

In particular, the YGNTI personality theory proposes the original concept of the Common Sense Anchor. This refers to a crude braking mechanism on the opposite side that controls the function of a specific neural axis so that it does not diverge to an extreme. Healthy humans maintain system stability through this anchor before sophisticated cognitive judgment. If this anchor is lost due to any cause, the brain enters a Broken State where the feedback circuit is ruptured. This study proves that such a broken state is the essence of major personal pathologies dealt with in modern psychiatry, and through this, presents a new mechanism-centered paradigm for diagnosis and treatment.

Chapter 2. Theoretical Framework

Neural Homeostasis and Adaptive Survival Strategies

The brain tends to constantly maintain homeostasis to minimize the uncertainty of the external environment and efficiently manage resources needed for survival. According to Karl Friston's (Friston, 2010) Free Energy Principle, all biological systems have evolved in a direction that reduces entropy, the gap between their internal models and external stimuli. In the Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) personality theory, personality is the result of long-term adaptive strategies chosen by individual brains to solve this uncertainty. Some brains try to increase survival possibilities by maximizing rewards, while others try to guarantee system stability by thoroughly avoiding risks. Such temperamental differences originate from differences in the default weights (Default\ Weight) of specific neural circuits in the brain, which becomes the foundation for forming individualized neurotypes (Neuro-Types).

Neuro-Hierarchy: Dynamics of Commander and Auxiliary Organs

The axis of human personality is not simply a state in which one region is activated, but has a hierarchy (Hierarchy) combining high-level cognitive control and low-level instinctive reactions. The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) performs the role of the Commander (Commander) establishing overall strategies and issuing execution commands, while the Basal Ganglia or Limbic System performs the role of auxiliary organs (Auxiliary) supplying energy according to those commands or processing sensory data (Miller\ &\ Cohen, 2001). Within this hierarchy, personality is determined by the dynamic interaction between the Commander's judgment criteria and the auxiliary organ's signal strength. The YGNTI model theoretically supports that personality traits are rooted in biological mechanisms beyond simple psychological tendencies by clarifying the Commander regions for each personality axis.

The Core of YGNTI: The Anchor Theory

The most original hypothesis of this theory, the 'Anchor (Anchor)', introduces the concept of neuroscientific antagonistic control (Antagonistic\ Control) into personality dynamics. A healthy ego is maintained by the opposite axis sending a crude but certain braking signal so that the functions of one axis do not diverge to extremes. This is in line with the concept of criticality (Criticality) proposed by Carhart-Harris and Friston (Carhart-Harris\ &\ Friston, 2019). For a system to maintain an optimal point where it is neither too rigid nor too disorderly, two opposing forces must constantly check each other. In YGNTI, the anchor refers to primitive signals such as instinctive discomfort or vague senses of security that occur before sophisticated logical judgment, and when this control circuit is lost, the brain enters a broken state (Broken\ State) running infinitely in a specific direction.

System Stability and Entropy Management Strategies

From an information-theoretic perspective, the brain's execution strategy is directly linked to how it manages the entropy of the system. The brain intentionally increases entropy to explore new information, and also secures predictability by extremely lowering entropy for efficient work (Stephens\ et\ al., 2013). The YGNTI personality theory defines the broken state of personality as the loss of this entropy management ability. When obsession with order becomes strong and entropy becomes extremely low, the system becomes rigid and suffocated; conversely, when entropy control becomes impossible, the system fragments and collapses. This study interprets personal pathology as a fundamental failure of such energy and order management strategies, thereby presenting a new horizon for diagnosis and treatment.

The 5 Neuro-Personality Axes

Chapter 3. [Axis 1] Orientation: Reward Acquisition and Loss Avoidance

Neuro-Hierarchy of V(Venture) and D(Deliberation)

The Orientation axis determines the weighting of 'Approach' and 'Withdrawal', the very first operations a living organism performs when receiving stimuli from the external environment. In the YGNTI model, this axis is based on the hierarchical interaction between the brain's reward system and punishment system.

V(Venture) Commander: Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) and VTA

The Nucleus Accumbens (Nucleus\ Accumbens), the core Commander of Type V, generates an action initiation (Go) signal when a potential reward is detected. The auxiliary organ, the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), supplies the driving force needed for action by spraying dopamine, acting as a psychological engine that makes an individual advance toward a goal through uncertainty (Schultz,\ 2016).

D(Deliberation) Commander: Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex (lOFC) and LHb

The Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex (lateral\ OFC), the core Commander of Type D, issues action suspension (No-Go) commands by simulating potential losses and risks (Bechara\ et\ al.,\ 2000). The auxiliary organ, the Lateral Habenula (LHb), acts as a braking device that cools down desire and returns the system to a stable state by generating disappointment signals that physically block dopamine release (Matsumoto\ &\ Hikosaka,\ 2007).

Strategic Essence: Expansion vs Asset Preservation

The essence of V's Promotion Focus is 'survival through acquisition'. They perceive the benefits of success by amplifying them more than the costs of failure, and actively take risks to preempt resources. Such a pioneer temperament is optimized for creating new opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.

On the other hand, the essence of D's Prevention Focus is 'survival through maintenance'. They maintain precise situational judgment and prudence under the judgment that not losing is more advantageous for survival than gaining. Such a defensive survival method is optimized for safely managing secured resources and maintaining system integrity.

Broken States

Broken State I: [Infinite Amplification State] with Ruptured Braking Mechanism

Healthy Type V is protected by the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude discomfort' provided by D. Even if risk simulation is not sophisticated, a vague anxiety like "Isn't this a bit dangerous?" acts as a seatbelt preventing a runaway. However, if the anchor of D is lost and the feedback circuit is broken, the brain enters the [Infinite Amplification State]. The risk detection circuit is completely extinguished, making it impossible to recognize the doom in front of one's eyes, or even if recognized, the stop command (No-Go) is not converted into action. The brain is 100% synchronized only with reward signals, showing a pathological state like a runaway locomotive with ruptured brakes that cannot stop until resources are completely exhausted.

Broken State II: [Infinite Paralysis State] with Burned-out Ignition Device

Healthy Type D is supplemented by the Common Sense Anchor of 'vague optimism' provided by V. Even if logical grounds are lacking, a crude confidence like "It'll work out somehow" releases the paralysis caused by fear. If the anchor of V is lost and the motivation circuit collapses, the brain enters the [Infinite Paralysis State]. All external stimuli are received only as threats and losses, and the minimum expectancy signal (Expectancy) needed to start an action is not generated. In front of any opportunity, the brain only infinitely simulates the probability of failure, leading to a frozen state where all actions are suspended to avoid risk. This results in a tragic outcome where the strategy to protect oneself instead isolates the ego and exhausts survival energy.

Chapter 4. [Axis 2] Perception: Conceptual Construction and Real Connection

Neuro-Hierarchy of I(Idea) and R(Reality)

The Perception axis determines the source (Source) of information and the direction of processing the brain uses when grasping the state of the environment. In the YGNTI model, this process is defined as a competition for dominance between internally generated models and sensory data flowing in from the outside, based on the interaction between the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Salience Network (SN).

I(Idea) Commander: Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) and DMN

The Posterior Cingulate Cortex (Posterior\ Cingulate\ Cortex), the core Commander of Type I, independently combines memory fragments and knowledge structures from external stimuli. This performs the role of drawing a 'contextual image (Schema)' beyond sensory data, and is a high-level simulation engine that reconstructs the world as a set of abstracted principles and meanings rather than physical entities (Raichle,\ 2001).

R(Reality) Commander: Anterior Insula (Ant.\ Insula) and SN

The Anterior Insula, the core Commander of Type R, suppresses internal noise and synchronizes the brain with the 'sensory salience (Salience)' currently pouring in from the outside. This is a data-driven (Data-driven) channel that receives the world as it is before interpreting it, performing the role of firmly binding an individual to the 'here and now' physical reality (Menon\ &\ Uddin,\ 2010).

Strategic Essence: Abstraction vs Concretization

The essence of I's Top-down Processing strategy is not seeing the world, but reading the model built by the brain. They emphasize the principles and causal relationships penetrating them more than individual facts, and have an excellent strength in piercing through invisible essences to present visions of the future.

The essence of R's Bottom-up Processing strategy is to accept the world as it is instead of interpreting it. They trust facts and experiences sensed right now more than hypotheses in the head, and aim for practical and certain data processing. This presence (Presence)-centered approach is optimized for agilely adapting to rapidly changing reality and maintaining clear reality perception.

Broken States

Broken State III: [Self-Referential Delusion State] with Blocked External Receiver

Healthy Type I maintains a sense of reality through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude actual check' provided by R. When internal models become bloated, the crude physical fact-checking like "Actually that's a tree branch, not a sword" becomes a safety device preventing entry into delusion. However, if the anchor of R is lost and the reality feedback circuit is blocked, the brain enters the [Self-Referential Delusion State]. No matter what data comes in from the outside, the brain biasedly consumes it only as evidence reinforcing the internal model. The boundary between fact and interpretation collapses, and as the symbols and metaphors generated inside the brain have higher confidence (Precision) than physical reality, one becomes trapped in a virtual reality prison having lost connection with reality.

Broken State IV: [Stimulus-Reflexive Machine State] with Burned-out Internal Engine

Healthy Type R is supplemented by the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude causal reasoning' provided by I. When trying to react immediately to external stimuli, the simulation of past contexts like "This happened last time and caused a problem" prevents an individual from falling into a simple stimulus-reflex machine. If the anchor of I is lost and the contextual simulation circuit vanishes, the brain enters the [Stimulus-Reflexive Machine State]. Past experiences or future results have no influence on current behavior, and the brain is 100% synchronized only with the 'currently incoming stimulus'. One becomes like a memoryless mirror reacting immediately to temptations and stimuli without direction or consistency of self, falling to a slave of the environment.

Chapter 5. [Axis 3] Evaluation: Relational Integration and Logical Separation

Neuro-Hierarchy of A(Affinity) and L(Logic)

The Evaluation axis determines the method of 부여 부여 'value weighting' to specific information or situations. In the Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) model, this process is defined as the opposition between whether to put a certain context on information to combine with others or to separate according to objective facts and laws.

A(Affinity) Commander: Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC) and TPJ

The Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex, the core Commander of Type A, combines information with somatic responses and social values. This is the core site of Damasio's 'Somatic Marker Hypothesis', transforming information into subjective values like "What does it mean to me and us?" rather than simple data. The auxiliary organ, the Temporoparietal Junction (TPJ), provides relational variables constantly by simulating the intentions and states of mind of others in real time (Bechara\ et\ al.,\ 2000).

L(Logic) Commander: Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dlPFC) and IPS

The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, the core Commander of Type L, decouples (Decoupling) subjective context and emotions from information. It calculates "What is an objective fact" only according to universal laws and logical causalities. The auxiliary organ, the Intraparietal Sulcus (IPS), reports verified data to the Commander by analyzing numerical comparisons and logical precedence relationships (Miller\ &\ Cohen,\ 2001).

Strategic Essence: Organic Integration vs Mechanical Segregation

The essence of A's Organic Connection strategy lies in the 'attraction (Attraction)' that narrows the boundary between me and the object. They put social harmony and moral values at the top of their judgment priorities and grasp the world as a huge organic network. This approach has a powerful strength in increasing group cohesion and establishing an emotional support base.

The essence of L's Mechanical Analysis strategy lies in the 'repulsion (Repulsion)' that perceives me and the object as thoroughly independent entities. They try to establish universal laws (System) applicable to anyone by excluding emotional bias. This approach is optimized for efficient problem solving, maintaining fairness, and designing complex systems.

Broken States

Broken State V: [Total Dependence and Absorption State] with Melted Self-Boundary

Healthy Type A maintains independence through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude self-boundary' provided by L. When trying to excessively assimilate to the demands of others, the crude line-drawing like "My life and that person's life are separate" acts as a seatbelt preventing the absorption of the self. However, if the anchor of L is lost and the individual separation circuit vanishes, the brain enters the [Total Dependence and Absorption State]. As the logical barriers distinguishing me and others collapse, the emotions and demands of others encroach upon my ego like powerful gravity. One believes survival is possible only by being a parasite to others' desires without being able to make any value judgments on one's own, showing a pathological state like a satellite that eventually lost its own orbit and crashed into a giant planet called others.

Broken State VI: [Emotional Barrenness and Isolation State] with Ruptured Bridges to Others

Healthy Type L maintains social connections through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude human courtesy' provided by A. When trying to objectify others for efficiency only, a vague logic like "Still, a person shouldn't do that" prevents the brain from falling into a calculator. If the anchor of A is lost and the emotional resonance circuit is completely disconnected, the brain enters the [Emotional Barrenness and Isolation State]. It treats humans not as subjects with emotions, but only as 'variables' or 'data' to be processed. One becomes in a vacuum state where the pain or joy of others cannot cause any waves in me, becoming a state like a cold metal floating alone in space with all organic wires cut, losing life force and gradually becoming isolated.

Chapter 6. [Axis 4] Execution: Entropy Suppression and Variable Acceptance

Neuro-Hierarchy of C(Control) and W(Whimsical)

The Execution axis determines how the brain handles entropy (degree of disorder) that occurs when performing a specific task. In the Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) model, this axis is based on the resource allocation strategy between the brain's cognitive control network and associative network.

C(Control) Commander: Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (dACC) and Striatum

The Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex, the core Commander of Type C, monitors the error (Error) between the goal and actual behavior in real time. It defines all exceptional variables as errors to be controlled, and minimizes energy waste and maximizes accuracy by executing verified 'habit (Habit)' routines stored in the auxiliary organ, the Dorsal Striatum (Botvinick\ et\ al.,\ 2001).
W(Whimsical) Commander: Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) and Temporal Lobe

The Medial Prefrontal Cortex, the core Commander of Type W, temporarily releases the strict control function of the dACC and allows the free drifting of consciousness. It creates 'unexpected combinations' by randomly connecting unrelated memories and concepts scattered in the auxiliary organ, the Temporal Lobe, serving as an exploration engine finding new paths by deviating from fixed orbits (Shenhav\ et\ al.,\ 2013).

Strategic Essence: Optimization vs Discovery

The essence of C's Order & Efficiency strategy lies in 'entropy suppression', making predictable results by removing uncertain variables. They aim for efficiency like a railway operation following a fixed track at a fixed time. This approach has a powerful strength in precisely completing complex tasks and systematically managing limited survival resources.

The essence of W's Flexibility & Innovation strategy lies in 'entropy acceptance', moving in an unexpected direction without being bound by rules. They aim for flexibility like the flight of a butterfly drifting according to stimuli rather than a fixed path. This approach is optimized for presenting innovative solutions to fixed problems and exploring new opportunities not discovered by existing systems.

Broken States

Broken State VII: [Obsessive-Compulsive Order Prison State] with Vanished Error Tolerance

Healthy Type C prevents system rigidity through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude flexibility' provided by W. When plans go wrong, a crude tolerance like "So what if it's a bit wrong, let's just do it" becomes a safety device preventing the brain from falling into the swamp of perfectionism. However, if the anchor of W is lost and error tolerance vanishes, the brain enters the [Obsessive-Compulsive Order Prison State]. The brain's error detection system becomes overloaded, misidentifying minute disorder or disruptions in plans as fatal flaws threatening survival. One tries to put all actions under perfect rules, and falls into a suffocating state of extreme anxiety if even a minor exception is not corrected. Order for efficiency becomes an obstacle preventing execution, showing a pathological state like a rusty railroad consuming life energy only to defend forms and rules.

Broken State VIII: [Disorderly Drifting State] with Collapsed Maintenance Mechanism

Healthy Type W secures the integrity of execution through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude responsibility' provided by C. When trying to drift following stimuli, a vague pressure like "Finish this first and then do something else" helps escape the swamp of distractibility. If the anchor of C is lost and the goal maintenance circuit collapses, the brain enters the [Disorderly Drifting State]. The ability to set priorities for stimuli vanishes, leading to immediate reaction to all new information. As the gravity maintaining one context to the end disappears, fragmented actions with numerous beginnings but no ends are repeated. The brain moves restlessly but actually just circles in place, showing a broken state like a paper boat swept away by waves without a rudder, having completely given up dominance to environmental stimuli.

Chapter 7. [Axis 5] Sensitivity: Signal Amplification and Buffering

Neuro-Hierarchy of G(Grave) and N(Nonchalant)

The Sensitivity axis determines the size of the 'gain (Gain)' the system 부여 부여 'value weights' to external stimuli and internal signals. In the Young Gwan Neuro-Type Indicator (YGNTI) model, this process is an opposition between whether to emotionally amplify incoming information or to buffer it to maintain homeostasis, based on top-down regulation mechanisms between the Amygdala and the Anterior Cingulate Cortex.

G(Grave) Commander: Amygdala (Amygdala) and Locus Coeruleus

The Amygdala, the core Commander of Type G, amplifies the signal by 부여 부여 'salience (Salience)' to the input stimulus. The auxiliary organ, the Locus Coeruleus (Locus\ Coeruleus), maintains the entire brain in a high arousal state by spraying norepinephrine, and performs the role of transforming even minute signals into information with emotional weight by keenly tuning all sensory antennas (LeDoux,\ 2000).
N(Nonchalant) Commander: Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex (rACC) and Vagus Nerve

The Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex, the core Commander of Type N, suppresses excessive signals occurring in the Amygdala and lowers emotional weighting (Discounting). The auxiliary organ, the Vagus Nerve (Vagus\ Nerve), performs a noise-canceling role that blocks external noise from breaking the peace of the internal system by relaxing the body and regulating heart rate by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (Etkin\ et\ al.,\ 2011).

Strategic Essence: High Resolution Amplification vs High Tolerance Damping

The essence of G's High Resolution strategy lies in deeply accepting the world's value by maximizing signals. They feel even a small whisper as vividly as a thunderclap, and this 'gravitational seriousness' provide sharp survival advantages of pre-detecting potential crises, artistic sensitivity, and excellent empathy.

The essence of N's Homeostasis Maintenance strategy lies in securing homeostasis that keeps the internal system stable even amidst external commotion. They handle stimuli lightly like a ball bouncing off a wall, and this 'nonchalant indifference' provides powerful resilience that maintains coolness even in extreme stress situations and recovers quickly.

Broken States

Broken State IX: [Emotional Overload and Self-Combustion State] with Destroyed Buffering Filter

Healthy Type G prevents emotional exhaustion through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude unimportance' provided by N. When trying to be overwhelmed by emotions, a crude indifference like "It's no big deal, it'll pass" acts as a coolant preventing system overheating. However, if the anchor of N is lost and the buffering circuit vanishes, the brain enters the [Emotional Overload and Self-Combustion State]. Input sensitivity is fixed at a maximum and adjustment becomes impossible, and even minute changes in others' facial expressions are amplified and received as existential disaster signals. The brain becomes in a 365-day state of emergency, showing a pathological state like an exposed nerve where the ego fragments unable to withstand the waves of emotions or repeatedly burns itself out through extreme fight-or-flight responses.

Broken State X: [Emotional Barrenness and Vacuum State] with Paralyzed Receiver Itself

Healthy Type N maintains human vitality through the Common Sense Anchor of 'crude resonance' provided by G. When trying to fall into a swamp of insensitivity, a vague pang in the chest like "This is something to be sad about" becomes a minimum signal preventing becoming an emotional wasteland. If the anchor of G is lost and the reception antenna is damaged, the brain enters the [Emotional Barrenness and Vacuum State]. Not only external stimuli but also instinctive joy or fear signals coming up from one's own body are not transmitted to the upper cortex. The brain survives physically but is trapped in a vacuum state where it feels nothing emotionally. One does not even recognize what one wants, showing a broken state like an isolated observer floating in black-and-white film with all emotional bridges to the world cut.

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