Anil Seth's "Being You" explores the science of consciousness, tackling its "hard problem"—the subjective experience of what it's like to be. Seth challenges traditional views, arguing against dualism (the separation of mind and body) and mysterianism (the belief that consciousness is fundamentally unknowable). He proposes a "beast machine" theory, asserting that consciousness arises from our embodied, living experience, emphasizing the role of prediction and perception as controlled hallucinations.

The book uses various examples, including the "rubber hand illusion" and studies on psychedelic drugs, to illustrate how the brain constructs our reality through prediction error minimization and Bayesian inference, shaping our experience of self and world. Central to Seth's argument is the concept of active inference, where the brain actively seeks out expected sensory states to maintain its physiological integrity, linking consciousness deeply with the process of staying alive.

Finally, he addresses the implications for artificial intelligence and consciousness, cautioning against anthropocentric biases and advocating for a preventative ethical framework in light of advancements in AI and brain-organoid technology.