It doesn't exist. We rationalize mechanical reactions. Always. Anxiety is arousal, discomfort. Why arousal discomfort coming from the body? Pick a stressor. Freak out about it. You rationalize simple feelings. You rationalize automatic reactions.

But why is that depressing? Why not find it freeing? Zen? Perfectly calming? You can't control your moment to moment reactions but your rationalizer can increase and decrease the probability of reactions.

@Fuego I think about this a lot, too... and I'm not sold on it entirely, but it's definitely an interesting perspective.

I think we're capable of elevating ourselves from that line of thought-- but I would also argue that there are many levels of "sentience."

The animal levels range from instant reaction without thought to considering consequences before acting; The human levels are far more diverse but always chained to emotion and previous experience.

@Fuego This begs the question of what true sentience is in that construct; the absence of influence from emotion & personal experience?

I'm convinced that "free will" is something we only exercise meaningfully approximately once or twice a week in those moments in which our routines break down... but must one have and exercise free will to be considered truly sentient? Is any form of routine a burden to that concept?

I have no answers; just things to consider.