Acharya Prashant explains that man is composed of both nature (Prakriti) and something else. He likens nature to the mathematical function y = sin(x), which represents a life confined within duality. This state is characterized by endless, cyclical movements—ups and downs, crests and troughs—that ultimately lead to nothing. The highs do not remain forever, nor do the lows. This is the state of endless movement, like day and night or summer and winter, where a lot seems to be happening, but nothing of substance is truly achieved. Typically, man is just nature, and so his life remains confined within the limits of this curve. The curve of life seems to go up, creating hope, and then it comes down, creating apprehension. When it is about to go into an endless pit, there is a sudden revival and celebration. This cycle, fueled by hope and tragedy, keeps one engaged but never allows one to rise or fall beyond a certain point. You are never allowed to lose interest because something is always changing, but all in all, nothing is happening. Life is truly life only if there is another curve, which the speaker calls y = x. This is the curve of consciousness, which takes one upwards and is not satisfied with merely being nature—eating, excreting, and reproducing. It desires an upward movement. However, this consciousness is helpless and constrained because it is body-dependent; it cannot operate free of the body and brain. This dependency is a debilitating aspect of being human. Therefore, the two curves must go together, and the ideal life curve should be y = x + sin(x). In this state, the ups and downs of the body (sin(x)) would still exist, but the overall trajectory would be upwards. The highs would get progressively higher, and even the lows would become progressively higher. The body will continue its functions, but all in all, you are rising. Achieving this depends on the strength of one's intent, desperation, and determination. One must superimpose the curve of consciousness onto the curve of the body. You cannot stop the body, but you should not let the body stop you either.