The Top Hat Theory Diagram 1 depicting the concept of the Conscious Mind, Subconscious Mind and the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Where the Conscious Mind is likened to being a Top Hat sitting atop of a person’s head, which is the Subconscious Mind. The Reticular Activating System RAS for short is likened to being like an aerial sticking out, the RAS is constantly scanning the environment.