Full Idea
Conatus is explicable as the aggregate of dispositions laid down in brain circuitry that seeks both survival and well-being.
Gist of Idea
Conatus is brain circuits seeking survival and well-being
Source
Antonio Damasio (Looking for Spinoza [2003], p.36)
Book Reference
Damasio,Antonio: 'Looking for Spinoza' [Vintage 2004], p.36
A Reaction
So conatus is the motivation of my inner personal assistant, who reminds me what I am doing later today. I like the mention of dispositions, hence powers.