If this is fundamentally a mechanical universe, how do I know my mind is better than just being mechanical?

Usually it happens when we see something similar with us in that person. Its like seeing ourselves, thats why we feel like we understand them.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.