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The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind

Name: The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)
Author: Julian Jaynes
ISBN: 9780618057078

Julian Jaynes · 2000 · 491 pages

What is human consciousness, where did it come from, and how does it determine who we are and how we live in the world? At the heart of this book is the theory that human consciousness did not develop over time--that, in fact, ancient peoples from mesopotamia to Peru did not "think" as we do and therefore were not conscious. Drawing on laboratory studies of the brain and clos examination of archaeological evidence, the author concludes that consciousness is not a product of evolution but of catastrophic events in our own history, events that occurred as recently as three thousand years ago.

recommended by 6 people

sourced from public statements

Adam Robinson
“A book that confirms there is far, far more in our unconscious mind than is dreamt of in our philosophy.”↗
Will Self
“A contested theory, but I believe it. Jaynes’ view is that sometime between the period described in The Iliad and the composition of The Odyssey, the human corpus callosum was formed and the mind became uni- rather than bicameral. This book will, among other things, make you look at all forms of religious enthusiasm in an altogether new light.”↗
Billy Collins
“This is one of the best titles to drop when asked what you’re currently reading, and also a revealing, radical study of our divided brains. According to Jaynes, people who hear voices (be they mystics or schizophrenics) may just be listening to one side of the brain talking to the other on a delayed loop. Something to think about next time you find yourself thinking out loud, or just thinking period.”↗
Sam Altman
Naval Ravikant
Patrick O'Shaughnessy