Chapter

The Rise of Consciousness and Metaphor
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16:50 - 21:18 (04:28)

In this podcast episode, the guest discusses his theory that the emergence of consciousness can be traced back to the use of metaphor around the first or second millennium BC, due to our ability to make analogies in our brain. He also shares his interpretation of ancient Sumerian and Mesopotamian texts, which he believes were originally perceived as directives from the gods rather than metaphorical language, and how these ideas relate to the concept of a hive mind.

Clips
The emergence of consciousness is linked to the development of language and especially metaphor.
16:50 - 19:30 (02:40)
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Consciousness
Summary

The emergence of consciousness is linked to the development of language and especially metaphor. As humans gained the ability to make analogies, their thinking became more concrete and literal, leading to a domino effect of cognitive development.

Chapter
The Rise of Consciousness and Metaphor
Episode
Thrill to the Stunning Bicameral Mind Hypothesis
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Julian Jaynes took the ancients literally when he studied Sumerian and Mesopotamian texts, believing that they believed that the gods were communicating with them.
19:30 - 21:18 (01:48)
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Julian Jaynes
Summary

Julian Jaynes took the ancients literally when he studied Sumerian and Mesopotamian texts, believing that they believed that the gods were communicating with them. This approach helped him develop his radical theory of the "bicameral mind."

Chapter
The Rise of Consciousness and Metaphor
Episode
Thrill to the Stunning Bicameral Mind Hypothesis
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know