Scientists adhering to the materialist, Newtonian view of the Universe assert that human consciousness is a recent development, dating back only 3,000 years. However, I aim to challenge this baseless notion with the evidence at my disposal. In his 1976 book titled "The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind," Julian Jaynes proposed the idea that human consciousness emerged around 3,000 years ago, coinciding with the development of spoken language.
Before I present my counterarguments, let me elaborate on Jaynes' theory, which draws references from Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, to illustrate the perceived infancy of human consciousness. According to Jaynes, during the time of ancient Greeks, humans lacked an understanding of metaphor, introspection, and an inner world, which are essential elements of consciousness as we now define it. Jaynes termed this concept the "Bicameral Mind," a theory also embraced by other philosophers. He posits that thoughts were experienced as external voices, and individuals obeyed these voices as if they were directives from a higher authority. This idea could explain historical accounts of people claiming to hear the "voice of God," which gave rise to religious beliefs.
I disagree with Jaynes' theory and believe that human consciousness has much deeper roots than proposed. I argue that introspection and self-awareness existed in humans at least 15,000 years ago, and possibly even earlier in our Universal history. Archaeological evidence from sites such as Gobekli Tepe, dating back 6,000 years before Stonehenge, supports the existence of a highly intelligent civilization with contemplative abilities. The age of the Sphinx, now water-dated to more than 7,000 years ago, further strengthens the argument for an ancient civilization with advanced consciousness.
The idea of the "Bicameral Mind" is also refuted by the development of language. For instance, the sound "Aum" and its derivatives, considered expressions of high consciousness, have been scientifically proven to have significant effects on human physiology. This suggests that conscious utterances have been in use for centuries, challenging the notion that human consciousness emerged only 3,000 years ago.
Furthermore, dismissing mystical or cosmic experiences as mere internal dialogues oversimplifies the vastness of consciousness. Even modern quantum physics struggles to fully comprehend consciousness, demonstrating that it goes far beyond simple two-way conversations within our minds.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that human consciousness is not a recent phenomenon but rather an ancient, intricate, and profound aspect of our existence. As we continue our scientific explorations, we uncover the complexities of consciousness and its deep connections to the very fabric of reality. Embracing this broader perspective can lead us to profound insights about our existence and open our minds to possibilities beyond mechanistic interpretations.
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