The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind

Most of us take our inner voice for granted, but should we really? And what if there was evidence supporting the idea that there's another inner voice, but our modern upbringing suppresses it (but it does reappear with some illnesses, under duress, etc)?

on HN, 2017

The theory of Jaynes seems preposterous at first: before man was conscious he would not stop and think when making a decision, instead he would literally hear a voice telling him what to do. When life became too complicated this faculty broke down, but not in an instant. Religion is a by-product of this neuro-catastrophe. Jaynes however knows to make use of historic material in such a way that in the course of his argument he becomes plausible!

on HN, 2015

A bit long winded but it really changes the way you think about the voice in your head, about consciousness in general.

on HN, 2020

Ancient human's may have more in common with schizophrenics of today than history would indicate.

on HN, 2019

It's a very interesting book. Richard Dawkins said of it "It is one of those books that is either complete rubbish or a work of consummate genius, nothing in between! Probably the former, but I'm hedging my bets."

on HN, 2013

"The origin of consciousness in the breakdown of the bicameral mind" is also mind blowing. Neither is foolproof, and both are potentially crackpot -- but if should read a crackpot book to broaden your horizons.

on HN, 2011

Jaynes's Origin of Consciousness -- not only because it's a fascinating argument in itself, but because it really makes me wonder, if Jaynes was right, is there another population-wide "upgrade" in store for humanity.

on HN, 2019

It was the first time I read someone who was thinking about the mind like I am and was able to put into words some of my own more vague thoughts.

on HN, 2017