

#1976
Mentioned in 13 episodes
The origin of consciousness in the breakdown of the bicameral mind
Book • 1976
Julian Jaynes's "The Origins of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind" is a controversial but influential work that proposes a revolutionary theory about the evolution of human consciousness.
Jaynes argues that consciousness as we know it emerged relatively recently in human history, and that earlier humans experienced the world differently, receiving instructions and guidance from internal voices they attributed to gods.
This "bicameral mind," Jaynes suggests, was a state of consciousness where the left and right hemispheres of the brain functioned more independently.
The book draws on evidence from ancient literature and mythology to support its claims, sparking considerable debate among scholars.
While its central thesis remains highly contested, the book's imaginative approach to understanding consciousness continues to inspire discussion and further research.
Jaynes argues that consciousness as we know it emerged relatively recently in human history, and that earlier humans experienced the world differently, receiving instructions and guidance from internal voices they attributed to gods.
This "bicameral mind," Jaynes suggests, was a state of consciousness where the left and right hemispheres of the brain functioned more independently.
The book draws on evidence from ancient literature and mythology to support its claims, sparking considerable debate among scholars.
While its central thesis remains highly contested, the book's imaginative approach to understanding consciousness continues to inspire discussion and further research.
Mentioned by




















Mentioned in 13 episodes
Mentioned by 

when discussing consciousness and its origins.


Adam Robinson

1,112 snips
#168 Adam Robinson: Positioning Yourself For Success
Mentioned by 

as a book he's currently reading.


Naval Ravikant

323 snips
#136: Naval Ravikant on Happiness Hacks and The 5 Chimps Theory
Mentioned by Brian Muraresku in the context of the evolution of consciousness and the bicameral mind.

75 snips
#211 – Brian Muraresku: The Secret History of Psychedelics
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a provocative book that catalyzes thinking, though potentially not entirely true.

Alan Kay

50 snips
Why the Real Computer Revolution Never Happened | Alan Kay & Anjan Katta
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing a book by Julian Jaynes.

Ned Block

41 snips
239 - Ned Block: Consciousness, Artificial Intelligence, and the Philosophy of Mind
Mentioned by Xavier for his theory on the bicameral mind and the origin of consciousness.

32 snips
8 Circuit Yoga Podcast | Episode 4 - Extrasensory Intelligences, The 6th Circuit
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a beautifully written popular science book proposing the hypothesis that modern consciousness only emerged during the Homeric ages.

Erik Hoel

26 snips
#663 - Erik Hoel - A Guide To The Fundamental Mystery Of The Mind
Mentioned by 

as the source of a thesis about self-knowledge.


Russ Roberts

26 snips
Erik Hoel on Consciousness, Free Will, and the Limits of Science
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that profoundly impacted his thinking and answered many of his questions about consciousness.

Marcel Kuijsten

17 snips
24. Julian Jaynes' Theory of the Origin of Consciousness | Interview with Marcel Kuijsten & Brian McVeigh
Mentioned as the book where Julian Jaynes proposed his hypothesis on human consciousness.

16 snips
Thrill to the Stunning Bicameral Mind Hypothesis
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to the use of metaphors in describing mental processes.

Meghan O'Gieblyn

15 snips
Being human in the age of AI
Mentioned by 

as a compelling but possibly inaccurate theory about the bicameral mind and its implications for creativity.


Katherine May

480 - Creating Wonder Rituals, with Katherine May
Mentioned by 

in a discussion about the development of human consciousness.


Stephen Fry

169. An Atheist in the Realm of Myth | Stephen Fry
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an argument about the origin of consciousness and ancient written texts.

Ryan Estes

Episode #475: The Illusion We Opt Into: VR, AI, and the Fractals of Reality
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

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throughout the podcast as the basis for their discussion on the origin of consciousness.

Robert Lamb

Joe McCormick

Bicameralism, Part 2: The Silent Pantheon
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a potentially relevant work to the discussion, though not explicitly endorsed by the guests.

Jim Rutt

EP126 Jordan Gruber & James Fadiman on Our Symphony of Selves
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to his theory of the bicameral mind and its breakdown as a factor in the development of consciousness.

Sheldon Solomon

#240 - Sheldon Solomon - Does The Fear Of Death Drive Everything We Do?