The Monkey in the Mirror

This book has added onto my knowledge and inquiry into the conceptualization of the "soul" in humans.

I stated previously that to understand why and how we came about with our conceptualization of the soul. I then had to ask what makes us so special.

Previous probes have equipped me with certain factors: namely language (both spoken and written).

This new book has given insight into how exaptation (the incidental hero of our 'evolution') has allowed us the ability to find a novel use of our structurally-lower vocal chords to produce speech. Spoken language put us above and beyond other creatures who had and have written language. With spoken language, we were then able to build upon our essentially wonderful ability to re-conceptualise the world around us in abstract logic. This was also another "Big Bang" in terms of cultural-releasing.

We also are gifted with extended consciousness, the ability to add the awareness of the past and future into the mix and factor in such variables into decision-making.

Which came first? Symbolism in language which graduated to abstract meaning to language which in turn helped us scale greater cognitive heights or the ability to cognitively re-conceptualize our world? I guess we will never know. It may forever be a case of chicken and the egg.

Yet again, I find cause to praise our consciousness and the ability to be conscious of our consciousness. (which Satre may deem weak) Weak it may be but still it allows us so much cognitive scope and possibilities that probably makes us the most dangerous animal on earth.

So yet again, I find little reason to purport that we are spiritually privileged creatures. Indeed, we are the product of lucky exaptations and rugged ancestry. But given the power we hold over the rest of terran life, environment and this planet's possible trajectories, I find the question "What is the SOUL?" even more pertinent.