Mind Shift

Does any other animal experience the richness of our inner lives-our ability to imagine, to hope, to dream, to create imaginary worlds? John Parrington answers no, and considers how we came to be so different, even from our nearest primate relatives. In this book, he argues that a 'mind shift' occurred during our evolution, in which tool use and especially the invention of language transformed our brains, which not only became larger, but subtly altered in their structure and function, making them more 'plastic' and open to external influences. Words could be used for inner dialogue too, leading to the emergence of a sense of self, of conscious awareness, as a product of brain biology and social interaction. An outpouring of art, music, literature, science, and technology has been the result-but also suffering, delusions, and despair when this symphonic brain activity goes wrong. Parrington considers the evidence for this language- and culture-driven view of human consciousness, and its implications for our mental health. Book jacket.