A radically new view of the nature and purpose of consciousness
How is consciousness possible? What biological purpose does it serve?
And why do we value it so highly? In Soul Dust, the psychologist
Nicholas Humphrey, a leading figure in consciousness research, proposes
a startling new theory. Consciousness, he argues, is nothing less than a
magical-mystery show that we stage for ourselves inside our own heads.
This self-made show lights up the world for us and makes us feel special
and transcendent. Thus consciousness paves the way for spirituality, and
allows us, as human beings, to reap the rewards, and anxieties, of
living in what Humphrey calls the "soul niche."
Tightly argued, intellectually gripping, and a joy to read, Soul Dust
provides answers to the deepest questions. It shows how the problem of
consciousness merges with questions that obsess us all--how life should
be lived and the fear of death. Resting firmly on neuroscience and
evolutionary theory, and drawing a wealth of insights from philosophy
and literature, Soul Dust is an uncompromising yet life-affirming
work--one that never loses sight of the majesty and wonder of
consciousness.