Anyone who has experienced chronic migraines (as I have) knows of the (visual) auras that appear concurrently with an episode.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
These auras (crosshatching, zig zag lines, dots; see photo) quite often appear in Paleolithic art.pic.twitter.com/nAakgPYqYT
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Replying to @HerderJohann
While I have no evidence of shamans engaging in trepanation, migraines tend to make you want to drill a hole in your head.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
After all, ancient myths, as in the birth of Athena from Zeus’s skull, often involve cracking open the head to alleviate a headache.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
I therefore propose that shamans, suffering from migraines, perhaps engaged in trepanation, thereby discovering new peaks of consciousness.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
Alternative to this theory: drugs. I have always been curious what led to the development of the conscious mind.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
You're aware I presume of McKenna's theory of hallucinogenic mushrooms aiding the formation of human consciousness?
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Replying to @mistermircea
I am, and I think it’s the most likely theory. Psychedelics invite the recognition of paradox, which is (IMO) essential to consciousness.
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Replying to @HerderJohann
Good point. It also makes sense from a Darwinian perspective as the expanded visual perception may have aided in terms of survival.
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Replying to @mistermircea
Every added strength has its weakness. In our case, consciousness is accompanied by existential anguish.
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Much has been said about this, the perennial issue facing mankind. My tendency is to view it not as an inherent problem but as a malfunction
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