This show has allowed humans to become aware of themselves and their surroundings.'-Victoria Stern, Scientific American Mind Consciousness, he argues, is merely a magic show we stage inside our heads. 'How is consciousness possible? In Soul Dust: The Magic of Consciousness, psychologist Nicholas Humphrey, a leading figure in consciousness research, proposes a startling new theory. has laid out a new agenda for consciousness research.'-Michael Proulx, Science 'Humphrey begins where Crick and others have left off. 'Humphrey, the psychologist who discovered blind sight, combines the latest research on neurology and psychology with age-old philosophical questions about the nature of perception and sensation.'. Scientists are often accused these days of overlooking the awe and wonder of the world, so it's exciting when a philosopher puts that magic at the very heart of a scientific hypothesis.'-Matt Ridley, Wall Street Journal is not only thoroughly enjoyable but genuinely instructive too.'-Alison Gopnik, New York Times Book Review And his tone is as warm and inviting as that big, crackling fire, even if the dim flicker does leave things a bit obscure in the corners. His argument feels as crystalline and bracing as that double martini going down, though you might find yourself a little woozy afterward.

His writing is as elegant, and hypnotic, as that cool jazz stacked on the record player. ' Soul Dust, Nicholas Humphrey's new book about consciousness, is seductive-early 1960s, 'Mad Men' seductive. 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. It shows how the problem of consciousness merges with questions that obsess us all-how life should be lived and the fear of death. Tightly argued, intellectually gripping, and a joy to read, Soul Dust provides answers to the deepest questions. 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.” This self-made show lights up the world for us and makes us feel special and transcendent.

Consciousness, he argues, is nothing less than a magical-mystery show that we stage for ourselves inside our own heads.

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.

Soul taken book