Can Humans Evolve to Become More Conscious?

Do you consider yourself to be partially unconscious? Alternatively, what exactly would it mean to be more conscious? This article delves into the evolutionary potential for us to become more conscious beings.

Evolution in the Context of Consciousness

Humans have traversed through the mineral, plant, and animal realms and have reached the pinnacle of the Human Kingdom of nature. In doing so, we bear the essence of every kingdom within us—retaining a portion of consciousness from our evolution. For example, while a plant from the Plant Kingdom is unaware of a human standing beside it due to lacking the necessary sensors, eyes, and ears to perceive, humans similarly cannot currently sense beings with higher consciousness from other kingdoms because we lack the necessary faculties.

The necessity for us to evolve this aspect of consciousness might be inherent in our biological and spiritual development. It is suggested that a key manifestation of consciousness evolving is the recognition and attention to the entities within ourselves. The universality of this internal focus would allow for a deepened understanding of self and possibly the universe. However, it should be noted that evolution is not inherently goal-oriented; it merely favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

Evolution, as a process, involves the change in characteristics over many generations. It does not “make” anything happen; rather, it is a term used to describe the proliferation of traits that promote the survival and reproduction of species. Every reproduced organism is a unique variation of its parents. Over time, traits that allow for better survival are favored, resulting in the passing on of these advantageous qualities to future generations. It was natural selection, which is the mechanism by which better traits are selected for, that inadvertently led to the idea that it is “the fittest” that survive. In reality, it is more accurately described as “the fit enough” that ultimately prevail.

The Mechanism of Trait Transfer

In sexual reproduction, genetic characteristics are combined from both parents, which is a mechanism for the transfer of advantageous traits. For example, a minor hindrance in an attribute could be preserved to maintain genetic diversity, thereby preparing the species for diverse future challenges. The process of natural selection is heavily influenced by the ability to model behavioral traits seen in the environment. This means that observational learning plays a significant role in how traits and behaviors are passed on from one generation to another.

To illustrate, the concept of "Monkey See, Monkey Do" can be viewed as a form of behavioral adaptation passed through generations. By observing and imitating behaviors, individuals gain advantages in their survival and reproduction. Those individuals who survive have traits passed on to their offspring, which in turn, mimic and reinforce these behaviors. Conversely, those who do not manage to model advantageous behaviors face the risk of extinction.

It is crucial to understand that the survivors are those who have traits that allow for better survival, and thus, these traits are passed on to the next generation. Insight into the mechanics of evolutionary change helps dispel misunderstanding and allows for a clearer perspective on our evolutionary journey.

Conclusion

Evolution is a profound and intricate process that has shaped us into the conscious beings we are today. The inclination towards becoming more conscious is a natural part of our continued evolution, driven by the survival and reproductive advantages it brings.

Understanding natural selection and genetic variation can help us better appreciate the mechanisms behind these evolutionary processes. While the exact path to greater consciousness remains uncertain, the potential for evolution to bring us closer to an integrated understanding of ourselves is exciting.