Prakash Books - Being A Human: Adventures In 40,000 Years Of Consciousness

Overview

"Being A Human: Adventures In 40,000 Years Of Consciousness" by Charles Foster is an immersive exploration into the evolution of human consciousness, spanning from the Upper Paleolithic era to the Enlightenment and beyond. In this thought-provoking book, Foster attempts to understand the essence of human consciousness by directly experiencing key moments in human history. Through living as a Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherer, a Neolithic farmer, and a participant in the Enlightenment era, Foster uncovers the layers of what it means to be human. This adventurous narrative draws on diverse fields like psychology, neuroscience, natural history, and philosophy to contemplate how we got to where we are—and what it means for our future.

Key Themes

• Human Consciousness Across Time: Foster examines how human consciousness has evolved over millennia, starting from the Upper Paleolithic when humans began creating art and storytelling, to the Neolithic period with the domestication of plants and animals, and finally to the Enlightenment era where rational thought took precedence.
• Reconnecting with Nature: Foster critiques modern civilization’s detachment from nature, lamenting how the atrophy of our senses has disconnected us from the natural world. He argues for a return to a more sensory and holistic way of being.
• Experiential Anthropology: By immersing himself in different periods of human history, Foster engages in experiential anthropology, trying to understand consciousness not just through academic study but by living as his ancestors once did.
• Critique of Modernity: Foster explores how the Enlightenment's focus on reason has led to a loss of spiritual connection and emotional depth, which, he believes, contributes to many of the problems we face today.

Writing Style

Foster’s writing is engaging, imaginative, and often eccentric. He combines rigorous scholarship with personal narrative, allowing readers to feel both the intellectual and emotional weight of his experiences. His style blends lyrical prose with scientific insight, making complex ideas accessible while still inviting readers to think deeply about the nature of human existence.

Conclusion

"Being A Human" is an audacious and inventive exploration of what it means to be human, as Foster challenges readers to reconsider how our past consciousness has shaped our present and future. By experiencing different eras firsthand, he offers a unique and transformative perspective on the evolution of human consciousness and raises questions about how we can thrive in the modern world while honoring our ancient roots. This book is a compelling read for those interested in human history, psychology, and philosophy, offering a rich blend of narrative and scholarly reflection.