24.5 Culture, Language, and Consciousness

The most remarkable outcome of the evolutionary process described in this chapter is the human brain. This allows us to do extraordinary things, like appreciate Bach’s music, read books, and build skyscrapers. But does this wonderful brain make us qualitatively different from other organisms? Does it in some way take us out of nature? Traditionally, the answer to these questions would have been a resounding yes. However, research into the capabilities of other species is questioning this conclusion: The human brain is certainly remarkable, but, in essence, what we can do is merely an extension of what other animals can do.