“Prometheus rising” is a book by Robert Anton Wilson with the subtitle “The Evolution of Our Intelligence”. In this book, Wilson describes the development and evolution of human intelligence in a humorous and informative way. It offers insights, exercises, stories and science to explore the topic.
The book “The New Prometheus” is a kind of guide designed to help readers expand their own intelligence and consciousness. Wilson emphasizes the importance of openness and curiosity to explore new ideas and perspectives. He encourages readers to question their thought patterns and use their imagination to discover new possibilities.
Wilson also uses various models and concepts to explain the evolution of intelligence. He considers the role of language, culture, belief systems and other factors that influence the way we think and perceive things. He also makes connections to psychology, neurology and other scientific disciplines.
It is important to note that “The New Prometheus” is a complex and multi-layered work that deals with various themes and ideas. It is a thought-provoking book that offers readers new perspectives on the evolution of our intelligence. For a more comprehensive and detailed description, I recommend you read the book yourself.
I was very impressed by the book 40 years ago. You don’t have to take everything it says at face value, but it is definitely very interesting food for thought. Now 45 years after the book was published, an updated new edition is due. Well, who dares to do that? 😉
Social brain theory
According to the social brain theory, the human brain continues to grow in the course of evolution,
according to which there is a correlation between brain size and the maximum group size of socially living species.
In the course of evolution, social conditions with ever greater demands on intellectual performance in ever larger groups drive brain growth and thus also the increasingly complex forms of thought in the history of the social life of humans and their ancestors, not the other way round.
(https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denken#cite_note-12)
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Scientific insights into the evolution of human intelligence in “The New Prometheus” by Robert Anton Wilson
The book “The New Prometheus” by Robert Anton Wilson offers a fascinating perspective on the evolution of human intelligence. Wilson skillfully combines scientific findings with philosophical reflections to explore the complex nature of human intelligence. Below we take a closer look at some of the scientific findings on the evolution of human intelligence in “The New Prometheus”:
- Neurological Foundations of Intelligence: Wilson discusses the neurological basis of human intelligence, highlighting findings from neuroscience. He looks at the development of the human brain over the course of evolution and shows how the structure and function of the brain affect intelligence.
- Cognitive Abilities and Evolution: The author examines the cognitive abilities that were critical to the evolutionary development of human intelligence. He takes into account findings from anthropology, paleontology and related disciplines to show how cognitive abilities have developed over the course of human history.
- Language and social interaction: Wilson emphasizes the role of language and social interaction in the development of human intelligence. He draws on linguistic and social science research to show how the ability to communicate and collaborate has influenced intelligence.
- Cultural Influences on Intelligence: The book also covers cultural influences on human intelligence. Wilson considers how cultural practices, beliefs, and values have shaped the development of intelligence and how these influences have changed over time.
“The New Prometheus” offers a wide range of scientific findings on the evolution of human intelligence and integrates them into a comprehensive view. Wilson’s work encourages us to consider the emergence and development of human intelligence from a variety of scientific perspectives, providing both profound insights and stimulating food for thought.
Wilsons interprets the 8 circuits of Timothy Leary (see below). They are theoretical models to explore and understand human consciousness and the development of the mind. They should not be viewed as scientifically proven fact. They serve as a tool
GPT 3.5: In “Prometheus Rising,” Wilson describes seven circuits or circuits that represent the development of human intelligence.
Aria: Robert Anton Wilson describes the development of human intelligence using the concept of the 8 circles. These circles provide a metaphorical representation of the various influences and factors that have contributed to the evolution of human intelligence. Here is a quick summary:
- The bio-survival circuit (BS): This circuit represents the basic survival instincts and biological programming of humans. It is associated with basic needs such as food, safety and reproduction.
- The emotional-territorial circuit (ET): This is about the development of emotions and territorial instincts. Social hierarchies, bonds and emotions play an important role here. Aria 2: This is about the role of emotions and social structures in the development of human intelligence. This circle deals with the ability for social interaction and the formation of territorial behavior. (This is where we should start to prevent wars.)
- The rational neuro-circuit (RNS): This circuit is associated with the development of rational thinking skills. This is where people begin to think analytically and understand abstract concepts. Some people are still having problems. 😉
- The socio-sexual circuit (SSS): This circuit relates to the social aspects of sexuality and interpersonal relationships. Cultural influences and social interaction play an important role here.
- The neuro-somatic circuit (NSS): This circuit concerns the connection of body and mind, the experiences of ecstasy and the exploration of one’s own consciousness. Always happy to be triggered 😉
- Aria 5:The focus here is on the connection between physical health and intelligence. Wilson discusses how neurology and physical health influence cognitive abilities.
- GPT 5: The meta-programming circuit (MPS): This is about the ability to Recognize and change your own thought patterns and consciously take on new perspectives. It refers to the ability to self-reflect. Easy with consciousness-expanding aids 😉
- Aria 6: This circle refers to the ability to reflect, metacognition and consciously influence one’s own thought processes. Wilson shows how the development of metaprograms and the capacity for self-reflection have expanded human intelligence.
- GPT 7: The non-duality circuit (NDS): The seventh circuit deals with with transcendental experiences and a deeper understanding of the unity of everything. LSD
- Aria 7: The neurogenetic circle describes the ability of humans to influence their own evolution through conscious changes to the genetic code. Wilson discusses how future developments in genetics and biotechnology could further influence the evolution of human intelligence.
It is important to note that these circles do not represent a strict linear development, but rather represent different aspects of the human psyche and intelligence that often exist in parallel and can influence one another.
Aria: These 7 circles thus provide a comprehensive representation of the developmental processes that have contributed to the evolution of human intelligence and illustrate the complex interactions between biological, cultural and cognitive factors.
Reader opinion
We are all giants who were raised by dwarves and have therefore developed the habit of always walking around with our hunchbacks. This book is about how we can rise to full greatness – total consciousness.”
The sentence captures very well what Wilson is about. He wants to awaken you and encourage you to develop your full intellectual potential. With his very own mix of science and philosophy, insights and questions, he courageously and skillfully combines the thoughts of such controversial spirits as Leary, Crowley or Gurdjieff and quite naturally juxtaposes them with quantum theories and the like. Interestingly, when viewed together, some individual opinions appear far less absurd, but rather as a dazzling facet or individual premonition of an evolution of consciousness that is taking place. You’ll believe them by the end of the book at the latest, provided you’ve followed all the thought games and exercises suggested. Somehow there is something to it, even if not all of his predictions have come true so far.
What is certain: the book is worth reading, different, slightly to moderately confusing and can create several from previous insights.
The book is undoubtedly fascinating. Wilson’s interpretation of Leary’s 8 circuits offers surprising food for thought and opens up alternative perspectives on the functions of the mind. Despite the claimed striving for objectivity, which Wilson himself puts into perspective, the book is strongly influenced by the American, particularly Californian, zeitgeist of the 1970s. Some content appears abstruse, some is scientifically outdated. In many places Wilson goes far beyond the mark. The book deteriorates massively in the last third and seems like the product of laborious “recycling of leftovers”. Wilson raises complex questions without pursuing them and makes exaggerated predictions for the future. The best way to read this book is not to take it too seriously, but to develop the ideas yourself.
Timothy Leary was an American psychologist and author who became known in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a controversial figure who advocated for free access to psychedelic drugs such as LSD and advanced the study of human consciousness. His work and impact have shaped society and science in many ways.
Here are some important aspects of Timothy Leary’s work and impact:
- Exploring Psychedelic Drugs: Leary was one of the pioneers in researching the effects of psychedelic drugs on human consciousness. He believed that these substances had the potential to expand consciousness and enable spiritual experiences.
- Concept of “Set and Setting”: Leary emphasized the importance of “set and setting” when using psychedelic drugs. He argued that the individual’s mental state (set) and environment (setting) have a large influence on the experience. He emphasized the need for a positive and supportive environment for a safe and meaningful psychedelic experience.
- Dealing with society: Leary was a critic of the established social structures and the authoritarian system. He called for greater individual freedom and self-determination. However, his ideas and commitment to change met with resistance and led to conflict with the authorities.
- Influence on the counterculture: Leary’s ideas and experiments with psychedelic drugs had a major influence on the counterculture of the 1960s. His idea of “conscious awakening” and the search for alternative states of consciousness inspired many people and led to a broad movement of cultural change.
- Later years and legacy: After Leary was arrested for drug possession, he fled to Switzerland and later Algeria. He continued his work and published books on consciousness and spirituality. Although he had less influence in later years, his legacy remains as one of the psychedelic movement’s most prominent representatives.
It is important to note that Timothy Leary’s work and impact are controversial. While some consider his ideas and experiments groundbreaking, others see them as dangerous and irresponsible. Nevertheless, he remains a significant figure in the history of psychology and the study of consciousness.
Timothy Leary: Quotes
Think for yourself and question authority
Women who want to be equal to men have little ambition
If you want to change the way people react to you, then change the way you react to people.
