Mindfulness and episodic culture: “inside the Neolithic Mind”

The Neolithic Period: A Turning Point in Human History

The writers of this book analyze the interaction between cultural content and brain organization throughout the Neolithic period, more than 10,000 years ago, which led to unparalleled changes in lifestyle and belief systems. The Neolithic period, possibly the most significant turning point in human history, is examined by the writers as it was when farming and animal husbandry were a way of life and the gloomy civilization emerged. The authors put more emphasis on two contrasting epochs and places: the early period in the Near East, with its cult structural designs, and skull burials, as well as Western Europe, with its gigantic stone cenotaphs. Their argument is anchored on the fact that neurological trends ingrained into the mind can help to explain the nature of painting, conviction, and society that Neolithic people produced. In short, the authors adeptly connect material on human consciousness.

Endemic Neolithic Antagonism and Social Change

While it may not point indisputably to contention, archaeological proof demonstrates that an early passageway crypt, possibly the first of the Great Bend of the Boyne edifices, was ripped to pieces. The idea of endemic Neolithic antagonism has been around since time. From the book, it becomes apparent that Neolithic was characterized by the rivalry between rising chiefdoms (Lewis-Williams & Pearce, 17). While similar to any contemporary society, the political, as well as religious factions during this era, were always at conflict. However, the discord was never instinctive or detached: groups never act instinctively, in the exclusion of a leadership that does not comprehend what is going on. In a bid to underpin social change, the order was manipulated and recreated. Moreover, although the Neolithic leadership influenced the social treaties, their emphasis on tombs and religion demonstrates how they related consciousness contracts as well. According to Bella, religion is a cultural structure simply compounds what religion is in connection to a number of other factors that are arranged by other symbolic systems (p.10). By and large, the political power and variety of the Bend of the Boyne as well as the epic elements within it vanished away. In the end, the book serves as the brilliant masterpiece that embarks on a journey into the world of religious and political archeology of the Neolithic era.

Works Cited

Bellah, Robert N. Religion in human evolution. Harvard University Press, 2011.

Lewis-Williams, David, and David Pearce. Inside the Neolithic Mind: Consciousness, cosmos, and the realm of the gods. Thames & Hudson, 2005.