Jaynes proposed that the increasing sophistication of language, particularly the development of metaphor, was the key unlock for consciousness. Metaphors allow us to conceptualize abstract ideas and think in non-literal ways, which is the foundation of consciousness. This cognitive leap enabled introspection and independent thought.
Impact: High. This theory posits language not just as communication, but as the very engine of consciousness, suggesting that our ability to think abstractly is directly tied to linguistic evolution.
In the source video, this keypoint occurs from 00:27:52 to 00:29:58.
Sources in support: Josh (Host)

