Julian Jaynes' controversial 1976 hypothesis suggests that human consciousness, characterized by subjective introspection and self-awareness, did not exist in its current form until approximately 3,000 years ago. Before this, humans operated more like 'automatons,' following external commands perceived as divine voices rather than engaging in internal dialogue.

Impact: High. This radical idea reframes human history, suggesting a fundamental shift in cognition occurred relatively recently, challenging our understanding of ancient peoples and the very nature of consciousness.

In the source video, this keypoint occurs from 00:05:52 to 00:11:58.

Sources in support: Julian Jaynes (Psychologist, author of 'The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind')