1. Language precedes full consciousness
Many commenters cite Julian Jaynes’ theory that true self‑aware consciousness only emerged once humans could use metaphorical language (writing, literature, bureaucracy).
“consciousness not only arrived after the invention of language, it arrived after the invention of writing, literature, agriculture, metallurgy, and government bureaucracy.” — mjd
“consciousness could not have arisen without language because it is crucially founded in the capability of language to describe the world metaphorically.” — mjd
2. Large language models blur the line of subjective experience
Several users argue that LLMs can produce language‑driven “thought”‑like behavior without any inner experiencer, challenging traditional definitions of consciousness.
“We went from completing words to completing sentences, paragraphs, essays, code files, pixel arrangements, music, and more just by aggregating and modeling all that in English… It doesn’t happen to anyone (the thinking) but I think they still qualify as thoughts, just without a thinker.” — TheHardProblem
3. Thought exists without an internal monologue
A recurring theme is that many people think in non‑verbal, image‑ or abstraction‑based ways, and the ability to function without an inner speech undermines claims that language is necessary for consciousness.
“I can think abstractly about geometry problems, or graph theory but even about linear algebra… I can narrate it like as if I imagine a friend being there and translating my thought into language but it's an extra step.” — bonoboTP
These three threads capture the dominant viewpoints: the linguistic origins of consciousness, the impact of AI on our notion of subjectivity, and the prevalence of non‑verbal cognition.