ABSTRACT
The eventual emergence of human consciousness has been its spectacular and problematic result. The immediate precursors of human consciousness lie in animal and hominid past which deeply influence human psychology, while its full development demonstrates extraordinary features of self-awareness, aesthetics, and even transcendental hunger. As the primate brain expanded, eventually reaching the size and complexity of the late hominids, then a far greater and more differentiated emotional structure developed. Human nature, from a spiritual and moral perspective, contains both creative and destructive potential, the light and dark components of the psyche, the origins of which also lie in mankind's animal nature. The archetype of the Self lies in the unconscious but, in so far as it rises into consciousness and becomes expressed and experienced, it transforms into the higher self. The first purpose of consciousness is to fulfil each of these in a balanced manner. Physical and biological evolution has an inherent movement towards greater complexity and intelligence.
