Cormac McCarthy, a renowned novelist, explores the complex relationship between language and the world it describes. He postulates that language’s origins are not strictly utilitarian, but also rooted in unconscious processes. McCarthy uses the story of chemist Friedrich August Kekulé, who reportedly dreamt of the structure of the benzene molecule, as an example of the unconscious mind’s role in problem-solving.
McCarthy suggests that language, despite its precision, fails to capture the full spectrum of human experience and understanding. He cites the Saussurean model of the signifier and signified, highlighting the arbitrary nature of language. He argues that this arbitrariness implies a disconnect between language and the world it represents.
McCarthy also delves into the realm of neuroscience, discussing the brain’s left and right hemispheres. He posits that the left hemisphere, typically associated with language, might not be the sole site of linguistic processing. He proposes that the right hemisphere, often linked to non-verbal, holistic understanding, may also play a role in language comprehension.
The novelist concludes by pondering the mystery of creative inspiration and the role of the unconscious mind in artistic and scientific breakthroughs. He suggests that these breakthroughs often occur when the conscious mind is at rest, allowing the unconscious to take the lead. This, he argues, reveals the limitations of language and the power of the unconscious mind.
Go to source article: http://nautil.us/issue/47/consciousness/the-kekul-problem