The Personality Analyst

A researcher turns his gaze on personality in public life.

John D. Mayer is Professor of Psychology at the University of New Hampshire and the author of numerous scientific articles, books, and psychological tests. See full bio

May 25, 2009, Personality

Comments on "The Significance of the Axial Age (the Great Transformation)"

The Significance of the Axial Age (the Great Transformation)

By John D. Mayer, Ph.D. on May 25, 2009 in The Personality Analyst

Some psychologists believe that before the Axial Age (c. 800 BCE- 200 BCE) ancient peoples differed fundamentally in their mental lives from people today. Those who lived before the Axial Age appeared to exist with only minimal self-reflection if any, and without the capacity to clearly monitor their inner thoughts, feelings, and motives. They may have lacked much sense of psychological identity beyond their names, parentage, and their life experiences. Read More

Read Walter Ong's book,

Submitted by Steve Grant on May 25, 2009 - 8:38pm.

Read Walter Ong's book, "Orality and Literacy". He traces the change in human cognitive processes when literacy is introduced into a population. Studies show that preliterate people have much less capacity for self reflection while literate peoples develop an ability for abstract, rational, linear thought which allows for someone to look at themselves objectively.