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First: the primeval fear and wonder, the fact of existence itself, the gaping at the savannas, the odd and menacing creatures abounding, the vast sprawl of the stars. Noting the deep growl of hunger, the insistent urge to sample tubers, mushrooms, fruit from the trees, the slow and hapless life forms crawling beneath our gaze.
The terror of being prey for stronger and faster life forms, with their shrieks and snarls and rumbles through the night.
Hearing the helpless wails of our mates being devoured.
The seeking for shelter and haven.
The cowering.
The thinking.
The gathering of stones.
The noting of friction.
The sharpening.
The fine point, primed to stab and gouge, to ward off predators and subdue prey.
The sight of sparks.
The collecting of leaves and twigs.
Combustion.
All of it the rudiments of inquiry and physics itself.
The staggering growth of reason, tools, language, culture.
The imagi...
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