Full Idea
I surmise that consciousness has developed only under the pressure of the need for communication; ...consciousness is really only a net of communication between human beings.
Gist of Idea
Only the need for communication has led to consciousness developing
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §354)
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Gay Science', ed/tr. Kaufmann,Walter [Vintage 1974], p.298
A Reaction
An interesting speculation, well ahead of its time. Given that thought does not require consciousness, as he claims, it is not quite clear why communication needs it. Presumably two robots can communicate. But Idea 20118 is good.
Related Idea
Idea 20118 Only our conscious thought is verbal, and this shows the origin of consciousness [Nietzsche]