The bees are highly social, and it is possible that it is primarily this fact that “lifts” their mental power into the realm of consciousness. Being part of the socium has been proven to be critical for a human to be, well, human. What is interesting, though, is that while the social life is lifting the bee, it appears that it often moves the individual human mind in the opposite direction.
> The bees are highly social, and it is possible that it is primarily this fact that “lifts” their mental power into the realm of consciousness.
As far as I understand it, a theory of mind is a hard requirement for consciousness - you understand that other beings have minds, then you model them, then you turn that in on yourself, and the loop is closed and voila, you develop tools and culture and anxiety.
