LA HYBRIS, SINDROME NEUROPATOLOGICA CHE FAVORISCE IL DETERIORARSI DELL’ECOSISTEMA CHE PUÒ PRELUDERE ALLA “SESTA ESTINZIONE”

The term “hubris” is used here to indicate the consequence of the Mis-Exaptation of inner speech, which becomes so self-referential and impetuous that the individual is led to believe that he is omnipotent and that the entire ecosystem is not an “end”, but only a “means” through which he can achieve an objective that he deems, erroneously, to be extremely important to him. We present the innovative hypothesis that a positive feedback loop is established between the deterioration of the ecosystem and the onset of the neuropathological syndrome of “hubris”, which is deemed to be caused by alterations in the integrative functions of brain circuits. We suggest that this vicious circle is sustained by environmental toxins and the impoverishment of the ecosystem, which cause neuro-degeneration and, more generally, impair the integrative action of brain circuits. The consequence envisioned is that this positive feedback loop, which at present is not only uncontrolled but actually potentiated by the socio-economic context, may give rise to the “Sixth Extinction”.