genetic mutation made symbolic thought possible for humans, which in turn made language possible. There are, however, debates about whether this “Cognitive Revolution” occurred almost suddenly (according to, for example, Noah Harari, among others) or very gradually (according to, for example, Clive Finlayson, among others). It seems certain, however, that it occurred at least for Neanderthals as well, and that some elements may have passed from Neanderthals to modern Homo sapiens.
