What exactly is consciousness? (And does my Venus flytrap have it too?)

Science & Tech

What exactly is consciousness? (And does my Venus flytrap have it too?)

In new book, author Michael Pollan explores nonhuman sentience, stream of thought, AI

Sy Boles

Harvard Staff Writer

February 24, 2026 9 min read

Michael Pollan.

File photo by Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer

The brain is constantly managing a myriad of bodily functions...