For its 125th anniversary, the famous Science magazine published a list of the greatest mysteries that modern science has not yet solved. In second place, the authors of the magazine, the best scientists in the world, placed the question of the biological basis of consciousness. The general cognitive theory presented in this monograph provides an answer to this important question. And also many others, no less important. Is it possible to create artificial intelligence that can become aware of itself? How do we acquire language? How is culture preserved over thousands of years? For students and teachers, as well as everyone interested in the problems of the functioning of the psyche and its formation.