The human mind is one of the features that makes our species unusual, and any narrative of our origins must include explanations for how our mental facilities were generated by genetic and cultural evolutionary processes. Comparative studies with the minds of other species and direct studies of how the typical human brain creates the mind are valuable approaches. However, many useful clues can also be gleaned from studying extraordinary variations of the human mind. Free and open to the public, CARTA’s May 5th symposium, “Extraordinary Variations of the Human Mind: Lessons for Anthropogeny,” will bring together experts who have pursued in-depth explorations of some of these variations. Free admission but registration is required. See website for details. A live webcast of this symposium will also available. Co-presented by UC San Diego/Salk Institute Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA) and the KAVLI Institute for Brain and Mind (KIBM) Sponsored by the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation.