The title for The Roots of Consciousness was inspired by a statement of cosmologist Arthur M. Young, who cautioned against seeking only the "flowers of consciousness," such as clairvoyance and telepathy, considering them no more than the "intriguing foliage" of psychology. Author Jeffrey Mishlove, however, believes that these and other psychic powers are not just for show, but are "rooted in the essential core of our existence." Throughout the book, Mishlove presents the viewpoints of both believers and nonbelievers as a further means of introducing the language and concepts of psychic functioning.