The Line of consciousness and how to cross it

[Cazero]

Let's say I wipe you of your memory and I mean all of it. Who would you be? Nobody, just a body and the base instincts inside all of us. Which means that being conscious is learned, not natural. We know this because when human children are raised by other animals, they don't become conscious, they are as instinctual as the other animals around them. So being conscious is linked (somehow) to the memories and experiences we have as a child.

The vast majority of animals are aware enough of themselves and their surroundings to be called conscious. I think the word "sapient" better matches the idea you're thinking of and could clear some confusion.