Brains evolved to process sensory inputs in mobile organisms on a planetary surface so how have human brains become able to think about the entire universe and even about different kinds of multiverse?
Organs can transcend their original use. An orifice used for eating is also used for speaking. The ability to see nearby objects is also the ability to see a galaxy two million light years away. Opposable thumbs used for grasping and manipulating can also be used to play musical instruments and to write poetry. Manipulating the environment led to thinking about it. The ability to think about immediate practical problems is also the ability to think. To think about what is is also think about what is not. ("This is green so it is not blue, red etc.")
Poul Anderson's science fiction celebrates the emergence of sapience anywhere in the universe and in any material form. Biology and psychology differ, and Anderson shows their alienness, but we nevertheless empathize with Ythrian immigrants to Avalon or with Merseian immigrants to Dennitza.
Gills became super-chargers, enabling intelligent Ythrians to fly in terrestroid conditions. They walk awkwardly on the ends of their folded wings but soar, dance and honor God in the sky. High is heaven and holy!
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