Dr. Iain McGilchrist on The Divided Brain

So I was watching some video presentations by Dr. Iain McGilchrist talking about the divided brain. Basically he discusses a new way of looking at why the brain is divided into separate hemispheres.




He theorizes that the right side of the brain is an overall awareness generator that looks at the big picture, trying to fit everything into a unified theory. The left side of the brain is concentrated on details and specifics. It tries to make sense of isolated phenomena and isn’t concerned with the overall picture.

McGilchrist uses the analogy: The left side concentrates on minute details, trying to find food for the next meal. The right side maintains a global awareness to ensure that while you are searching for food, you don’t become a meal for someone else.

He wonders that as a western society, are we more and more using our left hemisphere instead of a balance between the two. That Rome eventually deteriorated and fell because of this shift. We are now concentrating on thoughts and theories that have no basis in the real world. Scientists have to completely isolate their studies because the material can no longer be related to reality.

I just find this an original way of thinking and brings something new to the table.

Wallace Thornhill expands this theory a bit and takes it in a new direction (Smaller part of his overall presentation).



He theorizes that as we focus more and more on the details with no concern for the overall picture our entire thinking structure becomes more and more rigid. We lose the ability to entertain ideas and thoughts that are at all in odds with our current beliefs. Cognitive dissonance becomes an everyday occurrence.

This is our current educational system. It teaches us to memorize information that has no application in today's world. We are not taught critical thinking. We are discouraged to ask the 'what if' questions when they go against mainstream education. We are being systematically conditioned into using our left hemispheres more and more. We are becoming more and more detached from reality and as a consequence we are becoming more miserable.

*Caution for some viewers - This contains information dealing with the Electric Universe*

Mans inner division is definitely reflecting into the outside world and I think most would agree with that statement. There is no required education in awareness or self contemplation in our education systems. Once you graduate from the education provided and reach a certain age, suddenly you are considered an adult with half a brain trained if you are to believe this study on the function of the hemispheres. Anyone else see a problem?

How many brain scientists have the opportunity to study their own brain from the inside out?
Jill Bolte Taylor did when she experienced a stroke. She tells all about it in this video.