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Bernie Cummins's avatar

The idea that people are predominantly "left-brained" (analytical) or "right-brained" (creative) is a popular, yet scientifically inaccurate, myth. While the two hemispheres of the brain do specialize in certain functions (e.g., language in the left, spatial awareness in the right), both sides are connected, work in tandem, and are used equally.

The Myth: The common belief that one side of your brain dominates your personality, making you either a logical, detail-oriented "left-brainer" or a creative, artistic "right-brainer" is untrue.

The Reality: While certain functions are specialized (lateralized), studies show that brain activity is similar on both sides for most tasks.

Whole Brain Functioning: The left and right hemispheres communicate constantly through a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum, working together on complex tasks.

Brain Scans: Neuroimaging studies of over 1,000 individuals found no evidence that people prefer one side over the other.

Caleb Woodbridge's avatar

Yes, categorising people into left or right brained is a myth - but that each side of the brain contributes distinctively to how we think is well established in neuroscience. Iain McGilchrist's The Matter with Things busts the myths and shows the role each play. And while we do in fact always use both in tandem, his thesis, which he argues very persuasively, is that culturally we value left-brain style thinking over right-brain thinking. Worth reading the book, or checking out a podcast interview with him!

Bernie Cummins's avatar

Thanks Caleb for this 😀 very good value mate !

Bernie Cummins's avatar

The idea that people are predominantly "left-brained" (analytical) or "right-brained" (creative) is a popular, yet scientifically inaccurate, myth. While the two hemispheres of the brain do specialize in certain functions (e.g., language in the left, spatial awareness in the right), both sides are connected, work in tandem, and are used equally.

The Myth: The common belief that one side of your brain dominates your personality, making you either a logical, detail-oriented "left-brainer" or a creative, artistic "right-brainer" is untrue.

The Reality: While certain functions are specialized (lateralized), studies show that brain activity is similar on both sides for most tasks.

Whole Brain Functioning: The left and right hemispheres communicate constantly through a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum, working together on complex tasks.

Brain Scans: Neuroimaging studies of over 1,000 individuals found no evidence that people prefer one side over the other.

Jonathan's avatar

Please find an Illuminated Understanding of Matter and Reality As Indivisible Conscious Light via this reference: http://www.integralworld.net/reynolds16.html

On Sacred Art http://daplastique.com/essay/the-maze-of-ecstasy

Caleb Woodbridge's avatar

Thanks for these links! How have you found them helpful?