At this dawning of the 21st century, we don’t know everything we’d like to know or need to know about the Brain. But we know enough to set a more profitable course in life than we generally carry out, observe or experience.
[If you want to know more about what IS known about the anatomy and chemistry of the brain, check here: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&FORM=IGRE ]
The key point here is that, operationally, we know a lot more than we apply.
We know that CHOICES are brain-based, and that poor choices yield poor outcomes, but we continue to choose poorly.
We know that “unbridled”, brain-based behavioral driving forces of PLEASURE and IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION far exceed the power of disciplined CAPACITIZATION and the pursuit of DISTANT GOALS.
We know that the SEVEN CARDINAL VICES are hard-wired brain baggage and have to be over-ridden – with a great deal of higher-self / brain-based intentionality – to attain a reasonable stature and quality of life.
We are at least peripherally aware of ANIMAL INSTINCTS that probably derived from an evolutionary requirement for survival and perpetuation of the species, but that often over-ride “good sense” or “common sense”, and that, given free reign, can absolutely shut down advancement toward self-actualization [Maslow].
We know that we have an innate, brain-based SELF-WILL, which saddles us with an aversion to any imposition against our “natural tendencies” … with a particular aversion to “authority” … including “government over-reach”.
We know that GOOD HABITS and BAD HABITS are brain-based and that GOOD HABITS require a lot more effort, intentionality, higher-self engagement and discipline.
We know that EXECUTIVE FUNCTION (“higher-self” engagement) is extremely important in decision-making, judgment, behavioral choices and outcomes, and personal development/ advancement/achievement … and we know that much of that activity is based in the PRE-FRONTAL CORTEX of the brain … and we know that this part of the brain does not come fully developed; it has to be CONSTITUTED, CULTIVATED and CURATED FROM SCRATCH!
We now know that there is a significant-to-amazing level of “neuroplasticity” in the brain, such that life-long development of brain capacity and functionality can occur, as well as significant repair/rewiring in response to damage or disease.
There is also reason to suspect that NEGATIVE Neuroplasticity … i.e., atrophy or degenerative change … follows toxic exposure and/or unchallenging engagement.
We are learning that selectively directed brain engagement not only can create “breakthrough” advancement in individual academic progress, i.e., to close “achievement gaps”, but can significantly enhance IQ. [ www.equippingminds.com ]
Evidence is accruing to suggest that EXERCISE facilitates brain development, functionality and remodeling … as if to prepare one for emergency action or higher level functionality in more challenging circumstances.
We know that brain-based MOTIVATION has a defining role in human development.
We know that brain-based VISIONING, and the pursuit of elevated and distant GOALS and HORIZONS have defining roles in human development.
We know that brain-seated ATTITUDE is critical to advanced human development and functioning.
We know that PERSPECTIVE and CONTEXT are critical to advanced human functionality, and strongly suspect that these are elements directly associated with EXECUTIVE FUNCTION … and do not come pre-wired.
We know that the development of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – also not “pre-wired” – is critical to advanced functionality.
From general observation, we surmise that brain-based SCRIPTING, very similar to computer systems scripting, operates with a “Garbage in …Garbage out” conformity. Thus, one can’t expect to engage in quantum mechanics exploration, rocket science or brain surgery with baseline and mainline inputs from trivial pursuits, such as “People Magazine”, “The National Enquirer”, YouTube, video games and social media … or, most recently, “FAKE NEWS”!
From these rudimentary understandings, it is clear that we come into the world with a brain that is largely a tabula rasa with only primitive pre-wired functionality, and that, while it has incredible capacity for development of incredibly high-order functionality, the quality and quantity of INPUT – or lack thereof – determines how useful or useless it will become.
Stated more simply, highest order functionality does not come from sloppy, inattentive, “easy” and undisciplined brain engagement – and certainly not from toxic conditions – but from highly selective, totally intentional and positively directed engagement.
This is all we really NEED to know in 2017. But you may want to note that it significantly supersedes Robert Fulgham’s platitude of 1998: “All I need to know I learned in kindergarten”. Life becomes increasingly complex over time and is a scramble for the duration. But, well and carefully crafted, life can yield amazing rewards.
Following a virtuoso performance at the Kennedy Center, universally acclaimed violinist, Fritz Kreisler, was approached by a devoted fan who gushed, “Mr. Kreisler, I would give my life to be able to play as you have played!”
Mr. Kreisler could only reply, “I did!”
How will your performance measure up to your full potential and from what life-long pursuit(s)? Let’s make sure our brain development is on the most positive track possible. Feed your brain the most challenging and generative “fiber” and “fodder” you can find and see what wonders it can do! Quartermaster
