Sunday, July 23, 2006

Brain and Mind

The core of human brain is composed of special cells called neurons. Although individual neurons have been extensively studied by the scientists, no one really knows how the combined 'ecosystem' of these tiny cells connected through electronic pulses make up the intellectual, conscious and thinking 'brain'. Here is my take on this:
Although all neurons start identical at birth, they quickly adapt into 3 distinct categories to perform respective functions for the rest of their lives:
  1. Memorizing
  2. Analysis
  3. Creativity
1. Memorizing:
This is the most commonly know function of a human brain and has extensively been used throughout the civilizations as a clear path to worldly appreciation and success. Anywhere from "spelling bee" competitions to the entrance tests for prestigious institution, you will see the 'magic' of memory at work. This, in my humble opinion, is the worst possible use of the power of the human brain. The storage of information can and is accoumplished by much cheaper means, which are getting cheaper and bigger by the day. Today a common cell phone can store an entire dictionary. Soon humans will come to know that memory based skills are becoming worthless tools for success. Consequently, it will also become evident that training your neurons to become memory dump is an ineffecient use of brain power.
2. Analytic:
The neurons developed for this function allow one to perform analysis over give data and deduce conclusions. No residual memory is required and all processing is done purely on the given data. Examples are evaluating next move in chess game while given any formation of the pieces (except for the almost-standard opening moves).
3. Creativity:
This is the most fascinating and little known aspect of human brain. It allows one to create something out of nothing. A large number of neurons trained to perform just this function are the characteristics of an outstanding art creator or a scientist with a vision no one else has. Note that a succesfull creativity is always accoumpanied by strong analytic abilities. Otherwise, it will lead to just fantacies, or in some cases, mental instituion. Conclusion Studies have shown that #1 and #2 type brain functions are common on all animals and even in some plants. Function #3 (Creativity) is known only to be the sole domain of humans. Unfortuantely, in order to survive in todays under-developed societies, one must posses skills by virtue of memory and analytic abilities of the brain. In fact, simply having a great memory capability over-compensate for all. Regretfully, this is still true even in the most advanced known societies of mankind on planet earth (year 2006). Hopefully in the future, the society will be able to supprt human life without needing much of the animal skills and will allow to flourish more of the human skills of the brain. Untill then, best appraoch would be to use as little neurons for memory as possible. Try to utilize cheap memory gadgets for this purpose. It may still be inevitable to load some neurons with junk in order to pass certain tests or fulfil the requirements of most yet-to-be evolved institutes. Make sure that leaves minimum and temporary damage to your brain. Try to increase the creative segment of the neurons. Now thats an entirely seperate topic. More on that later.