A New Map of How We Think Top Brain Bottom Brain

You may have heard people describe themselves as strictly "right-brained" or "left-brained," with the left-brainers bragging about their math skills and the right-brainers touting their creativity. The brain is divided down the middle into two hemispheres, with each half performing a fairly distinct set of operations.

In general, the left hemisphere is dominant in language: processing what you hear and handling most of the duties of speaking. It's also in charge of carrying out logic and exact mathematical computations. When you need to retrieve a fact, your left brain pulls it from your memory.

The right hemisphere is mainly in charge of spatial abilities, face recognition and processing music. It performs some math, but only rough estimations and comparisons. The brain's right side also helps us to comprehend visual imagery and make sense of what we see. It plays a role in language, particularly in interpreting context and a person's tone.

While brain asymmetry allows the two sides of the brain to become specialized, increasing its processing capacity and avoiding situations of conflict (where both sides of the brain try to take charge), isn't it the whole brain that matters? Two halves make a whole, right?

This week, another look at how we look at the brain.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." - Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady, US diplomat & reformer, 1884 - 1962)

   A New Map of How We Think: Top Brain / Bottom Brain by fredwine