(Opinion)
Human behavior is a complex symphony of responses and actions, "Cause and Effect" shaped by various factors, one of them being brain dominance. There is an age-old debate between the left and right hemispheres of the brain that has fascinated researchers and philosophers alike, delving deep into how each side influences our behavior and choices. Drawing primarily upon the works of renowned psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist, we can take a compelling look into the often-puzzling realm of the brain to try and decipher which side reigns supreme and leads to our better wellbeing. Taking a few minutes to read through my thoughts on Balance may help solidify some of my thoughts on this subject as they are all connected.
When we consider the left brain versus right brain paradigm, research suggests that while the left brain excels in logical reasoning and problem-solving, the right brain contributes significantly to emotional intelligence, creativity, and holistic thinking. Striking a balance between these two sides can lead to a harmonious existence, where rationality and creativity coexist seamlessly. That should be the goal of us all should it not?
However, there is a dark shadow that hangs over both hemispheres equally. Go too far into either way of thinking and they both result in tyranny. This statement should explain itself as we progress.
(Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist; these are my opinions based on my own experiences and research into my own psychology. I may not have a PhD but everyone that I get my information does and I cite them. If you feel in anyway mentally unwell, please seek professional help, the longer you wait the worse the disorder can become. Just be careful who you choose.)
I see a basic need for equilibrium between the left and right hemispheres. While some argue for the dominance of one over the other, I hold a broader perspective that reveals the unique strengths each hemisphere contributes, without assigning more importance or value to either. I leverage the left brain's strength in logic, structure, and organization to establish a sturdy groundwork for tasks that demand analytical thinking, goal-setting, and strategic planning. Conversely, I harness the right brain's creative and intuitive essence to spark innovation, enabling me to think creatively and express myself artistically. What I am currently writing is a perfect example of using my right hemisphere for what it is intended. By acknowledging and embracing the distinct abilities of both hemispheres, I am able to foster a harmonious synergy that significantly boosts my cognitive abilities and enhances my approach to various aspects of life. It is through the integration of logical reasoning and creative imagination that we can all unlock our full potential and navigate life's complexities with a balanced and Holistic mindset.
Way back in the day when I worked as a restaurant manager we had a saying; "Aces in their places!" meaning putting your best people in the areas they excel at. Just think of the two hemispheres as your two employees and each one has a job they excel at, so the key is us letting them do it. Stop trying to micromanage the process. It is the same as my thoughts on God and science. I do not go to the bible to explain science things to me, and I do not go to science books to explain things about God to me. All that does is create confusion and I would be the one causing the confusion for myself by looking for answers in the wrong places. That is a choice my friends.
How does all of this impact our cognitive functions? We have established that the left brain is often associated with analytical thinking, logic, and structure, while the right brain is linked to creativity, intuition, and emotions. When the left brain dominates, we may find ourselves overanalyzing situations, focusing excessively on details, and adhering strictly to rules and routines. While these traits can be beneficial in certain contexts, an overemphasis on left-brain tendencies can hinder the ability to think outside the box, feel empathy, innovate, and embrace spontaneity.
Conversely, an overactive right brain can manifest as impulsiveness, emotional reactivity, and a tendency to prioritize creativity over practicality. While creativity is a valuable asset, an excessively dominant right brain can lead to difficulties in maintaining focus, following through with tasks, and making sound decisions based on logic and reason.
The majority of us though fall within the central area, the balance, or close perimeter of the spectrum, unlike the extremists and radicals at the far ends of the political spectrum. While they share a unified way of thinking, speaking, and acting, we possess the skill to adapt and use both perspectives as necessary. This balanced approach allows us to perceive situations realistically, acknowledging the current state of affairs and acting accordingly to bring about change if needed.
It is crucial for all of our general mental health and well-being to achieve a balance between the left and right brain hemispheres. By combining the advantages of both hemispheres, we can improve our problem-solving abilities, promote creativity alongside structure, and develop a harmonious relationship between analytical thinking and emotional intelligence. This equilibrium facilitates a comprehensive approach to cognitive functioning, empowering us to address obstacles with flexibility, adaptability, and resilience. It also makes us all but invulnerable to outside manipulation and that can only be a good thing, right?
Moving beyond our individual wellbeing which inevitably impacts the broader world around us, the question arises whether a predominant reliance on one side of the brain can have a ripple effect on broader societal dynamics, such as authoritarianism and rebellion. I have done a lot of research into the intricate relationship between cognitive processes and social behavior, and what I found is that authoritarian tendencies most often stem from an overemphasis on left-brain functions. This emphasis manifests in strict adherence to rules and structures, often at the expense of considering nuanced perspectives and flexibility in thinking such as empathy for how those adherences may impact others.
Conversely, rebellion and non-conformity within a society is most often linked to an overactive right brain. The right brain, known for its creativity and holistic thinking, may drive individuals to challenge traditional norms and explore alternative narratives. This inclination towards rebellion can be seen as a pushback against the rigidity imposed by left-brain dominance, as individuals seek to break free from established structures and embrace a more fluid and open-minded approach to societal norms.
Unfortunately, in this case what happens is people start believing in a "change for changes sake" mentality instead of actually analyzing what those changes are and what impact they may have down the road. Change is indeed good but not all changes turn out to be good things in the end, know what I mean? I firmly believe in preventing problems rather than dealing with them once they arise, don't you?
Understanding how brain functions interact with societal dynamics provides valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and social interactions. Acknowledging the influence of cognitive biases on collective behaviors can assist us in managing the fine line between order and chaos. Since one cannot exist without the other, it is our responsibility to not only coexist with both but also to effectively control their impact on all aspects of our lives.
Understanding that shines a bright light on how an understanding of these two dynamics can be used to manipulate people's perspectives, thoughts and even actions. I will not go into that subject here because everything that I write pretty much explains how I see that manipulation playing out in all contexts.
Remember, human behavior is predictable and anything that is predictable can and usually will be manipulated. So where does your mind reside, left, right, or center?
Something to think about, until next time. ~Ghost
I mention many times in my writing about turning off my emotions or turning off my logic in order to effectively deal with any given issue that may arise. This video mentions the importance of doing this as well.
Abstract
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