Debunking the Myth of Using Only 10% of Our Brain

In this post, we will delve into the popular myth that humans only use 10% of their brain, as perpetuated by movies like "LUCY" and "Limitless". It is funny enough that so many people now quote Morgan Freeman when arguing this (but C'mon, I am not even sure Morgan has a deep idea on the usage of a petri dish, quoting him in an argument is... let's leave that for now). While these films have captivated audiences with their portrayal of unlocking untapped brain potential, it is essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to understanding the true capacity of our brains.

There are numerous myths surrounding the human brain, and although we will primarily focus on debunking the 10% brain usage theory, it is worth mentioning other misconceptions, such as the notion that the size of the brain determines intelligence or that we have exactly 100 billion brain neurons. Scientific studies have determined that the number of brain neurons falls within the range of 67 to 86 billion, highlighting the variability among individuals. Additionally, the idea of a dominant brain side also deserves scrutiny. However, our main focus will be on dispelling the myth of limited brain utilization.

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The brain stands as one of the most complex structures in the human body, with its intricate workings constantly being studied and evolving. Depending on the source, estimates suggest the brain contains around 100 trillion synapses, or in some cases, as many as 1 quadrillion synapses. Synapses play a crucial role in connecting neurons and facilitating the transmission of signals through electrochemical processes. Despite comprising only 3% of our body weight, the brain consumes a staggering 20% of the body's energy to sustain the firing of neurons.

Interestingly, the origin of the 10% brain usage theory remains elusive, which is not uncommon for most myths. While some attribute its beginnings to American psychologist William James, whose words were likely misunderstood, others mistakenly associate the concept with Albert Einstein and his supposed writings on the subject.

For those who believe in the 10% brain usage theory, it is important to understand that humans utilize their entire brain, or rather 100% of its capacity. An MRI scan of the brain would reveal the extensive utilization of all its cells and tissues, although certain regions may serve specific functions. It is worth noting that even during periods of rest, the brain remains active and engaged in various processes.

Comparisons between the brain and computers are often drawn, with the brain being hailed as the ultimate and most sophisticated computer. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the brain operates differently from traditional computers, which rely on binary code (0s and 1s). Instead, the brain functions through intricate neural networks and synapses. If we were to make a comparison, one synapse in the brain could be considered equivalent to a single bit in a computer. Given the estimated range of 100 trillion to 1 quadrillion synapses, the scale and complexity of the brain's computational capacity far surpass that of any computer.

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For those who subscribe to the idea of using only 10% of our brain, it serves as an excuse for our perceived limitations in understanding various phenomena, such as comprehending animal languages. However, just as not all muscles in our body function simultaneously, different parts of the brain have distinct roles and responsibilities. Nevertheless, all regions of the brain are active and contribute to its overall functioning on a daily basis.

If the 10% brain usage theory were accurate, procedures like hemispherectomies, involving the removal of a significant portion of the brain, would not pose significant concerns. Similarly, brain damage would be inconsequential. However, in reality, any damage to a specific area of the brain can result in significant consequences, highlighting the intricate interconnections and importance of each brain region.

By dispelling the myth of limited brain utilization, we can embrace a more accurate understanding of the brain's extraordinary capacity and appreciate the complexity of its functioning.

Reference

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5063692/
• https://philarchive.org/archive/AROTQB
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-we-really-use-only-10/
• https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/brain-metrics/are_there_really_as_many/
• https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2018/December/600-trillion-synapses-and-alzheimers-disease
• https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/mind-read/lucy_is_wrong_we_use/
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/
• https://www.psychologicalscience.org/uncategorized/myth-we-only-use-10-of-our-brains.html