To say that we as humans only use 10 percent of our brains would be a drastic understatement. The phrase has been so popular though that there must be some bit of truth to it, or is there?
The origins of the statement are difficult to find, however many scientist have theorize that the statement was adapted from a quote by a psychologist and author, William James. James said simply though, “We are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources.” Due to no percentile figure being mention others maintain that Einstein used to 10% figure to explain is level of higher intellect, though a direct quote cannot be found.
The truth that is maintained in the theory of human’s only using 10% percent of their brains, is that throughout a lifetime there are small moments where only a limited amount, 10% roughly, is used. These times include when a person is resting and doing nothing more than thinking.
Many people have grown to believe this myth though when as individuals we consider the amazing intellect of others, and also abilities often called ‘super-human’ that we wish we could tap into. As humans we take our brains and their daily tasks for granted. In a moment where a person is standing our brain alone does not only lead the muscles in the body to respond in support of the body weight, but the cerebellum as coordinates a person’s balance. In addition our brain is also controlling constantly our breathing, our heart rates, our blood flows, and even that twinge of pain you felt while rising from your seat.
Scientists have been able to study the actual usage of the brain through scans while study participants are asked to do numerous activities, movements, and even while thinking of a range of items. They have been able to see the synapses react as the brain is used.
If we only used 10% of our brains, as a human you would be able to see the screen right now, but you wouldn’t be reading, you wouldn’t have been able to operate the computer, and you would be sitting in a very odd position. In fact the only think you would be able to do while looking is seeing.
Everything we do, whether we realize it or not is processed through our brains, the movements of our fingers on the keys, our movements to be comfortable in chairs, the understanding of dialogues and written texts, and even the parts of life we take for granted such as digesting food.
What is amazing to the potential of our brains has been demonstrated in victims of brain injuries, that after losing part of their brain or permanently damage it are able to still do normal daily tasks, without problem.
This speaks volumes that we do not simply use 10 percent of our brains, but rather that there is still 90% of what our brains do and are capable of that we do not fully understand. Not yet at least.
