Member-only story

Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World

August Hayes

·7.4k Followers· Follow

Published in The Matter With Things: Our Brains Our Delusions And The Unmaking Of The World

5 min read · 2 weeks before

404 View Claps

66 Respond

Save

Listen

The Matter With Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions and the Unmaking of the World

by Iain McGilchrist

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2996 pages

A Neuroscientist's Journey Through the Evolution of Human Belief

In his groundbreaking book, Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World, neuroscientist David Eagleman explores the nature of human belief, and how our brains are wired to create and maintain delusions. He argues that our brains are not designed to seek truth, but rather to seek certainty. This can lead us to believe things that are not true, and to hold on to these beliefs even when there is evidence to the contrary.

Eagleman's book is a fascinating exploration of the human mind, and it has important implications for our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In this article, we will discuss some of the key ideas from Eagleman's book, and we will explore their implications for our lives.

The Brain's Bias Towards Certainty

One of the most important ideas that Eagleman explores in his book is the brain's bias towards certainty. He argues that our brains are wired to seek out certainty, even if it comes at the expense of truth. This is because certainty provides us with a sense of comfort and security. It allows us to make decisions and take actions without having to worry about whether or not we are making the right choice.

However, the brain's bias towards certainty can also lead us to believe things that are not true. This is because our brains are often willing to accept information that confirms our existing beliefs, even if that information is not accurate. This can lead us to become trapped in a cycle of confirmation bias, where we only seek out information that supports our beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them.

The Evolution of Human Belief

Eagleman also explores the evolution of human belief in his book. He argues that our brains have evolved to create and maintain delusions because they have helped us to survive and thrive as a species. In the past, delusions may have helped us to avoid danger, to find food, and to form social bonds. However, in the modern world, delusions can be harmful. They can lead us to make bad decisions, to believe in conspiracy theories, and to engage in violence.

Eagleman argues that we need to be aware of the brain's bias towards certainty and the evolution of human belief in Free Download to avoid the dangers of delusions. He believes that we need to cultivate a healthy skepticism and to be willing to question our beliefs, even when they are deeply held.

Implications for Our Lives

Eagleman's book has important implications for our lives. It can help us to understand why we believe the things we do, and why we are sometimes so resistant to changing our minds. It can also help us to be more aware of the dangers of delusions and to cultivate a healthy skepticism.

If you are interested in learning more about the nature of human belief and the evolution of delusions, I highly recommend reading Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about the world around you.

The Matter With Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions and the Unmaking of the World

by Iain McGilchrist

4.7 out of 5