The human brain fascinates me. That we use only 10% of it boggles my mind. Will we, at some time or place in the future, use more? Why do we have the “extra”? Might it actually come in to play in functions we cannot measure at this time? Is it possible that the portion that doesn’t show as being used actually is what gives us our sixth sense, intuition, or some other unquantifiable benefit? I don’t believe that it’s unnecessary.
Even though scientific experiments have been done, and medical observations made that show IQs not dropping when most of the brain has wasted away (or been taken away), I still don’t think the Creator gave us anything without a function.
When Paul was little, they removed his tonsils just because he was in the hospital anyway. We know today that those tonsils play a role in the strength of the immune system. Many people have had their appendices removed for the same (non)reason. Time will reveal the extent of the appendix’s purpose. My own theory is that it’s a toxic waste disposal for the body, protecting the rest of it. (Yes, you read it here first!) The point I’m trying to make is that just because we don’t know what the rest is for doesn’t mean it has no use. We simply haven’t discovered it yet.
If you’re fascinated by the brain as well, the Society for Neuroscience will send you a free 64-page primer. It’s a “primer”, but it’s written on a high school level, enjoyable to read, and broken into small sections to digest. If you homeschool, or have a child interested in the brain, it’s also great unit study. You can download a copy, or wait for it to arrive in the mail. The publication is the same. We’ll wait for the book since my kids tend to be the kind who wants to hold them, smell them, and have that tactile encounter as well as a mental one. I wonder which part of the brain controls that?
Link to SFN Request for “Brain Facts”
Related Blogs:
Another Interesting Blog about the Brain:
Brain Wiring: Understanding the Autistic Mind