Pile On Motivation

Join 21K other subscribers

Tag: Neo Cortex

  • Why Large Problems need small solutions?

    Adopted from the book titled “Switch” by Chip and Dan Heath

    The rational brain of human beings rederred as the “Rider” is capable of complex analysis and problem solving

    Though this is a wonderful gift , can act in negative ways at times

    The inherent tendency of the rational brain is to assume that large problems need large complex solutions which is not the case.

    Imagine the case of puerperal fever that broke as an epidemic during the 18th and early 19th century.The solution was very simple , cleanliness

    This is indeed a lesson in itself

  • Old Brain vs New Brain – Unknown facts

    Our limbic part of the brain has been inherited from apes and is known as the “Old Brain”.This understands only symbols & signals and has no power for rational thinking.

    A couple of noteworthy components are HippoCampus & Amygdala.

    Whereas hippocampus stores long term emotional memory for later recall and reflection , Amygdala acts as the thermometer of feelings.

    The rational brain is a later addition and helps in rational thinking and hence known as “New Brain”.This is what separates humans from other animals.

    The quirky part is that both “Old & “New brain” work in the opposite direction. A high emotional arousal leading to high limbic activity results in low rational state and vice versa.

    Knowing these quirks can help us focus on top performance.

  • The role of Neo-Cortex of brain – Simplified

    Neo-Cortex is the part of the brain that help to perform calculations , complex analysis , rational thinking.

    This is the part of the brain that separates us from other animals , it is called the new brain.

    Some major tasks performed by neo-cortex

    1. Complex analysis & calculations
    2. Connecting dots
    3. identifying patterns
    4. Innovating and finding new patterns

    If the negative emotions of the limbic brain are controlled , neo-cortex can help to re-define our civilization.