OUR BRAINS ARE WIRED TO BELIEVE

HOW OUR BRAINS ARE WIRED

Our brains are wired first to understand, then to believe, and last to disbelieve.

Since disbelief requires additional cognitive effort, we get the physiological effects of certainty first.

 This is why images are so powerful, they go straight through to our emotions long before our cognitive disbelief kicks in.
 
So what are the consequences of this that we need to be aware of?
 
Firstly, that young people are wired to explore to understand first, and remain in belief longer, as they haven’t practiced taking the next step to disbelief yet.
 
So we need to train people to question things before they believe it – especially fast paced social media full of imagery and also video games.
 
With age, you might believe less and less of what you see and hear, until you become a cynical grumpy old git, questioning absolutely everything. You don’t want that. 
 
Allowing your mind to indulge in beautiful imagery that doesn’t have negative cognitive impact is good. 
 
Avoid hurtful and negative images, but if you do view this kind of imagery/movies/games – bring them into analytic conversation so the brain can dismantle what’s real and not.
 
Stop or limit the time you’re reading the news – a never ending influx of negativity makes you live in constant uncertainty and fear. 
 
Ensure you have some entity to alleviate responsibility to, especially when you’re surrounded by uncertainty and the world seems to be falling apart around us. If not god – the universe, the trees, the sun… whatever floats your boat – this will ease the transition from uncertainty back to belief that things will be fine no matter what, and you’re not carrying the ultimate responsibility yourself when things go pearshaped.
 
Indulge – Analyse – Disbelieve – then return to confidence in a good outcome. This last bit is your ultimate responsibility for yourself to feel happier and calm. 
 
Join the discussion in our EyeStorm Community group
(Visited 65 times, 1 visits today)

Leave A Comment