The Art of Thinking | How Our Brains Defy Limits and Redefine Reality

[Super]

I receive letters from people, often with bizarre and desperate appeals. One such letter I got today, and it said something like this: “You often say you don't know what the brain is, how it functions, or what consciousness is. I have 168 definitions of consciousness for you; study them carefully before you die.” I often get these letters, particularly from engineers. They all seem to think they have cracked the mysteries of the mind, while the truth is that even the greatest scientists are still grasping at the edges of this profound enigma.

Consciousness, as a concept, has always been shrouded in mystery, and our understanding remains incomplete. Throughout history, humans have tried to create ever more complex mechanisms to understand and simulate the world around them. Take, for example, the book wheel, an invention from centuries ago designed to allow scholars to read multiple texts simultaneously. It’s fascinating to think of how this medieval technology was a window into the vast expanse of knowledge available even back then. These inventions are often seen as extraordinary, not because they are inherently complex but because they broke new ground in human understanding.

I often wonder about the simpler, seemingly mundane inventions that profoundly shaped human civilization—things like the spoon, the needle, or the knife. These everyday items were revolutionary at their inception, and they were crucial to the development of our culture and society. Leonardo da Vinci might have invented complex machines, but it’s these simple tools that represent the most significant leaps in human mental evolution.

Our brain, with its complex structure and capacity for creativity, drives these innovations. However, creativity is not solely a human trait. For instance, certain animals, like crows, demonstrate remarkable problem-solving abilities. These birds have been observed using tools to raise the water level in a container to drink—a behavior akin to Archimedes’ principle, showing that the spark of invention is not uniquely human.

Consider how our brain engages in activities like dance, which requires an intricate coordination of limbs, balance, and timing, all governed by a complex neural network. This coordination is not just physical but also deeply cognitive, involving nearly every region of the brain. Dancers defy gravity with movements that seem to break the natural laws of physics. It’s not just physical strength; it's a symphony of the brain’s control over the body.

Art, too, showcases the remarkable capabilities of the human brain. I once attended a modern ballet performance in Oslo, led by a Czech choreographer renowned for his groundbreaking work. The dancers moved in ways that seemed impossible, defying gravity and twisting their bodies into shapes that were both beautiful and surreal. It felt as if they had reached the limits of what the human body could achieve. Moments like these remind us of how far human evolution, both physical and mental, has come.

Art isn't just a frivolous pastime; it’s a vital part of human culture that influences our reality, sometimes more than the real world itself. It creates second realities, as described by Yuri Lotman. Art doesn't just depict life; it often precedes and shapes it. Before Turgenev wrote about his delicate heroines, they didn't exist. Art invents, and then life follows.

Our relationship with art and creativity speaks to a deep, inherent need to explore and define new realms of existence. The brain is not just a tool for survival; it’s a canvas for imagination. This drive to create second realities, whether through literature, dance, or visual arts, sets humans apart from other species.

Interestingly, the creative process is not only about making things but also involves a state of mind known as "flow." In this state, artists, scientists, and thinkers often find themselves deeply immersed in their work, losing track of time and external concerns. This mental state is not something that can be planned; it emerges when the brain is allowed to wander and explore without the constraints of rigid schedules or predefined goals.

Creative minds often face unique challenges, including mental health issues. The same neural complexity that enables genius can also predispose individuals to depression, anxiety, and other psychological struggles. The connection between creativity and mental illness has been observed throughout history, from the tortured genius of Van Gogh to modern-day artists and scientists. It’s a double-edged sword that cuts both ways, driving incredible achievements but also carrying a heavy emotional toll.

One particularly troubling notion that has emerged in modern neuroscience is the idea of identifying criminal tendencies or other behavioral traits purely through brain scans. While there are areas of the brain that correlate with certain behaviors, this approach risks undermining fundamental human rights, such as the presumption of innocence. The mind cannot be reduced to just neural circuits; it’s shaped by experience, environment, and choices.

The truth is, our brains are far more adaptable and plastic than previously thought. They can change, grow, and rewire themselves in response to new experiences and challenges, even in older age. This neuroplasticity is what allows us to keep learning and adapting throughout our lives.

Thoughts:

This exploration of consciousness, creativity, and the human brain highlights the incredible complexity and potential within all of us. Our brains are not just organs; they are the epicenters of our reality, constantly shaping and reshaping our understanding of the world. The drive to create and innovate is deeply embedded in us, not just for survival but for the joy of discovery, the challenge of solving the unknown, and the thrill of creating something that never existed before.

However, with this potential comes the responsibility to use it wisely. The push to categorize, label, or even predict human behavior through neuroscience can be both enlightening and dangerous if misapplied. The brain is not just a collection of neurons; it’s the seat of our humanity, filled with contradictions, mysteries, and untapped possibilities. It reminds us that being human means constantly pushing the boundaries of what we know and embracing the journey of discovery, no matter how uncertain or complex it may be.

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[Olga]

The Illusion of Simple Solutions

People often crave simple solutions, thinking that somewhere out there lies a magic answer that will give them everything they want with minimal effort. But this mindset is one of the most misleading and absurd traps we can fall into. The reality is far different—our world is filled with fierce competition, self-interest, and complex challenges. Quick fixes and simple recipes for success don't exist, no matter how much we wish they did.

Believing in simple solutions only sets us up for disappointment. When things don't go as expected, this mindset leaves us feeling frustrated and disillusioned. The alternative is not glamorous, but it's grounded in reality: diving deep into the complexities of the real world, engaging in critical thinking, making hard decisions, and developing the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges. 

Those who put in the work to understand how things function, who are willing to endure discomfort and keep learning from their experiences, will be the ones who persevere when life gets tough. On the other hand, those who cling to simplistic answers will find themselves overwhelmed, swept away when the storm hits.

The truth is, there’s no shortcut to success or stability. The mindset of "What quick fix can I apply to solve everything?" is not just naive; it’s a recipe for failure. It's an approach doomed to collapse the moment it’s tested by real-world challenges.

Thoughts

This message resonates deeply with the reality that growth and success require effort, resilience, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of life. Many people fall into the trap of seeking instant gratification, looking for easy answers, and getting frustrated when things don’t fall into place. However, the most meaningful progress often comes through grappling with challenges, learning from mistakes, and pushing through discomfort.

The idea of embracing reality instead of chasing illusions is powerful and necessary in a world that often glorifies quick fixes and overnight success stories. It’s a reminder that while hard work, perseverance, and strategic thinking are not easy paths, they are the only paths that truly lead to sustainable growth and fulfillment.

What this highlights is the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Those qualities are the real antidotes to failure—not magical, simplistic solutions but rather a grounded, engaged approach to life’s inevitable ups and downs.