At this dawning of the 21st century, we don’t
know everything we’d like to know or need to know about the Brain. But we know enough to set a more profitable
course in life than we generally carry out, observe or experience.
[If you want to know more about
what IS known about the anatomy and chemistry of the brain, check here: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&qpvt=neurotransmitters+and+their+functions&FORM=IGRE
]
The key point here is that, operationally, we know a lot
more than we apply.
We know that CHOICES are brain-based, and that poor choices
yield poor outcomes, but we continue to choose poorly.
We know that “unbridled”, brain-based behavioral driving
forces of PLEASURE and IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION far exceed the power of disciplined
CAPACITIZATION and the pursuit of DISTANT GOALS.
We know that the SEVEN CARDINAL VICES are hard-wired brain
baggage and have to be over-ridden – with a great deal of higher-self / brain-based
intentionality – to attain a reasonable stature and quality of life.
We are at least peripherally aware of ANIMAL INSTINCTS that
probably derived from an evolutionary requirement for survival and perpetuation
of the species, but that often over-ride “good sense” or “common sense”, and
that, given free reign, can absolutely shut down advancement toward
self-actualization [Maslow].
We know that we have an innate, brain-based SELF-WILL, which
saddles us with an aversion to any imposition against our “natural tendencies”
… with a particular aversion to “authority” ... including “government
over-reach”.
We know that GOOD HABITS and BAD HABITS are brain-based and
that GOOD HABITS require a lot more effort, intentionality, higher-self
engagement and discipline.
We know that EXECUTIVE FUNCTION (“higher-self” engagement)
is extremely important in decision-making, judgment, behavioral choices and
outcomes, and personal development/ advancement/achievement … and we know that
much of that activity is based in the PRE-FRONTAL CORTEX of the brain … and we
know that this part of the brain does not come fully developed; it has to be
CONSTITUTED, CULTIVATED and CURATED FROM SCRATCH!
We now know that there is a significant-to-amazing level of
“neuroplasticity” in the brain, such that life-long development of brain
capacity and functionality can occur, as well as significant repair/rewiring in
response to damage or disease.
There is also reason to suspect
that NEGATIVE Neuroplasticity … i.e., atrophy or degenerative change … follows toxic
exposure and/or unchallenging engagement.
We are learning that selectively directed brain engagement not
only can create “breakthrough” advancement in individual academic progress,
i.e., to close “achievement gaps”, but can significantly enhance IQ.
Evidence is accruing to suggest
that EXERCISE facilitates brain development, functionality and remodeling … as
if to prepare one for emergency action or higher level functionality in more
challenging circumstances.
We know that brain-based MOTIVATION has a defining role in
human development.
We know that brain-based VISIONING, and the pursuit of
elevated and distant GOALS and HORIZONS have defining roles in human
development.
We know that brain-seated ATTITUDE is critical to advanced
human development and functioning.
We know that PERSPECTIVE and CONTEXT are critical to
advanced human functionality, and strongly suspect that these are elements
directly associated with EXECUTIVE FUNCTION … and do not come pre-wired.
We know that the development of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE –
also not “pre-wired” – is critical to advanced functionality.
From general observation, we surmise that brain-based
SCRIPTING, very similar to computer systems scripting, operates with a “Garbage
in …Garbage out” conformity. Thus,
one can’t expect to engage in quantum mechanics exploration, rocket science or
brain surgery with baseline and mainline inputs from trivial pursuits, such as
“People Magazine”, “The National Enquirer”, YouTube, video games and social
media … or, most recently, “FAKE NEWS”!
From these rudimentary understandings, it is clear that we
come into the world with a brain that is largely a tabula rasa with only primitive pre-wired functionality, and that,
while it has incredible capacity for development of incredibly high-order
functionality, the quality and quantity of INPUT – or lack thereof – determines
how useful or useless it will become.
Stated more simply, highest order functionality does not
come from sloppy, inattentive, “easy” and undisciplined brain engagement – and certainly
not from toxic conditions – but from highly selective, totally intentional and
positively directed engagement.
This is all we really NEED to know in 2017. But you may want to note that it
significantly supersedes Robert Fulgham’s platitude of 1998: “All I need to know I learned in kindergarten”. Life becomes increasingly complex over time
and is a scramble for the duration. But,
well and carefully crafted, life can yield amazing rewards.
Following a virtuoso performance at
the Kennedy Center, universally acclaimed violinist, Fritz Kreisler, was
approached by a devoted fan who gushed, “Mr.
Kreisler, I would give my life to be able to play as you have played!”
Mr. Kreisler could only reply, “I did!”
How will your
performance measure up to your full potential and from what life-long
pursuit(s)? Let’s make sure our brain
development is on the most positive track possible. Feed your brain the most challenging and
generative “fiber” and “fodder” you can find and see what wonders it can do! Quartermaster
