Left Hemisphere is keeping you Sane and Same

Biological background of our biases

Basic biology tells us our brain is constituted of two hemispheres. I discovered this wonderful quote in God is in the Neurons Youtube video by Athene. It explains how relying on ever truthful and logical left hemisphere is leaving us isolated in information and beliefs bubble. I find it very useful to be reminded, that psychological resistances arising in daily life are perceived primarily by our biased belief systems of what should constitute reality. Whenever I block something out, I am missing an opportunity to learn. For better and for worse.

Vilayanur S. Ramachandran / Athene:

The left cerebral hemisphere is largely responsible for creating a coherent belief system, in order to maintain a sense of continuity towards our lives. New experiences get folded into the pre-existing belief system. When they don‘t fit, they are simply denied. Counter-balancing this is the right cerebral hemisphere, which has the opposite tendency. Whereas the left hemisphere tries to preserve the model, the right hemisphere is constantly challenging the status quo. When the discrepant anomalies become too large, the right hemisphere forces a revision in our world view. However, when our beliefs are too strong, the right hemisphere may not succeed in overriding our denial.

Drawing credit: Nadir Chen Siddiqui

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