A Whole New Mind: Chpt 1

I LOVE this book so far! Really. I'm pretty sure it's because I'm a pre-service teacher, and that I'm interested in psychology and and how we function in life as humans. It made me think about how I operate and what side of the brain I use more frequently. Prior to reading this book, I've always thought I was more of an "R directed thinker," and ultimately, I still feel that way for the most part; although, I see now that I use the my left brain for many purposes in daily situations as well. I realize now that both sides really do balance us out, it's just that one side might be more active.

In chapter 1, Pink discusses his experience from taking part in a research study at the National Institute of Mental Health on brain activity. The research was investigating which parts of the brain(right and left hemispheres) were stimulated in response to certain facial expressions and scary scenes presented through pictures.

As he discusses on page 13, Pink explains the old theory that people who use more of the left hemisphere (aka L directed thinkers) are rational, analytical and logical people. Those who use more of the right hemisphere (aka R directed thinkers) are mute, non-linear, and instinctive. It was seen that the left side of the brain was more essential than the right side. For example, a french neurologist (Paul Broca) found that the left side of the brain actually controlled the ABILITY to speak language. Presumably, the left hemisphere of the brain is what "makes us human"(pg. 14) because language itself is what separates us from any other species in the world. Interesting concept. BUT, as I was more than happy to read on. A professor by the name of Roger W. Sperry researched individuals with epileptic seizures whom required part of the corpus callosum to be removed from their brains (the part that connects the two sides of the brain) He found that the right side of the brain was not in fact inferior to the left side. He found that there is just 'two modes of thinking':
-The left hemisphere reasoned sequentially, excelled at analysis, and handled words.
-The right hemisphere reasoned holistically, recognized patterns, and interpreted
emotions and nonverbal expressions. Human beings were literally of two minds.
As far as language is concerned in humans, Pink tries to simplify the scientific jargon for the reader. He explains that "the left hemisphere handles WHAT is said; the right hemisphere focuses on HOW it's said--the nonverbal, often emotional cues delivered through gaze, facial expression, and intonation." He also mentions that the right hemisphere enables us to comprehend metaphors. Pink shows good examples when comparing the two parts of the brain. Left brainers analyze details, and right brainers synthesize the BIG PICTURE.
Ultimately though, as he mentions on page 25, BOTH parts of the brain were designed to work together, as "a powerful thinking machine."