In this inaugural episode, Mireille and Adam explore what it means to be human at the most basic level. Our goal is to explore the inner-workings of the human brain to better understand our humanity. What are we capable of? What are the common experiences of life we all share? We start by asking the question, “what are the fundamentals of being human?”
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Featuring:
Show Notes:
Designed to feel
As humans, we are fundamentally designed to feel. Feelings aren’t facts but they are feedback. When we can consider our feelings in conjunction with other data, we’re apt to make wiser decisions. Whether our feelings or they don’t, they’re still feedback.
- We have a complex brain, a mind, and relationships (brainstem: the Reptile brain + limbic system: the mammalian brain and the neocortex: the Human brain.
- We have emotions.
- We are energy-based beings (electrical current makes us tick). Neurons that fire together, wire together.
a. Where attention, energy flows—we feed whatever it is we focus on. Happiness/changes in how feel can be modified in part by what we choose to focus on. Example - getting a job.
b. Dan Siegel says it like this “Where attention goes, neuro firing flows, and neuro connections grow.”
Designed to connect
As humans, we are fundamentally designed to connect and be connected with others. When we don’t have a community wherein we can be our authentic selves, we’re apt to struggle more than we would without them.
- Is connection or touch with other humans required?
- Attachment is 100% learned - it is not genetically determined. That brings hope because we can modify our relationship as we, too, change.
We all struggle
As humans, we do not get the option to opt out the struggle. We may not be able to pick our struggles, but, nonetheless we all struggle.
Adam says “Admit the struggle. Identify the lie. Seek the truth.”
As it relates to coping, the value of naming our struggles is so important. It involves more aspects of the brain when we put words to our struggles so that we’re better able to cope.
Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!
08/06/19 • 46 min
2 Listeners
Brain Science: Neuroscience, Behavior - The fundamentals of being human
Transcript
It's interesting having worked with people over so many years, because I think there's some common things or threads that start to emerge... One of those things is really just what it means to be human, and I would contend that there's these fundamentals that all people struggle with; and that part of when they come in to see me, where they're at is that they don't know how to reconcile some of these things. Either they'v
The fundamentals of being human Top Questions Answered
How are attachment and relationships learned behaviors in humans?
Attachment and relationships are learned behaviors in humans through experiences and interactions with others. People learn how to form connections and develop social bonds based on their early relationships with caregivers and later experiences in various social contexts.
What are the key structures in the limbic system responsible for emotions?
The key structures in the limbic system responsible for emotions are the hippocampus and amygdala. The hippocampus plays a role in memory formation and emotional regulation, while the amygdala is involved in processing and responding to emotional stimuli.
How does language impact the management of emotions in the brain?
Language plays a critical role in managing emotions and engaging different brain structures. By naming and understanding emotions through language, individuals can better navigate and cope with their emotional experiences, as well as communicate their feelings to others.
What impact do brain injuries have on information processing?
Brain injuries can disrupt the symphony of brain functions and impact how information is processed. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, cognitive functions, emotional processing, and memory can be affected, leading to difficulties in various aspects of information processing.
Can memories be changed and modified when recalled?
Memories can be changed and modified when recalled. Each time a memory is accessed, it becomes susceptible to modifications or distortions based on subsequent experiences, suggestions, or the individual's cognitive processes.
Why is eyewitness testimony often unreliable?
Eyewitness testimony is often unreliable due to different perspectives and focus. People's memories are influenced by many factors, including biases, leading questions, and reconstructions based on personal interpretation and beliefs, which can lead to inaccuracies or discrepancies in their recollections.
What role do emotions play in memory consolidation?
Emotions play a role in memory consolidation, with stronger emotions being more memorable. When an event elicits strong emotions, it enhances the encoding and consolidation of associated memories, making them more vivid and easier to retrieve.
How do neurons operate in the brain?
Neurons in the brain operate on the "all or none" principle, meaning they either fire or do not fire. When a neuron receives sufficient input or stimulation, it reaches a threshold and generates an electrical impulse called an action potential, which allows information to be transmitted throughout the brain.
What role does attention play in neural pathways?
Attention determines which neural pathways are reinforced and become automated. By directing our attention to specific stimuli or experiences, we strengthen the connections between neurons involved in processing that information, making it easier and more efficient for the brain to process similar stimuli in the future.
How does conditioning associate emotions with specific experiences or settings?
Conditioning can associate certain emotions with specific experiences or settings. When a person repeatedly experiences certain emotions, such as pleasure or fear, in the context of a particular situation or environment, they can become conditioned to associate those emotions with that specific context.
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