10% of Our Brains

 Learning about how we use only 10% of our brain was extremely interesting especially since I took the course, Addictions, back in June and we learned about the different parts of the brain for a brief period of time. It makes me question why humans only use 10% of their brains and if it is part of an evolutionary trait that was developed through time. There could also be no explanation to it and it is simply that we only use 10% of our brains. It is fascinating. The videos that were shown in the lecture slides remind me of the different movies and shows that depict the characters having a psychic ability through psychokinesis or other physic abilities. Although it does not explicitly mention the character using more than 10% of their brain, it falls under the belief that if humans had the ability to use more than 10% of their brain, they would have psychic abilities. The movies and tv show that I thought of were Matilda, Carrie, and an episode of South Park.

In the movies, Matilda and Carrie, the main characters both have telekinesis abilities that they use to their own advantage. Obviously, the movie, Matilda, is kid-friendly while the movie, Carrie, is a horror film so their actions will be completely different. However, the movies indicate that Carrie and Matilda, the main characters from the films, have used more than 10% of their brain. They have an ability like no other character in the movies, and it is unbelievable until everyone else witnesses it. 

In the episode, The Biggest Douche in the Universe, from South Park, a couple of characters travel to New York to appear on a tv show to receive help from an individual who can "talk" to the dead. The character, Stan, quickly understands that the guy does not have a special ability and he is simply using simple tricks to appear right. Stan begins to use those tricks and people begin to believe that he has special abilities as well. It reminds me of how James Randi exposed James Hydrick and Uri Gellar through his explanations. James Randi was able to debunk their abilities by explaining the tricks they use and how they prepare the necessary supplies. Once Randi knew that information, he was able to perform the same tricks that Hydrick and Gellar had. It is similar to how Stan was able to recreate the abilities of the man who could "talk" to the dead. 

I think it is interesting how we do not know what would happen if we used more than 10% of our brain, but we all have a common depiction of what it would be and that we use it to create the plots of films, tv shows, and books. However, it never seems to be dull to anyone if the same physic ability can be used over and over again.