The Mind (Scientific Rumours)

[GoddessWolf]

Some say that humans only use small percentages of their brains. Those parts have been scientifically studied and mapped out on charts.

The true question however, is what do you really believe the mind is capable of in the parts we chose to ignore, or have never used? Are there places we have never delved into? Do you think strange and uncanny abilities lay dormant, or are those parts of our minds simply unused for other purposes?

If we could unlock those parts of our minds could we control them, or would we be overwhelmed with information and be unable to do so?

[LycanSpectre]

Actually, the theory I heard was that we do use all of our brains, just not all at once. Different parts of the brain are specialized for certain tasks, so you use different parts of your brain when you do different things.

I can not begin to imagine what would result if we were able to use all of our brains at once. I can only hope we would use our brainpower for good things.

[DarkWolf]

As LycanSpectre said, we do use all of our brains (it isn't theory either, scans and machines and tests have confirmed this) but it is seperated into different areas which are choreographed specifically for their functions to be used only when required. Using more than you should causes a seizures as the electrical signals of the brain get confused and are unable to function as demanded, so to use all of the brain at once would be fatal.

[LycanSpectre]

Using more than you should causes a seizures as the electrical signals of the brain get confused and are unable to function as demanded, so to use all of the brain at once would be fatal.
Interesting. I've always wondered what would happen if our brains got signals crossed. Is this why electrocution is fatal?

[DarkWolf]

Interesting. I've always wondered what would happen if our brains got signals crossed. Is this why electrocution is fatal?
Partly, it greatly depends on how the electricity charts its course through your body. If it goes to the brain it could do permanent damage, and may or may not kill you: but it will affect the brain and cause errors in the electric output. The most likely result is death yes, but not always.

Electrocution is also fatal if the electricity pass through the chest area, resulting in it disrupting the rhythm of the heart, stopping it. This is why when somebody's heart has stopped they use defibulators to give a small shock to the heart to get it beating again.

On topic:
I have an open mind when it comes to psychic abilities, but will rarely believe anyone laying claim to it. Mediums are the worst, most of it lies in psychology than ESP. But yes, I have an open mind, but I am greatly doubtful. I don't believe in the whole "lying dormant" thing, I'd sooner believe a neurological mutation than ancient dormant powers. But I have no proof either way, it is all speculation.

[kaycee]

Interesting. I've always wondered what would happen if our brains got signals crossed. Is this why electrocution is fatal?


Sometimes this does happen actually. The result is grand mal seizures.

[Fascination]

Numerous fictional pieces like the book (and now TV series) 'The Deadzone' - where a man after an accident is brain damaged but thinks from an area of the brain which never sees any activity, causing him to get premenotions of events to come - and the Chinese film 'The Avenging Fist' - where the unused area of the brain is referred to as the 'Forbidden Zone' and unlocking it allows the person to perform acts of magical proportions - have all focused on the idea that the human brain doesnt use its full power.
If you are really interested in the layout of the brain, and what each area exactly does, check here;

http://www.waiting.com/brainfunction.html

Its a straight forward listing of each area of the brain, and how to spot certain ailments that may befall you.

[Xzengrim]

Signals crossed? I read somewhere that that's one of the things LSD does. It sends audial input to the visual center in the brain, and visual input to the audial centers. That's why people on acid can see the music, and hear crazy noises.

On another note, I hear that that's also what happens when you have deja vu, or forget what you were about to say (although on a much smaller scale). The one of the signals that comprises part of a thought suddenly shoots off to the wrong part, and either disappears (losing your train of thought), or ends up somewhere it's not supposed to be (which reminds you of something familiar, although you don't know why).

That, and I hear that electrocution kills because of cardiac arrest more often than seizure. But I couldn't say for sure.

[alexei karamazov]

When it comes to mind/brain discussions I have to give a thumbs up to the Buddhists for describing what 'mind' really is. Most of the Western theories on mind views the mind as a computing machine that is more or less disembodied and independent from the rest of the body in terms of functionality. "Thinking" is not "experiencing". Buddhists however think holistically and view a person's total "consciousness" and "experience" as not different from thinking. If you feel something hot, you are actually experiencing and at the same time thinking. Besides the brain is just another organ. I think the reason why we're not using the most of our brain's capability is that we only cover the "thinking" part. Who knows what the possibilities are if we could use all of its power..(insert video clip of Shaolin monks doing kung fu on air without standing on anything for 15 minutes)..

[Empress Star]

Interesting points raised here. It may be proven that all of our brain is used, but it's functions are still rather vague if you ask me. Much could be happening in and in between these functions. Also, I am curious if insted of causing seizures, when signals are overloaded or crossed, if it could cause other phenomenon? Is it possible that certain imbalances or whatever enable a person to do such things? Possibly in place of other functions? Like autism. And if we use all of our brains, is it that some of us just use and/or condition certain parts to an extreme extent? If that is true, than we are capable of glorious things, indeed! (Like my mother always told me, "You can do anything you put your mind to.")


Then there's energy fields. I feel that some people, when focused enough, can manipulate them. I once read a book called "Infinite Mind: Science of the Human Vibrations of Consciousness" by Valerie V. Hunt. It's a very interesting read, if you don't have ADD like myself. I pretty much skimmed through it out of lack of patience. That being said, I feel there is some very valuable information there regarding the nature of the human mind and the bioenergetic field. She did some expierements with different healers, aura readers, dancers, mediums, and the like. If you are interested in a book about supernatural phenomenon written by a scientist, I would definatly suggest picking it up.

and yes, Shaolin monks, healers, fire walkers, and snake charmers come to mind...... :D