Damn the Prefrontal Cortex

In Jonah Lehrer's book “How We Decide”, he presents a case that our brains are “pluralist decision makers.” Lehrer makes an argument that our best decisions are made when using both the emotional and rational components together. Using just one side leaves us with either a risky, careless lifestyle, or, conversely, one that creates such boring structure that our potential for growth is non-existent.

We learn that our prefrontal cortex acts like our boss who monitors emotional reactions (ideas) and decides which ones to take seriously. That being said, if you are thinking about embracing something big, something outside the norm, something new you want to do with all your heart, your very own brain could be saying to you: You’ve got to be kidding (Bwahahahah)!  (Are you out of your %$#^%% mind?)

At that point, you start to agree, bow your head, and go back to work, doing the same old boring crap you’ve done for the past twenty years. The boss wins again.

Damn the Prefrontal Cortex!