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Published Mar 9, 2021

479: Lisa Feldman Barrett | Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain

Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett debunks popular brain myths, revealing the complex, adaptable nature of our mind and its predictively driven perceptions. From the environmental shaping of infant brain development to misconceptions in emotional interpretation, she offers a compelling exploration into the true workings of our cognitive processes.
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  • Triune Brain

    The triune brain theory, which suggests our brains evolved in three layers—lizard, limbic, and rational—is a widely accepted myth. explains that this oversimplified model is popular in various fields, including law and economics, but lacks scientific validity. She compares it to ancient Greek ideas of the psyche, where human behavior is seen as a struggle between instinct and rationality 1.

    This myth, the idea that we have a brain that evolved in three layers, an inner lizard brain. Overlaid with something called a limbic system. Limbic meaning border, the tissue that borders your lizard brain for emotion. So your lizard brain is for instincts. Your limbic system is for emotion. And then layered on top of that evolved this big cushy cerebral cortex, which is the home of rationality. This idea has been around since the beginning of Western civilization. And it's popular in the law. It's popular in economics. It's popular, even in some branches of neuroscience. It's very popular in coaching and leadership training and generally in the media. And it's completely false.

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    acknowledges the appeal of this theory due to its simplicity, but emphasizes that our brains are far more complex and adaptable than this model suggests.

       

    Brain Lateralization

    The notion of being either left-brained or right-brained is another misconception that addresses. She clarifies that while some brain functions, like language, may show lateralization, the idea that the left hemisphere is purely rational and the right is emotional is unfounded. This myth limits people's perceptions of their abilities and potential 2.

    There is no really good evidence that the left side of your brain is rational and the right side of your brain is emotional or is intuitive or is creative. That's just a myth.

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    notes how these misconceptions can influence self-perception, with people often using them as excuses for perceived limitations.

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