Myths vs Fact: Do Humans Only Use 10 % Of Our Brains?

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The 2014 Scarlett Johannson movie, Lucy, is based on the idea that most people only use only 10 per cent of their brains - which made me curious when I rewatched it recently. Do we really only use 10% of our brains? What about the remaining 90%?

The idea that humans only use 10% of their brains is a myth that has been around for many years. Despite the fact that this myth has been debunked numerous times, it continues to persist because it is an interesting thought. The truth is we use all of our brains, just not all at once.

Do Humans Only Use 10 % Of Our Brains?

The ancient Egyptians thought the brain was a useless organ, Aristotle thought it was a cooling unit for the heart, and philosophers in the Middle Ages believed that certain brain cavities full of spinal fluid housed the human soul - so it is pretty normal for one to think we only use 10% of it!

As per expert data, the human brain is estimated to contain around 100 billion neurons and is a highly complex structure. It is responsible for controlling and regulating nearly all of the body's functions, including the ability to think, feel, and act.

Moreover, your brain is constantly working and active, even when you are asleep, and uses a variety of different regions to carry out its various functions, agrees the Association for Psychological Science.

Do We Actually Utilise All Of Our Brains Or Do We Only Use 10% Of Them?

The myth of using only 10% of our brains likely originated from studies done in the early 20th century that found that we only use a limited number of neurons at any given time. However, this doesn't mean that we are only using 10% of our brains.

Rather, it suggests that certain areas of the brain are more active at any given time than others. The reality is that we use all of our brains, just not all at once - that would be catastrophic, to have it all work together at the same time.

Different areas of the brain are activated depending on what activities we are doing and how we are feeling. When we are actively thinking or engaging in complex tasks, more regions of the brain will be activated. Similarly, when we are in a relaxed state or sleeping, different regions of the brain will be active.

On A Final Note...

It is clear, then, that we do not only use 10% of our brains. Our brains are incredibly complex and powerful, and they are constantly working to process information, learn new things and keep us functioning.

We may not use all of our brains at the same time, but that doesn't mean that we are only using 10% of it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.