What makes us human?
Being human gives us our ability to be highly rational and be thoroughly irrational. Both these abilities are unique and equally important in giving us this human quality.
First, let us look at our ability to be rational. This ability makes us plan and decide through a maze of complex situations and options. It gives us our problem solving ability; our ability to observe objectively, bring in a number of information sources into play and then logically decide on an alternative. We do this all the time in trivial to complex situations - whether it is about deciding which road to take when going to the office, or for deciding to buy a car or a smartphone. We label this side of us as "using the brain."
Now let us look at the irrational side. Irrational means NOT use logic but take an action based on feelings or intuition or instinct - often completely contrary to "what makes logical sense." We all do it, and all the time. Without this we would never fall in love, never just buy the 19th watch or camera or shoes just because it looks cool. We all "fall for" things and situations which makes no sense to someone else. We label this side of us as "led by our heart."
When do we exhibit one or the other side is not always predictable - and it often surprises others by our choice. But that is what makes us human and unique. And that's great.
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Sharad, this is very good and insightful. However, as you know, even feelings are derived from what the brain does. When does the brain decide to be rational and when irrational? Dan Ariely's book "Predictably Irrational" provides some answers, and is worth reading if you have not done so already.
ReplyDeleteAshok, thanks for the comment. Of course, every mind related activity - logic, analysis, thoughts, feelings, emotions etc. - originate only in our brain. The real heart generates no feelings. The term "heart" is used idiomatically.
ReplyDeleteOn a related note, how the firing of neurons in the brain create a perception of feelings is totally amazing and fascinating - but is hardly understood.
I have not read the book. Frankly, I cannot imagine that it is possible to predict even one's own irrational-rational response to a given situation. There is a spiritual answer. It lies in our state of awareness, where you can "see" both the rational and the irrational states of your mind and choose how to respond. You need to be a "Buddha" to be able to do it in all situations.