In his two-volume magnum opus, The Matter of Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions and the Unmaking of the World, Iain McGilchrist argues that we are on a path towards self-destruction: intellectual, moral, and physical self-destruction. Besides protecting our oceans and forests, our minds and souls need new protective safeguards.
Western society's main value, perhaps even our only value, seems to be power. Based on his earlier book, The Master and His Emissary: Brain and the Making of the Western World, he concludes that power connects us to the left hemisphere of the brain, which focuses on control and manipulation rather than understanding.
He writes: “On the other hand, the right hemisphere, which is more intelligent, aims to comprehend the world. Unfortunately, the left hemisphere, being less knowledgeable, believes it knows everything. It may be a useful tool but is a destructive master.”
McGilchrist’s conclusion: If we continue along this path, a dominant left hemisphere will destroy what is fundamentally important to us. Unless we change our thinking and, as a result, our being in the world, all our attempts to rescue ourselves will be in vain.
He urges us to open our eyes to the awe and wonder of the magnificent, creative, living universe we are part of. Since disciplines like neuropsychology, physics, philosophy, and the wisdom of the spiritual traditions are not contradictory but complementary, he remains hopeful that a re-evaluation of our assumptions and values is possible.
In sum, McGilchrist’s work calls us to embrace a new vision that integrates Western civilisation's foundational values of beauty, goodness, and truth as essential elements for our survival and, more importantly, of deserving survival.
Those familiar with my work will recognise an easy alignment of the Discovery Papers' vision and purpose with the concerns of my intellectual hero, Iain McGilchrist.
About Iain McGilchrist
Iain McGilchrist is Associate Fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford; Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists; and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Formerly, he was Research Fellow in Neuroimaging at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, Baltimore; Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford; and Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Stellenbosch.
He is known for his groundbreaking work on the divided brain. In his seminal book, "The Master and His Emissary," McGilchrist delves into the idea that the left and right hemispheres of the brain play distinct roles in shaping our perception of the world. He argues that while the left hemisphere is more analytical, reductionist, and focused on details, the right hemisphere offers a more holistic, interconnected, and intuitive perspective.
McGilchrist's work challenges the conventional wisdom that the left hemisphere is superior to the right, advocating for a harmonious balance between the two hemispheres. He suggests that an overreliance on left-hemisphere thinking can lead to a disconnection from the broader context of our experiences, resulting in a loss of meaning and depth in our lives.
One key takeaway from McGilchrist's philosophy is the importance of integrating both hemispheres of the brain to achieve a more balanced and enriched understanding of the world. By embracing the unique strengths of each hemisphere and fostering a more harmonious relationship between them, we can tap into the full spectrum of human cognition and creativity.
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