Thought for the Week
When I was in high school, my science class went to see Griffith Park Observatory’s famous Planetarium Show. We leaned back and emitted a communal “Oooooo!” as the dome darkened and a giant tinkertoy projected the heavens above us. Then our nasal-voiced host tapped his mic and said, “Space! When we gaze upon it, we cannot help but wonder, ‘Are we unique?’” And a surfer kid shouted, “Don’t know about us, dude, but you are!” Our Oooos instantly turned to laughter. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder…
Are we unique? A barrage of voices says no. Pavlov and Skinner proved that our behaviors are nothing more than programmed responses, right? When our cars approaches traffic signals, our programming kicks in: green means go, red means stop, yellow means go really fast. We even press our foot down when a red light appears on our televisions–to stop our couches from crashing into our entertainment centers.
So, is choice merely an illusion? 75% of child abusers were abused as children. A huge percentage of addicts were raised by addicts. Divorce is the norm for those from broken homes (when asked if her eighth husband was “the one,” Elizabeth Taylor replied, “Of course. They always are”).
Yes, we’re programmed in a multitude of ways. But we are more than brainstems and pituitary glands, more than programming. We are The Creatures with Two Brains!
At puberty, the two nearly identical halves of the human cerebrum begin to function like separate brains (this only happens in humans). There are a lot of ramifications, but one of the most intriguing is this:
We talk to ourselves.
If you’re thinking, “I don’t do that,” you just did. We all do. Thanks to the fact that we have “a spare brain,” we’re able to contemplate options and to reason with ourselves. Which is why, throughout human history, puberty has been recognized not only as the beginning of adulthood, but as the age of “moral accountability.” At puberty we go beyond our programming and become increasingly capable of being…
Our own programmers.
Yet few people ever fully own this capability. They get the puberty blues and refuse to choose. Why? Because it’s hard. It’s so much easier to just continue being programmed by society, movies, pop culture, impulses, habits, stimulants–to simply go with the flow.
So most people believe what they live. Only a few live what they believe. Most base what they believe on the patterns they’ve fallen into, or been pushed into. Only a few struggle, no matter the cost, to find the narrow path that leads to real life.
But you can choose. You’re not Pavlov’s dog, you’re Pavlov–if, that is, you choose to be. Learn what’s true. Learn what’s right. And then choose to live what you believe. You are unique.
Live like it!
if only we could always action that – to be Pavlov – choice maker and not the subject that lost to someone else’s choice(s)
Amen to that.
Wow. Great post, Mitch. Thank you.
An interesting post, Mitch! Early on in my special needs parenting journey, I learned about the concept of neuroplasticity and that yes, our brains are mouldable.
Having said that, for many reasons, it is easier to go on auto pilot and to have choices made for us, especially in this digital age of convenience and forces such as algorithms and social media.
I think it’s important more than ever to teach kids and everyone about how to think, not just what to think.
Indeed, Ab. Not easy, but important.
I needed to read this post several decades ago. 🙂
;>) Me too.
Good post, Mitch. You gave me food for thought.
Pleased to hear that, Mary.
We’ll said! I love it!
Thanks, Iman!
Nicely done.
Have you enjoyed yet Jill Bolted Taylor’s TED Talk, “My Stroke of Insight”? Harvard neurobiologist tracking herself through a major stroke and eight years of recovery so she could come back here and tell us where heaven is. You’ll love it.
No, I haven’t, Ana, but it sounds fascinating.
This is deep. And provocative. Much to consider.
Outstanding and a bit scary.
I once worked at an organization that provided services for people with disabilities teaching self-determination for students in special ed classes. I never understood why all students were not taught self-determination.
Very interesting! I don’t know if this is related or a contradiction, but I read (and as a teacher it’s been my experience) that middle school aged kids often do things without knowing why they do them.
“Why did you do that?!”
“I don’t know!”
Maybe their brains reached a stalemate?
Maybe, Annie. ;>)
Great post. Our uniqueness is the image of God in each of us. Choosing, willfully (with forethought) and intentionally, is the essence of that image. Thank you for encouraging us to choose wisely, to choose His way.
My privilege, Joseph.
Wow, great post, Mitch, a lot to contemplate! But so true! I’m afraid I have always talked to myself. Thankfully the good Lord adds a comment now and then!
I have come to the conclusion that living what we believe is the most important thing we can do in our lives. Thank you for this post.
My privilege, Ann.
Wise advice, Mitch: “Learn what’s true. Learn what’s right. And then choose to live what you believe.” You’re helping us learn!
We help each other, Nancy!
I agree. Even though we all technically have a look alike Doppelganger somewhere, we are all unique, individuals.
Wonderfully said, Mitch. I feel that pathway of reprogramming is extremely difficult. Jesus was a constant source of guidance, love, and encrouagement for me in those early days, still is, but it felt like I didn’t even have the strength to take a step without Him in the early days.