The Brain and Society

Is there no hope for the human future? The answer to this lies in the labyrinthine structure of the human brain.

More than twenty years ago, the American neuropsychologist Paul MacLean, after extensive research, came up with a model of human brain structure which he called the triune brain. According to him, the human brain "amounts to three interconnected biological computers," each having its own intelligence and subjectivity.

The smallest of these is the Reptilian or R-complex, so called by MacLean because, as his studies revealed, it is responsible for aggressiveness, territoriality, ritualism, and hierarchy, which characterize reptilian behavior. It is therefore the part of the human brain to which can be traced the origins of imperialism, racism, sexism, elitism, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism.

Surrounding the R-complex is the Limbic System, which is absent in reptiles and which we share in its fully developed form with other mammals. It is the source of strong or especially vivid emotions. According to the late world-renowned polymath Carl Sagan, "There are reasons to believe that the beginnings of altruistic behavior are in the limbic system. Indeed, with rare exceptions (chiefly the social insects), mammals and birds are the only organisms to devote substantial attention to the care of their young..." Who has not seen a dog growling and gritting its teeth as a stranger attempts to approach its puppies? Or a cat moving its kittens to a safe spot somewhere? Or a hen risking its life to save its chicks?

Lying upon the rest of the brain is the Neocortex which comprises about 85 percent of the human brain and is present in a less developed form in other mammals. Our ability for abstract thought and reasoning springs from a highly developed neocortex. Mathematics, science and technology, arts and letters, and philosophy--these are all creations of the human neocortex.

The largeness of the human neocortex in comparison with the R-complex and the limbic system gives a telling indication of what we can be. It means that nature has gifted us with a tremendous ability to curb our baser instincts. If society is mired neck-deep in decadence, it is because our neocortices have not been put to full use. But prospects for a bright future are extremely high, if only we could will ourselves to try hard enough.

That we humans have been slavishly acquiescent to the reptilian component of our nature shows how little we respect ourselves as a species. Our species is distinguished from the rest of the animal world by the possession of a greatly advanced neocortex, but our neglect of this very important part of our brain makes us little different from the lowest beasts. It is through a maximum use of the neocortex that the human race shall become truly human.