For my entire life as a JW, I was taught that humans are currently only capable of using about 10% of the brain. Sometimes the stated figure was much less (1% or even smaller fractions). This ‘fact’ was repeated from the podium and by my parents for many years. The reasoning and motive behind this teaching was that sin and imperfection has deteriorated our thinking ability since the time of Adam and Eve. Therefore, in the “new system”, our brains would eventually be restored to full capacity. I recall all kinds of wild speculation about what this would mean, and what special “powers” or senses we may obtain as a result.
“Some neuroscientists estimate that during an average life span, a person uses only 1/100 of 1 percent (.0001) of his potential brain capacity. You might well ask, ‘Why do we have a brain with so much capacity that we hardly test a fraction of it in a normal lifetime?’” — Is There A Creator Who Cares About You? p.62
The problem, of course, is that this teaching is complete and utter bullshit. This myth seems to stem partially from early neurological research in the 1800’s and 1900’s, which suggested that only about 10% of our neurons are firing at any given moment. New Age and paranormal movements have also jumped on this bandwagon, suggesting the other 90% of mystery brain power is linked to psychic ability. Likewise, the Watchtower and other Christian faiths have jumped on it in order to give credence to the whole concept of sin and imperfection.
We now know that 100% of our brain functionality is utilized, and that the mythical concept of Sin is not at all based in observable reality.
“After all, if you removed 90 percent of your brain, you’d basically be left with the thinking power of a sheep.” — Eric Chudler, Ph.D., University of Washington
Well, there you have it. Sheep… 10%… you see where I’m going with this?
Check out the related articles in Snopes or Scientific American for additional reading.
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