Chapter 1: Introduction to a New Perspective

Grasping the intricacies of the mind can be as daunting as unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Each time we think we've pinpointed an answer, another question arises—“What came before that?”

For instance, when experts assert that “the Universe started with the Big Bang,” it leads us to wonder, “What triggered the Big Bang?” In a similar vein, neuroscientists have shown that neurons relay commands and information to our bodies, prompting us to question, “What drives these neurons?”

György Buzsáki, a systems neuroscientist and co-awardee of the 2011 Brain Prize from the Lundbeck Foundation, suggests that we need to shift our perspective to address these inquiries.

The Outside-In Framework

Understanding the prevailing theories is crucial in appreciating how Buzsáki's views diverge from them. During the Enlightenment, philosophers like John Locke proposed that we enter the world as unmarked beings—a notion encapsulated in the term “tabula rasa,” meaning “the mind in its hypothetical primary blank or empty state before receiving outside impressions.” This concept has evolved into what we now call the “Outside-In” framework, which posits that our sensory experiences shape our internal responses—like learning that fire is hot and thus dangerous.

From a neurological standpoint, it has been assumed that the primary role of the brain is to receive and interpret external signals. Initially, neurons analyze simple patterns, gradually progressing to more complex processing. When we recognize an object for the first time, like a cup, specific neurons become associated with it, allowing us to identify a cup in the future.

This theory, though logical, has dominated thought for a long time largely because it minimizes the need for active engagement, implying that the brain functions similarly to a computer.

However, the Outside-In perspective falls short in one significant area. If the brain's main function is merely to process external signals, it risks being likened to a robot devoid of consciousness.

To make the Outside-In model work, experts have inserted a “hypothetical central processor,” also referred to as “the experimenter.” Buzsáki elaborates on this in his article for Scientific American, noting:

> "The Outside-In approach cannot elucidate how photons hitting the retina convert into memories of a summer outing. This framework necessitates the artificial inclusion of a human observer to make sense of the event."

This experimenter is imagined to decide how to handle incoming sensory data, akin to how dark matter is invoked in Einstein’s theory of gravity. Various terminologies exist for this central processor—free will, decision maker, executive function, intervening variables, or perhaps even the mind itself. For many experts, the next challenge is to pinpoint the location of this processor within the brain and understand its decision-making processes.

Flipping the Perspective Inside-Out

Buzsáki argues that we have fundamentally misunderstood the brain's primary function. Instead of primarily learning about the outside world, he posits that the brain's main objective is to sustain its internal dynamics and systems. He provides a compelling illustration in his article:

> “When an infant says ‘te-te,’ the parent responds with ‘Teddy,’ allowing the sound to gain meaning.”

Essentially, seemingly arbitrary actions by the brain resonate with the external world, forming connections that strengthen with repetition.

While the Outside-In model suggests that brain complexity increases with experience, the Inside-Out theory proposes that complexity is not solely determined by external encounters. Rather, the brain organizes itself into firing patterns known as neuronal trajectories—Buzsáki describes this as akin to a dictionary filled with initially nonsensical terms.

He discusses the neurological implications of this concept in greater detail, and I encourage readers to delve into his article for a thorough understanding. Ultimately, Buzsáki asserts that the brain's true purpose is survival, a notion supported by Darwin's theory of evolution—our traits developed to enhance our chances of survival, similar to any other living organism. As Buzsáki succinctly puts it, “the brain is more focused on itself than on its surroundings.”

Interestingly, this observation often holds true in social contexts as well. People tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and how they are perceived by others, rather than focusing on others’ actions or appearances. If you're hesitant to join a gym due to concerns about judgment, remember that most individuals are too absorbed in their reflections to notice you.

A Shift in Perspective

To me, the hypothetical central processor in the Outside-In model feels like a placeholder designed to make our theories coherent. While it's logical to create such placeholders in hopes of future discoveries bridging the gaps, we must be cautious not to rely too heavily on them.

Dark matter serves as a prime example; it was conceptualized to support Einstein’s General Relativity. Since then, many astrophysicists have dedicated their careers to locating this elusive substance, often overlooking the possibility that it may not exist and that other phenomena, such as entropy, could explain gravity.

Similarly, Buzsáki's Inside-Out concept not only aligns with aspects of the Outside-In framework but also offers a plausible explanation for cognitive function. While this approach sheds light on how we navigate relationships and even manipulate them, it does not encompass every aspect of our mental processes, such as moral judgment. Genetics might also play a role in shaping our traits, and perhaps we will uncover these answers in our lifetime. Wouldn't that be fascinating?

This article was originally published in the author's free newsletter, Curious Adventure. It has been edited and reposted on Medium with her permission.

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Chapter 2: Exploring Creativity and Self-Discovery

In this chapter, we delve into the role of creativity and self-discovery in shaping our understanding of the world.

This TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson, titled Do schools kill creativity?, explores the importance of fostering creativity in education and how conventional schooling may stifle innovative thinking.

The Search for Our Place in the Universe

We will also examine how we can find our place in the cosmos.

In this thought-provoking presentation by Professor Brian Cox, titled How To Find Your Place In The Universe, we are invited to reflect on our existence and our connection to the vast universe around us.