The second chapter of The Shallows has definitely got to be the most interesting chapter in the latter two books of our summer reading. It summarizes, in the writer's point of view, not the scientist's, the neurological workings of the brain. I found somewhat difficult to follow, but interesting enough to keep me from straying to another task. Carr writes, "We become, neurologically, what we think." This, of course, has certain boundaries. You can't become an elephant just because you think you are. However, if you hard wire yourself onto a path, what do you think is the likelihood of achieving that goal?
Carr also narrates an experiment conducted by scientist Pasual-Leone, consisting of two sets of people, one set actually practicing the piano, the other merely imagining playing the instrument. He concludes that the growth in the brain is very similar in both groups. However, he doesn't continue to see whether both groups can play the song to the same capacity. Being a pianist myself, I usually found that just imagining practicing never really helped me improve my skills. Sitting down and actually playing was the only way for me to continue to move forward as a musician. The brain activity may have been the same, but do you think they would have the same physical outcome? Can you move forward by sheer willpower, or does it require some physical application as well?
I agree with Carr that both mental growth is similar. As a wrestler i know when it comes to physical it's a different story. I have learned to practice alone and with a partner, but i have noticed your mind doesn't always know every situation you're going to be in. Your body may have a different reaction and your mind supports your physical body to continue that certain action.
ReplyDeleteSame with lifting weights, if you imagine lifting weights you might know how to work you body to adjust to the weights but are you gaining muscle? Nope, mentally maybe but if you actually have weights in your hand and work with them your mind and body will gain muscle and memory. In conclusion both mind and body work together and both learn but you cannot have pure willpower to change. You need to put effort and both your mind and body will prosper.