From Instinct to Insight: Choosing Your Response
Being defensive and
reactive is part of human nature, a trait that dates to our evolutionary
origins. Here’s a basic understanding of how our brain has evolved:
Reptilian Brain: The oldest and most primitive part of
the brain, associated with basic survival functions.
Nature: It is rigid, compulsive, and
automatic, acting without conscious thought.
Mammalian Brain: The middle layer, which evolved with
early mammals, primarily deals with emotions, motivation, and memory.
Nature: This brain serves as the seat of our
value judgments and exists in the "here and now," responding to
rewards and punishments.
Neomammalian Brain: The newest and most complex part of
the brain, most developed in higher mammals, especially humans.
Nature: It is flexible, adaptable, and
possesses almost infinite learning capabilities. It operates with a sense of the
past, present, and future.
The interaction
between these three conceptual "brains" shapes how we respond to the
world, often resulting in conflict between primal instinct (Reptilian), emotion
(Mammalian), and logic (Neomammalian).
To apply this
understanding to our defensive and reactive tendencies, we must recognise that external
stimuli often trigger us. However, how we respond is a choice, as Dr. Viktor
Frankl pointed out. When we react impulsively, we are being controlled by the
Reptilian brain. If we become judgmental towards others, we are influenced by
the Mammalian brain. The best responses typically arise from the Neomammalian
brain, which can understand, reason, relate past consequences, and draw lessons
from various sources. This allows us to respond to stimuli without harming
ourselves or others.
In a world abundant
with information—from theories, research papers, and infographics to videos,
talks, and podcasts—we still observe people reacting impulsively, leading to
violence, suicide, and abusive comments on social media. It’s crucial to
reflect on the types of content we consume, as they activate our Reptilian,
Mammalian, and Neomammalian brains. Unless we critically evaluate this content,
we risk remaining governed by our primal instincts, resulting in a lack of
inner peace and an inharmonious society.
So, is there a way to
ensure we operate from the Neomammalian brain? The answer is yes:
1. Be mindful of what
enters your mind.
2. Take a minute
before you react.
Unless we practice
these qualities, the world will continue to see “reptiles” in suits and cars,
while the true reptiles mock humans.
M.L. Narendra Kumar
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