Using Your Brain

[deckardcanine]

You probably already know it’s a myth
That we use a mere tenth of our brains,
But where did it come from? Some look to the Harvard
Psychologists Sidis and James.

They studied a prodigy, then said we meet
A small part of our mental potential.
That might be correct, but from there, many jumped
To conclusions that weren’t evidential.

We don’t know the first source to claim 10%,
But it happened by late ’29,
More than 30 years after the study. The myth
Would take decades beyond to decline.

The brain is complex; in some regions, the impact
Of damage is hard to detect.
Most cells don’t do much, and when neurons are local,
Their usefulness could be suspect.

But tech such as PET scans has proven the whole brain
Is always on even in sleep,
And now every region is known to do something.
It doesn’t just lie in a heap.

Besides, brains use plenty of energy; nature
Demands that they carry their weight.
We wouldn’t evolve to excess (and I doubt
That it’s something the Lord would create).

When brain cells aren’t used, they are typically pruned,
And adult brains don’t shrink all that much.
So let’s not trust fiction that cites 10%
Without calling the hooey as such.