The human brain, a marvel of biological engineering, orchestrates incredibly complex functions. The popular idea that we only tap into a small fraction of its potential, roughly 10 percent, has fueled countless science fiction narratives and self-improvement schemes. But is there any truth to this persistent claim?
The notion that we only use 10% of our brain is a complete myth.
Neuroscience has made tremendous strides in understanding the brain’s intricate workings. Scientists widely agree that we use our entire brain, not just a small fraction, every single day. As Mila Halgren, a graduate student in the lab of Mark Harnett at MIT, explains, “All of our brain is constantly in use and consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Despite making up only two percent of our body weight, it devours 20 percent of our calories.” This high energy demand persists across various activities, from focused work to restful sleep, indicating continuous and widespread neural activity.
The Origins of the 10% Brain Myth
Mila Halgren, a PhD student at MIT, researches brain function. Her work helps to debunk the myth of only using 10% of our brains.
The myth’s origins are somewhat murky. One possible source is the early days of brain research, when scientists lacked the sophisticated tools to fully understand the brain’s activity. In 1907, William James, a prominent figure in American psychology, wrote about humans only using a small part of their mental and physical resources in his book “The Energies of Men.” This statement, though not specifically about brain usage, may have contributed to the misconception.
Another contributing factor might be the observation that some neurons fire infrequently. “People may think our brain is underutilized in the sense that some neurons fire very infrequently—once every few minutes or less,” Halgren clarifies. However, she emphasizes that this is not the case for most neurons, many of which fire hundreds of times per second.
Early neurological case studies also played a role. For example, the case of Phineas Gage, who survived a severe brain injury and retained many functions, was initially interpreted as evidence that large portions of the brain were dispensable. However, modern neuroscience understands that the brain possesses remarkable plasticity, allowing it to reorganize and compensate for damage. “Entire brain hemispheres can be removed during early childhood and the rest of the brain will rewire and compensate for the loss,” Halgren explains. “In other words, the brain will use 100 percent of what it has, but can make do with less depending on which structures are damaged.” This demonstrates the brain’s adaptability rather than underutilization.
The Brain’s Limits and Potential for Enhancement
If we truly use our entire brain, are there limits to what we can achieve? Can the human brain solve any problem, or are there inherent limitations to our cognitive abilities?
“This is still in contention,” Halgren admits. “There may be certain problems that the human brain is fundamentally unable to solve, like how a mouse will never understand chemistry and a chimpanzee can’t do calculus.” While the brain may have limitations, there are definitely ways to enhance its performance.
The popular 10% brain myth is often depicted visually, but neuroscience confirms we use our entire brain.
While fantasies of unlocking hidden brainpower remain just that, we can still optimize our cognitive function through simple, proven methods. “You can increase your brainpower, but there’s no ‘trick’ that will allow you to do so,” Halgren advises. “Like any organ in your body, the brain works best with proper sleep, exercise, low stress, and a well-balanced diet.” These healthy habits support overall brain health and function, leading to improved cognitive performance.
Conclusion
The myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain is a captivating idea, but it is not supported by scientific evidence. Neuroscience has shown that we use our entire brain, and that optimizing our cognitive function requires a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices. While we may not be able to move objects with our minds, understanding the true potential of our brain is far more empowering than believing in a misconception.
