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Beskrivelse
In this book I tried to simplify things that are in fact immensely complex and as yet not fully understood. The purpose is to convey to the reader, based on my understanding, an explanation of why do humans do what they do, both the wonderful, the good, the bad and the ugly? Surely enough any of us can do all that.
The book focused on the two major opposing forces in the brain: the tyrannical Limbic System that wants what it wants and wants it now and the much weaker prefrontal cortex (PFC) that tries hard to fulfill the needs of the Limbic System in accepted and safe manners. In order for the PFC to be efficient it develops a World Model that explains everything and guides our behavior in an almost automatic manner while giving us the impression that every single decision we make is very carefully considered on its own merits while in fact the overwhelming decisions we make are pre-determined.
The book emphasizes that while World Models are so powerful and near impossible to modify, that in fact it is possible to modify them with education and training. Experiences can also influence our World Models but depending on when the experience occurs in relation to the development of each individual's World Model, the younger the age the more the influence, and the significance of the experience. The intermingling of cultures being one of the most influential of experiences.
The book, overall, is an optimistic account of the human condition. In the chapters discussing the frontal lobes, it is emphasized that the brain can and does learn from its mistakes. I further explain how, in the long run, unselfish behavior does lead to more peace and prosperity and that selfish behavior is its own enemy. I here add my voice to Steven Pinker in asserting that the future is much brighter than the past.
