The programmed nature of the human brain
and the implication it has on the life of the individual
If you haven’t already, check out the welcome post for an introduction to this blog.
Why the brain can be thought of as a bio computer
The brain is a programmable computer. It processes and stores information like a computer, using a network of interconnected cells called neurons. These neurons transmit information through electrical and chemical signals, and the connections between them, called synapses, can be modified through a process called plasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and learn. This plasticity enables the brain to store new information, similar to how a computer can be programmed with new software.
This is exactly why AI is seen as similar to the human brain in that it is designed to process and analyse information, learn from experiences, and make decisions.
In fact, the first paragraph you just read was in reality generated by Chat GPT, an advanced language processing neural network developed by OpenAI. All that was required from me to do was simply instruct it to “Generate an essay paragraph on why the brain is similar to a computer“.
How this programming takes place
The programming of the human mind starts the day we are born and ends the day we die. As discussed above, this process is known as neuroplasticity.
Research has shown that neuroplasticity is highest in the first few years of life, as the brain is rapidly developing and forming new connections. During this time, the brain is highly receptive to new experiences and learning, which is why early childhood is such an important period for development. As we age, neuroplasticity tends to decline, although it is still present to some extent throughout life.
We don’t decide how we are programmed
The truth is that we don’t get to pick and choose what we are programmed with, or even the type of brain we inherit (from our parents). This thought opens up the realisation that much of what we do in adult life is pre-programmed into us by our parents, school, society, TV, the internet and the general environment we grow up in.
Is it really far fetched to assume most people are inherently programmed to follow a certain path in life? I think not.
In fact, when you think deeply, the vast majority of the populous are mindless robots, wandering through life while unaware of their own programming. They make decisions based on impulses which have been pre-programmed as a result of childhood experiences, as well as the opinions of authority figures such as their parents or teachers.
In future posts, I will go into further detail on how I think this programming continues today, how it has personally affected me and how we can escape the programming and reach higher states of consciousness.