The Neuroscience of Creativity, Perception, and Confirmation Bias | Beau Lotto | Big Think

Summary

The script explores how our brains seek certainty to avoid stress but this aversion to uncertainty stifles creativity. It argues that creativity stems from questioning our assumptions, which is difficult as our brains are wired to avoid uncertainty. The process of perception creation is discussed, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our assumptions to see differently. The script also touches on the incremental nature of brain evolution, suggesting that so-called 'big jumps' in thinking are actually a series of small steps influenced by our assumptions.

Takeaways

• 🧠 **Uncertainty and the Brain**: Our brains strive to reduce uncertainty and increase certainty to avoid stress and maintain mental health.
• 🚤 **Conflicting Signals**: Conflicting sensory information, like feeling still while moving, can cause disorientation and sickness.
• 📉 **Effects of Uncertainty**: High levels of uncertainty can lead to increased brain cell death, reduced brain plasticity, and a more rigid self-perception.
• 🏃 **Avoidance of Uncertainty**: Humans often avoid uncertainty even though it's necessary for creative thinking and seeing things differently.
• ❓ **The Role of Questions**: Creativity begins with questioning, not knowing, and exploring possibilities with 'why?' and 'what if?'.
• 🧍 **Assumptions for Survival**: Assumptions are necessary for everyday actions and survival, but they can also limit our ability to adapt and change.
• 🔄 **Adaptability of the Brain**: The brain is designed to evolve and adapt, which is crucial for dealing with a changing environment.
• 👀 **Perception and Assumptions**: Perception is created by the brain making meaning out of data, which is influenced by our assumptions.
• 🔄 **Shifting Perception**: To see differently, one must acknowledge that all actions are based on assumptions and be open to questioning them.
• 🤔 **Questioning Assumptions**: It's challenging to question our assumptions because it involves stepping into uncertainty, which our brain naturally resists.
• 🌐 **Space of Possibility**: Creativity involves making small steps within one's space of possibility, which is determined by one's history and assumptions.
• 🔗 **External View of Creativity**: What appears as a creative leap to an observer may be a logical next step for the person making the connection, due to different assumptions and experiences.

Q & A

Why does the human brain have difficulty dealing with conflicting sensory information?

The human brain has difficulty dealing with conflicting sensory information because it creates a state of uncertainty, which the brain perceives as stressful and potentially harmful. This stress can lead to illness and is generally avoided because it can increase brain cell death and decrease plasticity.

How does uncertainty affect the brain and behavior?

Uncertainty increases stress, which can lead to brain cell death and decrease plasticity. It can also make individuals more extreme versions of themselves. People generally avoid uncertainty because it is perceived as dangerous, but it is also necessary for creativity and seeing things differently.

What role do assumptions play in our daily lives?

Assumptions are essential for survival as they help us navigate the world with a certain level of predictability. However, they can also limit our ability to see things differently because they create a stable state in the brain that resists change.

Why is questioning our assumptions difficult?

Questioning assumptions is difficult because it involves stepping into a state of uncertainty, which the brain has evolved to avoid. It can also challenge our identity and sense of self, which is why we often prefer to hold onto assumptions that are no longer useful.

How does the process of creating perception relate to our assumptions?

The process of creating perception involves making meaning out of meaningless data. Our brain evolved to do this quickly to ensure survival, but this also means we hold onto these assumptions tightly, which can limit our ability to perceive new possibilities.

What is the significance of 'not knowing' in the context of creativity?

In the context of creativity, 'not knowing' is significant because it opens the door to new ideas and perspectives. It is the starting point for asking questions and exploring possibilities, which can lead to creative insights.

How can we change our assumptions to see differently?

To see differently, we must first acknowledge that all our actions are grounded in assumptions. Then, we need to identify these assumptions and question them, which can be a difficult process due to the brain's aversion to uncertainty.

What is the concept of the 'space of possibility' in relation to our assumptions?

The 'space of possibility' refers to the range of actions or ideas that seem feasible to us based on our assumptions. It is determined by our history and experiences, and it dictates what we perceive as possible or impossible.

How does the brain make 'big jumps' in thinking?

The brain doesn't make big jumps in thinking; it only makes small steps. These steps are determined by the most likely possibilities based on current assumptions. Creativity appears as big jumps to an observer because they see the connection between distant ideas, but for the creator, it's a logical next step within their expanded space of possibility.

What is the role of confirmation bias in maintaining assumptions?

Confirmation bias plays a role in maintaining assumptions by leading us to seek out and favor information that confirms our existing beliefs. This bias helps us avoid uncertainty and the discomfort of questioning our assumptions.

How can understanding the process of perception help us in our personal and professional lives?

Understanding the process of perception can help us become more aware of our assumptions and their impact on our decisions and actions. This awareness can lead to more open-mindedness, better decision-making, and increased creativity in both personal and professional contexts.