“10% of Your Brain” Myth: Here’s the TRUTH
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 14, 2023
It’s funny how an idea will ebb and flow.
“You only use 10 percent of your brain.”
It’s an idea I haven’t heard in a long time. But it’s getting a lot of play again lately.
It has some serious staying power. But is it true?
It might surprise you to learn this odd claim came from a famous book by Dale Carnegie called “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
In his 1936 introduction to the book, Lowell Thomas wrote that the average man only develops 10 percent of his latent mental abilities.
He credits the idea to a Harvard Professor, giving it more weight. And so a myth was born.
I doubt Thomas ever intended people to take the idea so literally. But either way, it’s simply not true.
We, in fact, use the same percentage of our brain as our OTHER organs.
Your heart may pump slower and faster sometimes, but the WHOLE organ is always working. Your brain is the same.
When we put folks into functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machines to measure their brain activity, we can literally see all of their brain’s parts working together to perform tasks.
But I do like the MESSAGE implied by the 10 percent question. We have so much more POTENTIAL inside of us that we should always strive to take advantage of it.
And perhaps THAT’S why the idea has such staying power. Ultimately, it’s both hopeful AND motivating.
Your brain IS a magnificent, powerful tool for your life’s adventures—if you take care of it.
That means eating well, getting enough quality sleep, avoiding stress, getting some regular exercise, and supplementing to make up for any nutritional shortcomings.
You’ll always be using ALL of your brain. But you can help your brain function BETTER.
P.S. Try this quick and easy Brain Health QUIZ.
Source:
“How To Win Friends And Influence People: Introduction: ‘A Shortcut to Distinction”’ by Lowell Thomas,” Web Edition of the Unrevised Work by Dale Carnegie
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...