Winton Eliott
Have you ever heard the claim that we only use 10% of our brains?
It’s a popular idea that’s been around for a long time, and many people still believe it.
The thought is that if we could access the other 90%, we could unlock hidden talents, perform amazing feats, or even gain superhuman abilities.
It sounds incredible, doesn’t it?
But before we get too excited, let’s take a closer look at the facts and see if there’s any real science behind this claim.
The Origins of the 10% Brain Myth
The idea that we only use 10% of our brains is so widespread that it feels like a fact, but where did this myth actually come from?
Its exact origins are unclear, but it likely dates back to the early 20th century.
Some people think it was linked to psychologist William James, who once said, “We are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources.”
However, he wasn’t talking about brain usage—he was simply pointing out that humans have untapped potential.
Another possible source is the work of neuroscientist Karl Lashley in the 1920s and 1930s.
He did experiments on rats, removing parts of their brains to see how it affected their learning and ability to navigate mazes.
Despite removing large portions, the rats could still function, which led some to think only a small part of the brain was necessary.
But Lashley’s research didn’t fully account for how complex and adaptable the brain really is.
Why Do People Believe This Myth?
Why do so many people still believe the 10% brain myth if it’s not true?
There are a few reasons why this misconception sticks around:
Hollywood’s influence
Movies like Lucy and Limitless have helped spread the idea that unlocking unused parts of the brain leads to superhuman abilities.
These films show characters gaining extreme intelligence or power by accessing more of their brain.
While fun to watch, these stories blur the line between fact and fiction, reinforcing the myth.
Self-help industry
The self-help world often talks about untapped potential, encouraging people to believe they aren’t using their full capabilities.
The 10% myth fits this message perfectly, making it a catchy phrase for books and seminars that promise to help people unlock their hidden potential.
Lack of understanding
Most people aren’t experts in neuroscience, so the idea that 90% of the brain is idle is easy to understand and intriguing.
It offers a sense of mystery and possibility, even though it’s not grounded in science.
Consequences of the 10% Brain Myth
Believing in the 10% brain myth might seem harmless, but it can actually have some negative effects:
Misinformation
Myths like this contribute to spreading false information, which can make it harder for people to understand and trust real science.
When people believe myths, they may also be more likely to question valid scientific facts or avoid proven methods that actually work.
Unrealistic expectations
The myth suggests that anyone could unlock amazing mental or physical abilities by tapping into unused brain power.
This leads to unrealistic hopes and can cause people to spend time and money on programs or products that promise results but have no scientific backing.
Overlooked real potential
Our brains are already amazing!
The 10% myth can distract people from focusing on real ways to boost brain function, like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and keeping the mind active through learning and social activities.
These habits are far more effective for maintaining a sharp mind than chasing false promises.
Scientific Evidence Against the Myth
Let’s talk about the science behind the 10% brain myth.
Modern neuroscience has completely debunked this idea through advanced studies and technology, like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans.
These tools let scientists see how the brain works in real time, and the evidence is clear: we use almost all parts of our brain, even when we’re not doing much.
Brain activity studies
Research shows that even during simple activities, multiple areas of the brain are active.
For instance, when we talk, walk, or do other basic tasks, different parts of the brain light up on scans.
This proves that our brain is constantly working across its entire structure, not just a small portion.
Brain damage evidence
If 90% of the brain were useless, injuries to the brain should rarely cause problems.
But studies show that even small injuries to the brain can have a huge impact, affecting speech, movement, memory, and other important functions.
This clearly shows that every part of the brain plays an important role.
Evolutionary perspective
From an evolutionary point of view, the myth doesn’t make sense.
The brain uses about 20% of the body’s energy, even though it only makes up 2% of our body weight.
Evolution wouldn’t favor such a high-energy organ if 90% of it wasn’t being used.
Every part of the brain has a purpose, and evolution has shaped it to be as efficient as possible.
According to a journal article published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, advanced neuroimaging techniques have confirmed that the entire brain has some level of activity throughout the day.
Even while sleeping, our brains remain active, particularly in areas involved in processing information, regulating emotions, and consolidating memories (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2023).
Final Thoughts
The 10% brain myth is exactly that—a myth.
While it may be an intriguing idea, it doesn’t stand up to scientific scrutiny.
The truth is, our brains are active and complex organs that work continuously, even when we’re at rest or asleep.
Believing that 90% of it is dormant not only misrepresents the science but also distracts us from appreciating the incredible power and complexity of the brain as it is.
So, next time you hear someone mention the 10% brain myth, you’ll know the facts. We might not have superhuman powers, but understanding the truth about our brains is powerful enough.
