Unveiling the Mysteries of the Mind: Hello Brain! Exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute
Throughout history, humans have been intrigued by the inner workings of the mind. Shakespeare’s Hamlet famously expressed his disdain for those who sought to unravel the mysteries of his soul, accusing them of reducing him to a mere instrument. However, in today’s world, there are no such taboos. We now dissect the self by studying the brain, a literal organ that holds the key to understanding our thoughts and behaviors.
The Francis Crick Institute in London is currently hosting an exhibition titled Hello Brain!, which celebrates the institute’s groundbreaking research into the complexities of the mind. The exhibition showcases various discoveries made by the Crick’s researchers, challenging long-held beliefs about human nature.
One fascinating finding is that the brains of mice change during pregnancy, suggesting that the maternal instinct is not solely a spiritual calling but a neurochemical imperative. This research sheds light on the biological basis of our behaviors and emotions, questioning the notion of free will and personal agency.
Another study conducted at the Crick Institute reveals that humans hallucinate more than we think. By studying mice, researchers have found evidence supporting the idea that our unconscious mind plays a crucial role in learning and memory consolidation. These findings challenge our understanding of consciousness and highlight the importance of the unconscious mind in shaping our experiences.
While these discoveries are undoubtedly intriguing, they also pose a threat to our cherished beliefs about ourselves. As Henry Hill famously said in Goodfellas, “your murderers come with smiles.” The more we understand the brain, the more our comforting views about ourselves crumble. This existential brain drain forces us to confront the possibility that we are nothing more than biological machines, sophisticated animals with no inherent superiority over other creatures.
However, it would be a mistake to conclude that science has stripped us of all value and meaning. While our understanding of human nature has evolved, it does not diminish the remarkable qualities that make us human. The brain, despite being a complex organ, gives rise to our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. We are not reducible to mere biological computers; we possess the unique ability to reflect on our perceptions, question our motives, and examine our own brains.
Furthermore, the idea that we do not perceive the world as it is in itself is misguided. Our brains construct our perceptions based on sensory input, but these projections must have some correspondence to reality for our survival. While our perceptions may be colored by our brains’ expectations, they still provide us with valuable information about the world around us.
The question of free will remains a challenging one. If we define free will as a magical power independent of our brain and bodily processes, then we do not possess it. However, if we understand free will as the capacity to make choices for ourselves, then we do have it. Our brains play a central role in determining our actions, and this should be embraced rather than feared.
The Hello Brain! exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of neuroscience and the complexities of the human mind. While our understanding of consciousness may have shattered some of our illusions, it also provides us with a deeper appreciation for the incredible capabilities of the human brain. As you leave the exhibition, you will be reminded of your own uniqueness and the capacity to see yourself from an outside perspective, a quality that sets us apart as human beings.
Hello Brain! is an exhibition not to be missed, offering a thought-provoking journey into the inner workings of the mind. It runs from March 2 to December 7 at the Francis Crick Institute in London. So come and say hello to your brain and discover the wonders that lie within.
Julian Baggini’s latest book, How to Think Like a Philosopher, further explores the mysteries of the mind and offers insights into the nature of human consciousness.