Myth: You use only 10% of your Brain

Myth Busted! All parts of your brain get regular use. In fact, no one really knows where this myth came from.

How do we know it’s a myth? Scientists are able to look at the brain “in action” using methods like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This makes it very clear that the brain consists of a lot of different networks, that are regularly active. It’s also clear that when someone has damage to the brain, it becomes harder for the brain to function. It’s not the case that 90% of our brain isn’t doing anything.

A‍ Better Metaphor: Think about your brain like your kitchen, supplying the parts needed to help you do something like make breakfast. You don’t use all parts of the kitchen at once. The sequence matters. You need to get the bowl from the cabinet before you pour the milk, and you probably don’t want to open the dishwasher until after you’re done eating. It’s the same with the brain. Not all parts of the brain are active every second, but that’s for a reason. The order in which the brain is doing things matters.

Think about it: What does your brain have to do to read this blog? Your visual system has to process the words. Your semantic memory system has to retrieve the meaning of the words. Your working memory system helps you keep all the information that you’re reading in mind, and then other systems help you decide what you think about it all. Your motor system helps you scroll through the text on your device (and it also is helping you keep your balance so you don’t fall off of your chair). That’s a lot more than 10% of your brain just working to help you read this blog!