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Quote by Carl Sagan

“The left hemisphere seems to feel quite defensive-in a strange way insecure-about the right hemisphere; and, if this is so, verbal criticism of intuitive thinking becomes suspect on the ground of motive. Unfortunately, there is every reason to think that the right hemisphere has comparable misgivings -expressed nonverbally, of course- about the left.”

Quote by Carl Sagan

Book:The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

Work

The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

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Author

Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, cosmologist, author, and science communicator, born on November 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. He is renowned for his profound research into the cosmos and his dedication to popularizing science. Sagan proposed numerous theories about the origin of the universe and life, and he made complex scientific knowledge accessible to the public with his unique perspective and clear, engaging writing style. more

“There is no doubt that right-hemisphere intuitive thinking may perceive patterns and connections too difficult for the left hemisphere; but it may also detect patterns where none exist. Skeptical and critical thinking is not a hallmark of the right hemisphere. And unalloyed right-hemisphere doctrines, particularly when they are invented during new and trying circumstances, may be erroneous or paranoid.”

Human Evolution Brain Function Brain Anatomy

Book:The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

Source: The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

“Major scientific insights are characteristically intuitive, and equally characteristically described in scientific papers by linear analytical arguments. There is no anomaly in this: it is, rather, just as it should be. The creative act has major right-hemisphere components. But arguments on the validity of the result are largely left-hemisphere functions.”

Intuition Human Brain Brain Function Reasoningg

Author:Carl Sagan

“The part of the brain that isn't automatic is an imagining machine, feeling all possibilities of feelings: it keeps pushing its way into this marshy, pleasant terrain. You struggle against that push, and start to feel your stomach protest. It's not so much even a type of seriousness as it is a circumstance, into which you pass by slow degrees. I've never seen this sufficiently examined. It mutates into a less-unreal reality that still seems different, somehow, than being fully present. Self hate is rarely unconditional.”

Imagination Subconscious Mind Self Hate Brain Function

Book:Half a Life

Source: Half a Life

“Years of practice in mathematics hardwires a person's brain for subconscious solving of mathematical problems - this is how Srinivasa Ramanujan came up with most of his discoveries in mathematics. Years of practice in the study of human behavior hardwires a person's brain for the subconscious solving of the puzzle of human nature - this is how I come up with many of my insights on human cognition and behavior. There is no magic or supernatural intervention involved here. It’s just that, when you foster a forte in a specific activity, your brain keeps working on it, beneath the surface of your conscious awareness, even if you are consciously engaged in other activities or even if you are asleep.”