VanCrackin
The Freshmaker
The brain works like a computer. In the morning, when we wake up, it starts up like a computer, sending bits of nitric oxide to the thalamus, which in turn directs them elsewhere. Basically, starting up its operating system before performing more complex tasks.
Consciously, we are only able to think about one thing a time. The rest of the subject matter is stored away in the subconscious, until it is brought out to focus upon. An example of this was demonstrated to me in a very simple way: As my brother was explaining how the brain works to me, he very suddenly punched me in the arm. My thoughts immediately jumped from the subject material as to why he would hit me, what the point of it was- all in an instant, my brain was trying to calculate the reasoning behind it. He then of course, told me that my brain had stopped thinking about the subject material, and without my control, jumped to the 'loudest' thought in my head - the reason why he hit me.
Along this same line of reasoning, he then proceeded to explain to me that humans may not have any control over what they use their conscious thoughts on, instead naturally focusing on the 'loudest' thought in their subconscious, which is brought forward.
Therefore, the only thing that we have some control over is what input goes into our consciousness. However, because of the way our brain works, a part of that is already predecided. We are going to think most about what we want most, and then more often then not, follow through with it. Sometimes it may be in the short term, such as watching TV instead of doing homework. Or sometimes it may be in the longterm, such as suffering through a job one hates to support his family, but eventually quitting to salvage some degree of happiness. However, the brain will always crave gratification. It's a selfish organism. It wants to be happy.
Some people gain this happiness in different ways. Perhaps by spending money on something nice for oneself, or by bringing flowers home for a significant other (because the attention then that the significant other will shower upon the giver will make the giver happy.) Even unselfish acts equate back to the giver feeling good about himself or herself. Of course, what makes the brain happy is different for all people. Some people like to spend money on themselves, and their brain provides that idea with positive reinforcement. Other people don't like to give charity, so the brain structures that idea, in turn, with negative reinforcement. One is not as likely to repeat tasks that have negative reinforcement as tasks that the brain gives positive reinforcement to.
So, how does this relate to religion?
The human brain is a selfish organism, wanting happiness and gratification. We know most of the human race to be egotistical and prideful, no matter who or where you are. There is always a hierarchy in the world and everyone wants to be at the top of his or her respective latter.
Therefore, it is obvious to see that the brain does not want to cease to exist. No one wants to lose consciousness. It wants to succeed, and be powerful. Losing consciousness is a subject that many atheists struggle with for a while. Who wants to believe that when we die, we will never see our loved ones again?
The solution to this depressing thought is religion, and faith. Positive reinforcement of this idea that we are going to a fluffy place in the sky makes the brain happy. Therefore, the more one goes to church and experiences this idea, the more positive reinforcement it gains, which can directly equate to more faith.
Is this why the devout are so faithful? Because of positive reinforcement?
Consciously, we are only able to think about one thing a time. The rest of the subject matter is stored away in the subconscious, until it is brought out to focus upon. An example of this was demonstrated to me in a very simple way: As my brother was explaining how the brain works to me, he very suddenly punched me in the arm. My thoughts immediately jumped from the subject material as to why he would hit me, what the point of it was- all in an instant, my brain was trying to calculate the reasoning behind it. He then of course, told me that my brain had stopped thinking about the subject material, and without my control, jumped to the 'loudest' thought in my head - the reason why he hit me.
Along this same line of reasoning, he then proceeded to explain to me that humans may not have any control over what they use their conscious thoughts on, instead naturally focusing on the 'loudest' thought in their subconscious, which is brought forward.
Therefore, the only thing that we have some control over is what input goes into our consciousness. However, because of the way our brain works, a part of that is already predecided. We are going to think most about what we want most, and then more often then not, follow through with it. Sometimes it may be in the short term, such as watching TV instead of doing homework. Or sometimes it may be in the longterm, such as suffering through a job one hates to support his family, but eventually quitting to salvage some degree of happiness. However, the brain will always crave gratification. It's a selfish organism. It wants to be happy.
Some people gain this happiness in different ways. Perhaps by spending money on something nice for oneself, or by bringing flowers home for a significant other (because the attention then that the significant other will shower upon the giver will make the giver happy.) Even unselfish acts equate back to the giver feeling good about himself or herself. Of course, what makes the brain happy is different for all people. Some people like to spend money on themselves, and their brain provides that idea with positive reinforcement. Other people don't like to give charity, so the brain structures that idea, in turn, with negative reinforcement. One is not as likely to repeat tasks that have negative reinforcement as tasks that the brain gives positive reinforcement to.
So, how does this relate to religion?
The human brain is a selfish organism, wanting happiness and gratification. We know most of the human race to be egotistical and prideful, no matter who or where you are. There is always a hierarchy in the world and everyone wants to be at the top of his or her respective latter.
Therefore, it is obvious to see that the brain does not want to cease to exist. No one wants to lose consciousness. It wants to succeed, and be powerful. Losing consciousness is a subject that many atheists struggle with for a while. Who wants to believe that when we die, we will never see our loved ones again?
The solution to this depressing thought is religion, and faith. Positive reinforcement of this idea that we are going to a fluffy place in the sky makes the brain happy. Therefore, the more one goes to church and experiences this idea, the more positive reinforcement it gains, which can directly equate to more faith.
Is this why the devout are so faithful? Because of positive reinforcement?
