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It was not long ago that scientists made the remarkable discovery that our brains are divided into
two halves and that each half has separate features and roles. The brain is said to be divided into
the left half and the right half. For ease of reference, they are called the left brain and the right brain.
The left brain is said to be the logical brain. It is the left brain that we use to solve mathematical
problems and to think logically. For example, if you were asked how to make coffee, this is what
happens, Your left brain begins to work; it searches its files for information on coffee making. If it
finds the files, it begins relating what to do step by step. If it does not find any record, it says it does
not know.
The right brain is often called the creative brain. It has the function of thinking creatively. This
includes all the artistic functions, including art and music appreciation. When you want to draw a
picture or compose a piece of music or write poetry, it is the right brain that is in operation. When
you come across a new situation in your life, your right brain gives ideas on how to tackle it.
To some people, the left brain is dominant and to others, the right brain is. Of people who are good
in mathematics and language expression - that is, putting into practice what they have learnt, we
say that they are more left-brained. They are not very sensitive and believe in doing everything only
after reasoning. They are very sharp at arguments. They are the type who will not believe in anything
until they see it. Right brained people are more artistic and have a good sense of music appreciation.
They are also more sensitive and tend to be emotional. They are more open to new ideas and are
willing to accept radical positions.
Is the left brain better or the right brain? Both sides of the brain are equally important. In an ideal
situation, a person should be exactly equal in both sides of the brain. However, as in most things,
the ideal never happens. People are dominated by one or the other side of their brains.
In order to function effectively in the world, we must learn to use both sides of the brain. In many
situations that we meet in the world, there will be requirements for both sides of the brain to work
together as partners. For example, when you want to write a story, which brain do you use? The
answer is both brains. You need the right brain to think of the ideas and you need the left side to
arrange everything in a logical sequence. You cannot go through life with only one side functioning.
One last thing: In a left handed person, the brain will be in reverse. For him or her, the right brain
will be the logical brain and the left brain will be the creative brain. Also, it has been observed that
for some unknown reason, left handed people tend to be more creative. Hence you will see that most
left handed people are artistic or at least have a keener sense of art appreciation. It is probable that
what causes left and right handedness is the position of the brain and not vice versa.
Also, it is astounding that many of the greatest persons in History are known to be left handed. These
include Napoleon, Charlemagne, Picasso, Alexander the Great and Benjamin Franklin. The number
of great people who are left handed is out of proportion of the total number. Now, we know that
what causes left handedness or right handedness is the position of the brain in the head. So is there any reason to believe that people whose creative brain is on the left are at an advantage?
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