Posted on 04/26/2009 9:46:51 PM PDT by LibWhacker
It's unfocused, random, and extremely good at what it does. How we can learn from a baby's brain.
WHAT IS IT like to be a baby? For centuries, this question would have seemed absurd: behind that adorable facade was a mostly empty head. A baby, after all, is missing most of the capabilities that define the human mind, such as language and the ability to reason. Rene Descartes argued that the young child was entirely bound by sensation, hopelessly trapped in the confusing rush of the here and now. A newborn, in this sense, is just a lump of need, a bundle of reflexes that can only eat and cry. To think like a baby is to not think at all.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
“...hopelessly trapped in the confusing rush of the here and now.”
This sounds like the Boston Globe is examining it’s own being or that of it’s single Mother.
Sometimes I wish I could be trapped hopelessly in the here and now.
My babies would study me so intently, and within even a couple of months were trying to imitate my expressions.
reminds me of the old one....guys spend 9 months tryin’ to get out of there and the rest of their lives tryin’ to get back in!
Really interesting article, espically when looking at the supression of Pre-frontal cortex and the idea that spurs on creativity.
Explains a lot about ADHD (issues with Prefrontal cortex formation and thicking of the brain) and it’s tie to creative Geneses. Albert Einstien (thought to be ADHD) actually decribed it best:
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”
At such moments, she suggests, we need to think with the innocence of an infant - to release the reins of attention and look anew at a world we're still trying to understand.
I'm there ... sign me, "New Grandfather"
I’ve never thought that. I’ve always considered babies as little sponges who soak up whatever is around them, and they learn at a tremendous rate!
Hmmm. Did Descartes ever raise any kids? I wonder.
It was interesting how fast our daughter picked up sign language. No, she wasn’t deaf, but well before she was able to walk or talk, she was using sign language to get what she wanted. She even signed in sentences, sort of. Of course, once she could talk, she disposed of the signing as being cumbersome.
It’s still interesting how effective a signed command, on my part, is far more effective at getting her to do something. Even at 12, it’s interesting that her obedience is almost reflexive, whereas if I just tell her to do something there’s always the danger of an attitude setting in. Early learning always seems to be the most persistent. ;-)
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Wonderful quote. Thank you.
I’m glad you like it :D. It’s one of my favorites, but Old Albert had some good ones. You should check them out.
I came into this world naked,wet and crying.........then it got worse.
Congrats! It’s the greatest.
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