Our perceptions are shaped by the brain from "summary" of The Brain by David Eagleman
The brain is the ultimate arbiter of reality. It processes the raw data coming in from the senses and constructs the world that we perceive. This means that everything we experience, from the colors we see to the sounds we hear, is ultimately a creation of our brain. Our perceptions are not just reflections of the outside world; they are intricate constructions that are heavily influenced by our past experiences, beliefs, and expectations. The brain is constantly making predictions about the world based on past experiences and filling in gaps in our perception. This is why optical illusions work – our brain is so used to making quick judgments about the world that it can be easily tricked into seeing things that aren't really there. Our brain is a master storyteller, constantly weaving narratives out of the raw data coming in from our senses. This is why two people can witness the same event and come away with completely different perceptions of what happened. Our perceptions are also shaped by our emotions. The brain is wired to prioritize information that is emotionally salient, which means that our emotions can color the way we see the world. For example, if we are feeling anxious or scared, we are more likely to perceive neutral stimuli as threatening. This is why our perceptions can change so dramatically depending on our emotional state. The brain is also highly adaptable, constantly rewiring itself in response to new information. This means that our perceptions are not fixed, but can change over time as we learn and grow. This is why someone who has been blind from birth can have their vision restored and struggle to make sense of the world – their brain has never learned how to interpret visual information.- Our perceptions are not passive reflections of the world around us, but dynamic constructions that are shaped by a complex interplay of factors. The brain is the ultimate architect of our reality, constantly weaving together the raw data coming in from our senses to create the rich tapestry of our lived experience. Understanding how our perceptions are shaped by the brain can give us insight into the mysteries of human consciousness and the nature of reality itself.
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