The brain is a social organ from "summary" of The Brain by David Eagleman
The brain is not an isolated entity. It is deeply intertwined with the world around it. The brain has evolved to be exquisitely sensitive to the social environment in which it finds itself. This is because social interactions are complex and varied, requiring a wide range of cognitive skills. From recognizing faces to interpreting body language, the brain is constantly engaged in processing social information. When we interact with others, our brains are constantly at work, trying to make sense of the social cues that are being presented to us. This is why social interactions can be so mentally exhausting – our brains are working overtime to process all the information that is being thrown at them. But this is also why social interactions can be so rewarding – our brains are wired to seek out social connections and derive pleasure from them. The brain is not just a passive observer of the social world, however. It is an active participant in shaping our social interactions. Our brains are constantly making predictions about the behavior of others, based on past experiences and social norms. These predictions help us navigate the social world more efficiently, allowing us to anticipate others' actions and adjust our own behavior accordingly. In addition, our brains are highly adaptable, constantly rewiring themselves in response to changing social environments. This neuroplasticity allows us to learn from our social interactions and adjust our behavior in real-time. It also means that our social interactions have a profound impact on the structure and function of our brains, shaping our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in profound ways. In short, the brain is a social organ in every sense of the word. It is exquisitely attuned to the social world, constantly processing social information, making predictions about others' behavior, and adapting to changing social environments. Our social interactions have a profound impact on the structure and function of our brains, shaping our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in profound ways.
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