Myth: Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brains

A popular myth suggests that humans only use 10% of their brains, often implying that we have vast untapped potential in our minds. This belief is widespread in popular culture, especially in movies and media, where characters often unlock "hidden" mental powers. It suggests that most of the brain is "unused" or "inactive," which fuels the idea that if we could only access this unused capacity, we could have extraordinary cognitive abilities.

The 10% myth is not true. Neuroimaging research has shown that virtually all parts of the brain have a known function. Every region of the brain is active at some point throughout the day, even during sleep. While it’s true that not every neuron in the brain is firing at once, this does not imply that the rest of the brain is inactive or useless. Different areas of the brain are responsible for various tasks, such as movement, sensory processing, reasoning, and memory. The myth may have originated from misinterpretations of early neuroscience or from the work of 19th-century psychologist William James, who suggested that people rarely use their mental capacities to the fullest. In fact, the entire brain has a role in maintaining bodily functions, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation. The idea that we only use 10% of our brain is more of a myth created to inspire wonder or explain untapped potential than a scientifically accurate statement.