diversity within regularity⌗

We all roughly share the same genes - the human genome.

Yet, the brain’s shape and organization develop differently depending on whether it’s reared in a culture based on trust or distrust.

Culture and brain are entertwined.

Goedel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

plasticity and rigidity⌗

As we assimilate into a (sub-)culture, we learn to notice and focus on the atypical. That is to say, we notice difference more than sameness; our brains habituate and automate responses to familiar stimulations. Long-Term Potentiation builds bigger and stronger connections in brain pathways such that less energy is needed to process repetitive signals.

Becoming too comfortable with our surroundings, however, may lull us into a stupor in which we fail to witness the diversity of life around us, even - especially - in periods of silence.