Dan Pink's A Whole New Mind talks about the two hemispheres of the brain and what functions they serve. Watch this video of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist who serves as the National Spokesperson for the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (among other things), as she recounts her experience with a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain.
Note: there is an actual brain shown as part of the presentation from 2:40 to 3:50 as Dr. Taylor discusses the parts and functions of the brain. If you are squeamish, keep listening as the discussion is informative but stare at the ceiling for about a minute and then resume watching.
In the comments section, answer the following questions:
1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
Deadline to comment is Sunday, 10/11/2009, 11:59pm
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1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDeleteDr tailors discussion relates to the information presented by Dan Pink by talking about both the right and left hemisphere of your brain. One cool thing about this video is that she brought out a real brain and held it to show the audience. I think that Dr Taylor goes into more information about the brain then Dan Pink does. Dan pink did a overview of the hemispheres and how they work. Dr Taylor Went through her whole stroke and how each of things that happened to her related to her brain. She said “ how often does a brain scientist get the opportunity to study there own brain.” I think Dan Pink would like to do the same thing.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
If Dr Taylor would have had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left it would have been a different experience. The L brain in which she had the hemorrhage is all about the past and future. Her brain was trying to come back little by little and get her back to reality and tell her to call someone for help. Her right hemisphere takes the present moment and picks out details, categorizes and organizes it, an projects the future. She was talking about herself being in nirvana because she didn’t have that little voice in her head saying anything to her. She had no stress and anything on her mind because her left lobe almost shut down. Her right loabe tells her about the right here and the right now. Right hemisphere learns through pictures and through movement. It would have been a different experience for her if it was vice versa.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
I thought that Dr Taylors overall presentation was good. I was already aware of the differences between the right and the left brain, btu she went into good detail. It was cool hearing about the whole experience she had with the stroke and what she was thinking. She was saying that she didn’t even know she couldn’t talk until she got on the phone and everyone was talking like a dog. That must have been a crazy experience and she was very good at explaining it to an audience.
She basically regurgitates what Dan Pink is saying about the differences between the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere, just in a different way. The right hemisphere is more experience oriented and the left hemisphere is more information and detail oriented. If Dr. Taylor had the hemorrhage in her right hemisphere, I would expect that she would not be able to take in the “right here, right now,” according to Dr. Taylor. She wouldn’t be able to recognize pictures. I would expect a much different Dr. Taylor that was manifested in her lecture; I would expect more of a machine. The feelings I have about the presentation as a whole is more of mixed feelings than anything else. At first, it seemed more of an informative lecture than anything else, about her experience with a hemorrhage, but in turn ended up being a passionate plea for peace through right brain thinking. I think I became somewhat disinterested when she started describing what it was feeling like to be dead, yet she could feel her spirit expand and so on, and nirvana and whatnot. I liked when it was more informative than expressive, especially seeing the brain and spinal cord. It creeped me out but it was awesome.
ReplyDeleteDr. Taylor examines the same differances between the right and left sides of the brain that Pink does in the early part of his book. She details the contrasting thinking methods assiciated with both the left and right halves of the brain.
ReplyDeleteIf Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere she would have experienced a completely different series of events. Since the left half of the brain is language associated she would not have had the difficulty in using the phone that she did. The right side of the brain deals with the here and now so she may have been less likely to understand the general world and what she was experincing as it was happening.
Dr. Taylor's overall presentation was interesting to say the least. She did use a very descriptive manner to tell the story of her stroke which made it more vivid and life-like, however I couldn't help feeling that I was listening to an old lady on drugs.
Dr. Taylor's lecture relates to Pink's work in so far as it highlights the differences between the two hemispheres of the brain. What I found most compelling about her lecture was the different approach she took to illustrating the functions of the right hemisphere and the value she assigned to said functions. If we look at Pink's work we find an emphasis on the value of right brain directed thinking and its relationship to the modern day work environment. Taylor however assigns a much higher value on a much grander scheme. She believe that if we all were to genuinely connect with the right hemisphere of our brains the entire world would potentially become a far better place as we would realize that each individual is connected to one another.
ReplyDeleteHad the hemorrhage occurred on the other side of her brain she would have been robbed from such a realization and never attained “nirvana” as she claims she did in the video.
Overall I found her presentation incredibly interesting because she employed, perhaps inadvertently, some of the “five senses” Pink outlines in his book. She uses story telling to engage the listener and forces them to empathize with her emotionally charged presentation. This was a perfect example of how story and empathy can captivate an audience.
Dr. Taylor goes over what Pink says about the difference between the two sides of the brain and how it works together, which one does what and what the other does.
ReplyDeleteIf the hemmorage happened on the other side of the brain it would have affected her whats going part and understanding the here and now.
I found the presentation boring. As if her experience was the only one of its kind and that it was her mission to share it made me almost fall asleep during most of it. To me she just retold things in Pinks book and over acted the hemorrhage she had. I did not feel sorry for her because she is still able to function as if she was a normal human. I did not feel for her and her story seemed like it was told from some one who saw that happen to a love one.
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ReplyDelete1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDeleteDr. Taylor presents in general and personal terms the stark differences between the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Having study the metaphysical aspects in considerable detail before having her stroke, she has a unique perspective of the mind, her mind, which intersects in different places with Dan Pink's textual embodiment on the function and sharing of the two hemispheres.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
In the right hemisphere, I would expect loss of control for the left side of the body, emotional outbursts, and no sense of time. From her speech, Dr. Taylor had brief control of what she was doing at the time and had to build mnemonics to know she had completed some particular action such as dialing a digit on the telephone. Her emotional focus would be thrown out the 'proverbial' window having no boundless sensations, but very terrifying and enclosing perspective.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
If you add in a few "My Lords," a few heartfelt "Amen" or two, and a few "Hallelujahs," you'd have a revival sermon born right out of Hamlet's soliloquy of Yurik, "what a piece of work is man." I noticed her apparent sensitivity to light and presumed she squinted as a result of the hemorrhage. Her situation to manage in saving her life is noteworthy, but not so fascinating that I was able to begin the installation of Windows XP on a computer and watch Men In Black with the volume muted.
My first thought of how Dr. Taylor’s speech compares to Pinks is how she describes the two sides of the brain. I believe that she used many of the same descriptions to portray her understanding of the brain that Pink did. While I believe that both are correct, and those ideas are widely accepted, I found it interesting to hear a neuroanatomist describe the brain in the same fashion that a lawyer would. If Dr. Taylors hemorrhage was in the right hemisphere instead of the left she probably wouldn’t have enjoyed the experience as much as she did. I don’t think she would have been able to understand what was happening, luckily for her it occurred in the left so that she could take advantage of the opportunity to use it as a time to study her own brain. I believe that she would have gone more into panic mode instead of euphoria. I wonder if she had the opportunity to go back and prevent it from happening, if she would. Not to sound like a nerd, but I believe that these speeches that we are watching are getting better and better. I greatly enjoyed her presentation not only because I find this type of information to be interesting but because we were listening to someone talk about their stroke from the perspective of a highly trained neurologist. The way that she was able to notice and describe the condition that she was experiencing was amazing. She was able to give us an understandable description of what was going on in her head, and then tell us why she was experiencing these feelings and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDr. Taylors discussion relates to pink because she is talking about the different sides of the brain how they affect us. I think that Dr. Taylor is more looking at presenting the fact that this is the case and is encouraging us to use this for our own personal benefit and gain and to become a better person where as I think Pink is using this information as a warning for the way that the world is changing but none the less Pinks point is being proven from someone like Dr. Taylors discussion.
ReplyDeleteI think if the hemorrhage was on the right hemisphere the experience that she had during the stroke would have been different and therefore they way that she felt about the outcome could have possibly also been different.
I think the presentation was very interesting and that you don’t very often get to hear such a detailed description of someone experience and thoughts throughout a stroke and it was remarkable to listen to. As well as what she concluded from this was a very profound thing.
I had to pause the video for a moment, and I am very much utilizing R-directed thinking because I am writing this in a very "right here, right now" mindset. I have paused the video at the moment that Dr. Taylor is illustrating the feeling of what it was like without the left side of her brain. Not that I wish to have a stroke or wish it upon anyone, but I am just fascinated by this notion of how it would feel without the left side of the brain functioning. It sounds so amazing and out of this world to be aware of only the energy and molecules of the universe. WOW! What a scary, peaceful, enlightening, all consuming moment that would be. Sorry to disrupt the normal analysis of the video and Pink's book.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the entire presentation these are my thoughts:
Right now I am finding it difficult to write about the comparission between this presentation and the book that we are currently reading. I am completely enamoured with the message of this presentation. It is so difficult to shut off what Dr. Taylor identifies as "brain chatter". Pink points out many times in the book that there is an increase in mainstream interest in yoga and meditation and other cravings for beauty and meaning. I consider my current thoughts and feelings toward this presentation as an example of a person in a world of abundence who is searching for more meaning. There are some students who viewed this presentation very cirtically and did not enjoy it. I can understand how that perspective could be, I myself had to silence the citic within and allow myself to enjoy what was being said and not snicker or view Dr. Taylor as a hippy with a Doctoral degree.
Now if the stroke had impacted her left hemisphere only then she would certainly not have this sort of presentation. She would have not had trouble with the phone, numbers, language, etc but she may not have emotionally understood what was happening. The emotion, the fear, the emergency of the situation may not have been experienced.
The message of her presentation certainly reached me, but maybe not in the exact way Dr. Taylor may have intended. I may not be the peace providing life force that she described at the end, it would be very difficult for me to go that far. However, I am now more interested in learning about the functionality of the brain. Pink's book is interesting and I am enjoying reading it, but this presentation spoke to me in a way that the book has not. I think it comes down to the Story and Design of the presentation. The manner in which the presentation was designed and the personalization of the experience reached me.
Dr. Taylor’s discussion relates to Dan Pink’s book by expressing the importance of using the right hemisphere. Not to say that the left hemisphere isn’t important, it definitely is. Dr. Taylor is stating that tapping into our right hemisphere can bring about a sense of euphoria and a new world where there is peace and creativity. Dan Pink is using this same idea to explain the necessity of right brain usage in the new millennia.
ReplyDeleteIf Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left I would expect a different lecture. She would have felt, based on what I learned from her lecture, a complete sense of self and the beginning and end of molecules. She would have been able to recognize numbers and letters but would not know why, and it seems that she would have been much more afraid. The moment-sensing neurons in her left brain would have been firing at full capacity, making her quite aware that she has a problem and it needs to be fixed. I believe there would have been much more panicked moments in her story.
I feel very intrigued after watching this presentation. Last fall, I had the privilege of taking Dr. Gilson’s Physiological Psychology class, whose sister had a right-brained stroke a few years prior. She came in to speak with our class with what little speech she had relearned and could not describe much, so it is absolutely fascinating to hear the same story told from a completely recovered doctor in that field. I feel very appreciative that Dr. Taylor has taken the time to share her amazing story with the world, and I hope more people will take the time to listen.
1) Dr. Taylor's lecture clearly expresses the ideas inherent to Pink's writing. She explains the relationship between the different hemispheres of the brain, their influence on our thinking, and the different areas each emphasizes. She emphasizes the differences she felt after suffering from a stroke, noting how much it affected her own thinking.
ReplyDelete2) Obviously we would be viewing a different lecture, I believe she would be focused more on sequence, on rationality/logic, and there would be less emotional emphasis. I think she would also have less of an emphasis on her internal state.
3) This is my second time viewing Dr. Taylor's presentation, she's an eloquent and entertaining speaker. I think she really clarifies the ideas on the patterns of the left and right hemispheres of her brain. It's incredibly interesting for her to express her experiences after her stroke.
1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDeleteDr. Taylor's discussion definitely relates to that of Pinks discussion in a few ways. Both of these people focus there discussions on the right and left hemisphere of the brain. Dr. Taylor brings a brain as an example which really helps understand it allot more. I feel like she gets more in detail with the right hemisphere of the brain then Pink does in the first few chapters of the book. Overall they both use similar information especially when talking about what each side of he brain does.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
If Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage on the right hemisphere of her brain instead of the left this video would be allot different. Everything that she is saying in this video would probably be totally opposite then if that were to happen because of the different effects that each side of the brain has. I feel like she would not be as alert and not really know what is going on at many times. She could recognize allot of things but probably not remember them as easily.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
Overall I feel like this was a great presentation. I enjoyed her facial expressions that she used and how in detail she went with this. She really explained everything about the left and right brain. The example that she used with the brain that she brought out was awesome. It helped understand the parts of the brain and how we think. This was a great video and I learned allot from watching it.
Dr. Taylor's seminar is a more comprehensive view of the survey of the human brain offered to us by Pink in his book. The information she gives us corroborates the information provided by Pink on the differences between the hemispheres of the brain.
ReplyDeleteIf Dr. Taylor's hemorrhage had occurred on her right side I believe her perception would have been different. She felt expansive and connected, I think she would have felt the opposite. I also think that she would have been able to dial the phone quicker since it is the left hemisphere that processes language and numerical information.
I enjoyed her presentation because she was able to relate scientific data through personal story. She made it interesting, less motivational speaker and more a chance to further study.
1) Dr. Taylor was also discussing the differences between the right and left brain hemispheres just like Dan Pink. However, Dr. Taylor experienced the hemorrhage in real life. With her education/background—Dr. Taylor was able to describe (through the limited ability/timeframe she had to recall) her experience while deteriorating in that period of 4 hours--Losing the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall—becoming like a baby. She brought Dan Pink’s descriptions to life through her explaining her real-life hemorrhage and bringing the brain. It was good for Dr. Taylor to show the brain carcass--a nice touch to show that the spinal cord is still part of the Brain—which many people tend to overlook…The brain starts from the skull and extends (into the neck down the spine, woven thru the backbone/vertebrae) to behind the anus--practically.
ReplyDelete2) If Dr. Taylor’s RIGHT hemisphere had hemorrhaged--her “LEFT” brain would be the injured/disabled areas in terms of performance such as speech, language, reasoning, analytical ability, logical and rational thought processes. Accordingly, this ‘other side of brain’ would have changed her experience of recall while the hemorrhage was occurring—plus: her ability to speak/articulate, ability to reason, to name a few--and also importantly--her rehabilitation treatment/protocols would be entirely different. It may have taken her longer to return to work and speak in public.
3) It was an interesting perspective hearing a Neuroanatomist’s account of her left brain hemorrhage (from what she was able to remember) given the amount of education/background she had. It is a reality check when you have that amount of brilliance and your brain is injured, short circuits due to a hemorrhage—disabling you to a child—yet you are still somewhat aware in the moment to know you are imprisoned, not knowing how acute extensive, permanent. I had a very similar experience which has led me to this point in life.
Lisa Beni
I would first like to say: WOW! Dr. Taylor’s discussion relates to the information presented by Dan Pink because it is a perfect example of how the left and right brain operate separately, and together (I hope that statement makes sense to someone other than me).
ReplyDeleteHer discussion was amazing because she is a real life expert on the human brain, and can describe her stroke experience in a way that makes us understand the affects of a stroke. Her internal dialogue was pretty much silent, and for the first time, she was able to have a completely different perspective on everything.
If she had the hemorrhage in her right hemisphere, her perspective would mainly consist of internal dialogue. She would also miss out on the euphoria she was describing because she wouldn’t see everything as energy; she probably would experience more chaos and less peace.
The fact that Dr. Taylor refers to her experience as “a gift” and describes the human brain as two cognitive minds is incredible. Furthermore, we have the ability to pick and choose which sides of the brain to utilize and certain times. Without a stroke like hers (or mind altering drugs), we cannot completely operate on just one side. However, Dr. Taylor believes merely attempting to do so makes the world more peaceful; a better place.
In conclusion, this was the best media I’ve laid my eyes on all weekend! I would be interested in hearing more about Dr. Taylor’s eight years of recovery, and her work as a doctor before and after the hemorrhage.
1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDeleteDr. Taylor used a real brain to illustrate the anatomy of both hemispheres of the brain. She detailed the different functions of the hemispheres much in the same way Pink did in the first chapter of his book.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
I f the Dr. had had an hemorrhage on the right side instead of the left she would have had it a little easier processing the numbers she had to dial on the phone. She also might have been able to handle the overall situation easier than she did.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
Her presentation was definitely heartfelt as is her whole reason for studying the brain in the first place. Her love for her brother was the driving force for her career.
I have actually seen this presentation before buying Dr. Taylor’s book “Stoke of Insight.” I was very much moved by her presentation enough to go ahead and buy the book (which I have not had the opportunity to read yet), and watch the presentation again. About a year and a half ago I had a massive blood clot in the right hemisphere of my brain so naturally I have thought the question before “what if I had a stroke?” I may have lost the fantastic ability to see how connected we are to everything. There is so much that could have been lost like my love for nature and music. I can’t help but to feel very moved by Dr. Taylor’s presentation and really feel thankful that I can take advantage of everything I am learning from Pink’s book “A Whole New Mind.”
ReplyDeleteIn the comments section, answer the following questions:
ReplyDelete1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
Dan Pink and Dr.Taylor hold the same beliefs and research on the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Dr.Taylor just gives more scientifically based research.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
She would have been able to recognize things but not fully remember them.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
She initially captured my attention when she gave me the PURPOSE of her research. Her purpose was to help and understand her brother, nothing this she had my emotions and my attention. I found the brain to be disturbing ;/
Deadline to comment
1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDeleteIt relates to Pink's text by explaining in depth the difference between the right and left hemisphere. In contrast to the text, she goes in depth about the physical consequences of actually losing communication of one of the two hemispheres.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
If it had happened to the right hemisphere I would image that she would not recognize the movement of her body and or be able to recognize her surroundings. I would also think that she would be much more worried because she would have been more aware of the situation and not be able to control what was happening to her body or how to fix it.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
It was really interesting to see that kind of account of what happened. It gave me a actual idea of what it would be like for the two hemispheres of my brain to be disconnected. I enjoyed it.
1) The first part of Dr. Taylor's discussion was very much related to the information presented by Pink. She goes into how the brain works and what each hemisphere specializes in. The right hemisphere is the "right here, right now." It's controlled by our sensory systems. The left hemisphere is "all about the past and all about the future." It pays attention to the details and categorizes things and associates things. The left hemisphere is your conscience telling you what to do and when to do it.
ReplyDelete2) It seems to me that if she had had a hemorrhage in the right side of her brain she may have been able to get help more quickly, though it may have seemed more chaotic and hectic. The way she described her experience made it seem that her left side of her brain was trying to chime in to get her help but because the hemorrhage was there it couldn't take over. If the hemorrhage was on the right side she wouldn't have had this sense of euphoria she experienced.
3) I feel that the presentation was a little out there. At first I thought it was going to be an interesting story, and it was for the most part, but toward the end of the discussion I started feeling a little like I was in church.
1) The way I think that Dr. Taylor's presentation relates to Dan Pink is by showing the differences between the right side and left side of the brain and how they function together. She brings out an actual brain during the presentation to show the physical differences which was really cool but the strength of her presentation came from her personal perspective as someone who has suffered a stroke and the damages it causes to your brain function.
ReplyDelete2)If the hemmorage was in the right side of Dr. Taylor's brain rather then her left her conditions would be drastically changed. I think she would of lost her memory to the extent that she recognized things but did not know what they were. With the strengths changed I think the video would be focused more on the strengths of the left side of the brain as Pink names them.
3) The overall presentation was pretty awesome. When she brought out the brain I was compeltely stunned but became enthralled with the video. Also seeing her perspective as someone who has had trauma to one of the hemispheres was really interesting.
1) How does Dr. Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink?
ReplyDelete- Shows how the right brain would act in the absence of the left brain, that way the mind works in a single pattern.
2) What impact would you expect if Dr. Taylor had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left?
- Think she would have called an ambulance much quicker, even before doing anything else.
3) How do you feel about Dr. Taylor's overall presentation?
- I thought it got overly emotional and it made me uneasy. I felt like it tugged at your heart strings a little too much. 18 minutes in, I felt I had the right idea, I don't have the stomach for things like that so I stopped it at 'every beautiful person reaching nirvana.'
Dr.Taylor's discussion relate to the information presented by Dan Pink is the knowledge on the brains hemisphere,however Dr. Taylor's research is based more scientific research that Pink's case studies.
ReplyDelete2)The impact that i would expect Dr. Taylor would have if she had a hemorrhage in her right hemisphere instead of her left would be to react more out of instinct thank logically.
3)Dr. Taylor's overall presentation was very informative and i was able to see the comparisons with her research and opinions vs. Pinks informative research and lectures. Overall, it was informative and interesting.