THE BRAIN 🧠

THE WORK OF THE BRAIN

SUSANA MARTINEZ-CONDE: The brain remains one of the greatest enigmas in contemporary science.

THALIA WHEATLEY: It governs every aspect of our personality, influencing our thoughts and emotions. It defines your individuality. URI MAOZ: A significant portion of my brain's activity occurs without my awareness. HEATHER BERLIN: But what truly transpires in your subconscious mind? Which part of your brain holds the reins? CHARLES LIMB: Throughout the day, we engage in spontaneous actions that we never anticipated. (sizzling) Life is inherently unscripted. MAOZ: Identify a word that resonates with you. BERLIN: You might believe you've made a decision... Representation. BERLIN: Yet, in the recesses of your mind, you question... Come on! BERLIN: Was that truly my choice? ♪ ♪ We may perceive ourselves as being in control. ANIL SETH: The notion that we govern our actions is vital to our sense of self. BERLIN: However, our brains might have different plans. BOBBY KASTHURI: Comprising nearly 90 billion neurons, the brain creates the illusion of a singular identity within our heads. LUKE CHANG: For every Pinocchio, there is always someone orchestrating events from behind the curtain. (device beeps) ♪ ♪ MICHAEL GAZZANIGA: It is possible for two distinct minds to exist within one system. WHEATLEY: It's not merely that functions like motor skills, memory, and language reside in the brain. Your personality and moral compass are also there. BIANCA JONES MARLIN: As humans, we understand how our surroundings and traumatic experiences shape us. BERLIN: "Your Brain: Who's In Control?" Currently airing on "NOVA." ♪ ♪ BERLIN: Have you ever believed you made a definitive choice? (inner voice): I’ll just watch two episodes tonight. (narration): But before you know it... (inner voice): Alright, just one more episode. (laugh track playing) Actually, it’s time for bed. ♪ ♪ I bet everyone else has already completed this season. (static hissing, laugh track plays) Wait, why am I still watching this? (narration): The answer, of course, lies within your brain.