The human brain is capable of amazing feats, such as pre-programming complex sequences of movements for tasks like playing the piano or dancing. A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and Bangor University reveals that the brain does this by ‘zipping and unzipping’ information about the timing and order of movements ahead of action. Fascinatingly, the order and timing of movements are stored separately in different areas of the brain, before being activated in response to a trigger such as a musical cue. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
