The neurons that shaped civilization - VS Ramachandran
139,330 Views
4,876 Questions Answered
TED Talk
Let’s Begin…
Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.
Near the end his talk, Ramachandran gets metaphysical: “All that’s separating you from him, from the other person, is your skin. Remove the skin, you experience that person’s touch in your mind. You’ve dissolved the barrier between you and other human beings. And this, of course, is the basis of much of Eastern philosophy, and that there is no real independent self, aloof from other human beings, inspecting the world, inspecting other people.” Wow. What do you think?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED Talk Lessons
TED Talk Lessons are created by TED-Ed using phenomenal TED Talks. Do you have an idea for a lesson? Create it now using any video from YouTube »
Meet The Creators
- Speaker VS Ramachandran
