Everybody knows that our brains are vitally important for our quality of life. A lot of valuable new information on neurology has come to our attention in the recent past. Today we will consider the frontal lobe, the organ of civilization, and a memorable encounter with Dr. Baldwin in Georgia, USA.
What is the significance of the frontal lobe?
Wikipedia: The frontal lobe, located at the front of the brain, is the largest of the four major lobes of the cerebral cortex in the mammalian brain.
In humans, the frontal lobe makes up approximately 33% of the cerebral cortex. While a monkey’s frontal lobe is proportionately half as big as a human’s (17%), a dog’s is half that at 7% and a cat’s is half that again at 3.5%. The frontal lobe is responsible for motor functions, so it controls our ability to move, but it is much more. It is also the seat of our personalities and our social behavior. How do we know that? A unique event made scientists aware of it:
The Story of Phineas Gage
September 13, 1848: The reputable, productive and conscientious 25-year-old railroad construction foreman, Phineas Gage made his way to his job. His team was working in a mountainous region where dynamite was needed to smooth the way. The regular routine had been effective: drill a hole, fill it with dynamite, lay a fuse, cover with sand, pound with a tamping bar – move away and light the fuse.
On this disastrous morning, someone had forgotten to put the sand in. The tamping bar hit the dynamite directly and caused an unexpected explosion. Instead of breaking the mountain in two, the explosion sent the tamping bar flying through the air. Because Phineas was in its path, it rammed a hole through his left cheek bone, passed behind his left eye and through the top of his head, landing several yards away. Phineas’ frontal lobe had been badly damaged.
The amazing thing was that Phineas did not die. Actually he recovered quite soon – as far as his physical condition was concerned. But drastic changes had taken place in his personality. Before the accident, Phineas was known to be an intelligent, responsible worker, a well-beloved father with high morals and a pious and reverent churchgoer. After the accident he seemed to be just as physically fit and mentally intelligent. His memory was still good, and he could walk, talk and work. But what about his morals, his deeper values?
After the accident he lost his love and interest in his family and soon after divorced. He became irresponsible and profane. He no longer went to church. His spirituality and reverence disappeared. Even social respects were gone. He lost his job and ended up joining a travelling circus.
More information about Phineas Gage can be found in Wikipedia.
A healthy and well-developed frontal lobe is especially important in the family setting. It is the key to wise thought, speech and behavior.
We are daily bombarded with news that reflects the growing instability of our society. In spite of all kinds of entertainment, the number of anti-depressants and inmates in psychiatric wards continues to rise. If we were to study the reports about all these crimes seriously, at some point we would most likely ask the question, “Who is to blame for all this deficiency of empathy and moral irresponsibility?” Careful observation would reveal to us as parents, teachers and social workers a growing social incompetence among children. Hyperactivity, distractibility, aimlessness, frustration, aggression and depression have become a part of daily life for the youth of today. Sad.
What is the cause?
Scientific studies show that the frontal lobe is the seat of our:
> Morals, Will & Spirituality
> Conscience & Personality
> Reason & Ability to Decide
> Character & Motivation
> Self Competence & Social Competence (Emotional Intelligence)
Is it possible that our frontal lobes are either strengthened or weakened by our lifestyles? What are you doing personally in order to build or keep a strong character? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we knew what we could do for society so that people would take better care of themselves and the world?
My Memorable Encounter with Dr. Bernell E. Baldwin, PhD
When my son Jesse was the director of a mission school in Georgia, he invited me to be a guest speaker at his school. His neighbor was Dr. Bernell E. Baldwin, PhD.
He was over 80 at the time and a very successful physician and neurologist. I was looking forward to meeting him, but never seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
After lunch one day, it happened. As I was on my way out the door to class, he was just coming home.
A spontaneous question:
"Dr. Baldwin, can I ask you a question?” “Well, sure!” "What would you do if you were the enemy of mankind?"
In a way I was surprised at my question and didn’t expect a quick reply, but his answer came back at the speed of lightning:
"I would destroy their frontal lobes!"
At that time I had no idea what he meant. Today I know he hit the nail on the head describing many destructive processes in our society with that one blow.
Since that memorable event in my life, I have become sensitive to the subject. The complexity of the connection between mind and body is mind-boggling, and yet, the surprisingly simple logic behind it amazes and fascinates me. Because of this simplicity, it is relatively easy to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy choices. If it destroys my frontal lobe, I’d better leave it be.
How can I destroy or impair my frontal lobe?
Some symptoms of frontal lobe damage
Impaired moral principles
Disturbing social behavior
Loss of far-sightedness and the ability to make responsible plans for the future
Inability to think abstractly (from cause to effect)
Impaired mathematical understanding
Lack of empathy and love
Lack of self-discipline (overeating, oversleeping, overspending)
Hyperactivity (ADHD)
Indifference toward oneself (fatalism)
Apathy (lack of self-motivation)
High distractibility and restlessness
Lack of inhibitions (boasting, hostility, aggression)
The frontal lobe is affected by
Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, other drugs
Some medicines, high blood pressure
High sugar consumption (careful with children), meat (arachidonic acid) and cheese (tyramine)
Social media (entertainment in the form of movies and games - see BLOG), certain kinds of music and constant stimulation (Hollywood = holly wood = holy wood = magic wand)
Quick scene changes in films overload and bypass the frontal lobe creating hypnotic effect
Some common neurotransmitters that have negative effects: Theobromine (chocolate), Tyramine (cheese), Heroin, Morphine, Amphetamines.
Legal drugs have an especially strong influence on our children and youth. They need good examples of people with high emotional intelligence who will demonstrate the value of a strong frontal lobe and the benefits of saying NO.
How can I strengthen and protect my frontal lobe?
Good nutrition (see NEWSTART)
Healthy lifestyle (see PLUS)
Classical music
The following 'neurotransmitters' have a positive effect: walkine (walking), laughine, singine, prayine, helpine :-)
Closing Remarks
As you observe your surroundings, you may recognize some positive and some negative frontal lobe influences.
Do you think our postmodern society offers enough opportunities to stimulate frontal lobe activity? Or are we in danger of damage? Do you think advertisers in the world of marketing want consumers to have strong frontal lobes? Or would they be more interested in weakening our ability to make sound decisions while shopping?
The Bible talks about the time of the end, just before Jesus comes again as a time when people will not be able to love anymore. “The love of many will grow cold.” Let’s do what we can to prevent this from happening to us and our families! Let’s keep our families warm and loving!
This is a complex subject that touches many areas of life, especially families and education. More on that another time!
There’s no greater joy in life than to experience the team spirit of a happy family that supports each other in their daily fight for the right. Many thanks to our kind and merciful God!
