An Introduction to Brain-Computer Interfaces
A new definition of human
The brain is one of the most magnificent things in the universe. It is the most complex organ in the body and the source of our understanding of the world. It is what allows you to read this article while processing your surroundings and having a snack at the same time. Everything you touch, taste, feel, see, and hear is dependent on processing in the brain. Most importantly, our understanding of the brain is minuscule compared to other systems in our body: circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and other bodily systems can at least be mapped — our brain, on the other hand, has not been. Not even close.
“If our brains were simple enough to be understood, we wouldn’t be smart enough to understand them.” ― David Eagleman
However, what is exciting is that there is no telling what could be accomplished by a better understanding of the brain. Treating neurodegenerative diseases is one outcome, but certainly not the only one. As our understanding of the brain changes, we may begin to redefine what it means to be human.
