We only use 10% of our brain
Modern neuroimaging studies using fMRI and PET scans show that essentially all brain regions are active at some point, and most are active nearly all the time. The 10% figure has no basis in neuroscience and contradicts multiple independent lines of evidence.
What we know
The claim that humans use only 10% of their brain is one of the most persistent myths in popular science. Neurologists and neuroscientists are in virtually unanimous agreement that this is false. Neuroimaging technologies including fMRI and PET scanning allow researchers to observe brain activity in real time, and they consistently show widespread activity across brain regions during even simple tasks. During sleep, brain activity continues across regions.
Several independent lines of evidence refute the 10% myth. If 90% of the brain were inactive, damage to those areas would produce no effects - but in practice, damage to almost any brain region results in loss of function. The metabolic cost of maintaining neural tissue is extremely high (the brain consumes roughly 20% of the body's energy despite being only 2% of body weight), making it evolutionarily implausible for 90% to be permanently idle. Synaptic pruning - the natural elimination of unused neural connections - also argues against widespread dormant brain tissue.
Neurologist Barry Gordon of Johns Hopkins stated: 'We use virtually every part of the brain, and [most of] the brain is active almost all the time.' The MIT McGovern Institute has confirmed that the 10% idea is 100% a myth. The myth's origins are unclear but may involve misattributions to Einstein or misinterpretations of early neurological research distinguishing active from resting neurons.
The myth is frequently exploited in marketing for brain-training products claiming to unlock unused neural potential.
Common claims
- Humans only use 10% of their brainFalse - all regions are active
- We could access superior abilities by using more brainNo scientific basis for 'dormant' brain potential
- Einstein said he used more of his brain than average peopleNo evidence this quote is authentic
- Brain training unlocks unused brain capacityBased on a false premise