Unfold The Canvas of Learning: Learning Step 04

Some developmental biologists researching brain growth argue that fear was a fundamental emotion during the brain's evolution. Fear emerged as an emotion when organisms attempted to protect themselves from environmental conditions. This struggle for safety—often termed the "survival instinct"—became intertwined with fear at every stage of evolutionary development.

A crucial turning point in the brain's evolutionary journey occurred when organisms (specifically the human lineage) transitioned from walking on four limbs to walking upright on two. This shift not only freed up the hands for other tasks but also reduced the energy required for locomotion. Consequently, more energy became available for the brain.

Researcher John Medina notes, "Although the brain accounts for only 2 percent of an average human's body weight, it consumes 20 percent of the energy intake."

It took hundreds of thousands of years on nature's evolutionary timeline for the human brain to evolve into its current form. Therefore, humanity should regard the brain as a magnificent gift bestowed by nature.

What is the message the brain conveys to us? Understanding it would leave us truly amazed: "Use it or lose it." The more we utilize the brain, the faster and more efficiently it functions. After all, the poet’s words ring true: "Do not sharpen your knife; sharpen your intellect."

Research has revealed another fact: in ancient times, humans wandered through forests and rugged terrain to meet their needs. During this search, the average person walked 12 miles a day. This constant walking ensured the brain received the necessary blood flow and energy, thereby significantly boosting its development. This highlights the close connection between the body and the brain; consequently, walking, physical exercise, and physical activity are highly beneficial for maintaining brain health.

It is essential to engage children in sports and physical exercise from a young age. Parents would be making a grave mistake if they believed that allowing children to play for a while in the evening would compromise their academic performance or waste time. On the contrary, research has proven that physical exercise and sports actually accelerate and enhance learning capabilities.

Comparative studies on learning abilities have shown that those who engage in physical exercise and activity outperform those who do not. Furthermore, individuals who exercise demonstrate superior cognitive abilities in various areas. For instance, their approach to tasks, analytical skills, attention span, and decision-making capabilities are far better than those of their less active counterparts.

How much truth lies in the words of the poet Bharathi: "Run and play, little child; never remain idle"? Let us, too, allow our children some time to play!