The notion that humans only use a small percentage of their brains is a common myth. In reality, the brain is a highly active organ, and most of it is engaged in various functions throughout the day. While it’s true that not all parts of the brain are active at the same time, and some regions may be more active during specific tasks than others, it’s incorrect to say that we only use a small fraction of our brain.

Advanced neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans have shown that even seemingly simple tasks engage multiple regions of the brain simultaneously. For example, reading a book or having a conversation involves various areas responsible for language processing, visual perception, memory, attention, and more.

Additionally, the brain is highly adaptable and capable of reorganizing itself in response to new experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity allows different regions of the brain to take on new functions or compensate for damage to other areas.

While the exact percentage of the brain’s capacity that humans use is difficult to quantify, it’s safe to say that the brain is a highly active and dynamic organ that is constantly at work, even during seemingly mundane activities. So, rather than focusing on how much of our brains we use, it’s more accurate to appreciate the brain’s incredible complexity and its capacity for growth and adaptation throughout our lives.