is the top-down , left hemisphere – dominated network that loves analysis , order , familiar patterns , and predictability . ideas which their hands then express and reproduce from what they previously conceived with their intellect .
The default network ( or mode ) is selfdirected . This is the bottom-up , right hemisphere – dominant network that loves novelty and creativity and operates largely in your subconscious . Of course you don ’ t really have two separate brains . These are two neural networks within your brain that operate in different ways .
To find creative solutions to your problems you need to get this second part of the brain into action . This vast network of slowerfiring neurons is highly adaptable . It can be endlessly reconfigured to provide new thoughts and connections . Sure , this takes longer than using conscious thought , but it ’ s highly effective .
When working on The Last Supper , Leonardo da Vinci was known to quit working unexpectedly . He would sometimes spend half a day doing nothing , lost in his own thoughts . His patron wasn ’ t thrilled by that . He wanted him to keep his tools in hand , just like the gardener working outside . But da Vinci convinced him otherwise . His argument , according to Renaissance historian Giorgio Vasari , was this :
The greatest geniuses sometimes accomplish more when they work less , since they are searching for inventions in their minds , and forming those perfect
In other words , not working was still working . How ?
It ’ s right there in Vasari ’ s phrases “ searching for inventions ” and “ forming those perfect ideas .” While da Vinci painted , brush in hand , he executed his plan , expressing and reproducing what he had imagined . But first he had to imagine it . That required stepping away from the canvas to let his mind run , riffling through his mental inventory of shape and color .
That effort of conscious thought exposed challenges and problems with his approach , some of which stopped him in his tracks . But as he puzzled away , daydreamed , or meandered off to do other tasks , his unconscious mind was free to keep searching and forming .
It might have taken hours , but when the right idea fell into place , da Vinci was able to pick up his brushes and begin again . The key takeaway in the story is that he — or at least part of him — was working the whole time .
The default network scours experiences , memories , stories , concepts , and connections , all while you eat , sleep , or take a shower . During these seemingly mindless activities , your subconscious is clicking through the vast collection of thoughts buried deep in your mind . It tries one connection , then
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