Why We Argue: The Brain’s Certainty Trap with Chris Niebauer

Chris Niebauer earned his Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right sides of the human brain. He is the author of the bestselling book No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and the workbook that followed it. He was a professor at a state university in Pennsylvania for 22 years, where he taught courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left- and right-brain differences, and artificial intelligence.

In this episode, Chris shares his research into left and right-brain processing and how these differences shape the way we perceive reality. He suggests that much of our suffering and conflict arises from mistaking our thoughts and stories for truth. We explore how this shows up not only in personal life, but also in politics and cultural division, and consider the role of openness and empathy in navigating these tensions.

00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:54 Meaning beyond success and abstraction
00:12:49 Language, representation, reality and AI
00:18:15 Split-brain research, storytelling and certainty
00:23:21 Leadership, integration, and being right
00:31:27 Empowerment and inner agency
00:40:31 Attachment, safety, and fear
00:45:51 Openness and curiosity
00:48:00 Final thoughts

New Thinking Allowed Guest Host Leanne Whitney, PhD, is a depth psychologist and transformational coach based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the author of Consciousness in Jung and Patañjali and currently serves as Executive Director of Center for Transformation and Integration. Her website is https://leannewhitney.com/

To learn about Leanne Whitney’s upcoming Transformational Coaching Certification Course with an emphasis in Somatic Integration Therapy, please visit: https://transformationandintegration.com/courses

Producer: Megumi Nishikura
Editor: John Hartmann
(Recorded on March 6, 2024)

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