Name: The neurons that shaped civilization
Uploaded: 2010-01-04T07:30:00Z
Duration: 7 min 26 s
Description: Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

The neurons that shaped civilization

The discovery of mirror neurons shows that the brain can simulate and internalize the actions and sensations of others. These special nerve cells, concentrated in the frontal lobes, fire both when a person acts and when they observe someone else perform the same action. Their emergence may have sparked the rapid development of culture, language, and human connection over 75,000 years ago. Mirror neurons help dissolve the boundaries between self and others, allowing for empathy and shared experience.