“The left hemishpere is a wonderful servant, but a very poor master.”
– Iain McGilchrist
Why is the brain divided? The difference between right and left hemispheres has been puzzled over for centuries. Drawing upon a vast body of brain research, the renowned psychiatrist, author, and thinker Iain McGilchrist reveals that the difference between the two sides is profound – two whole, coherent, but incompatible ways of experiencing the world. The detail-oriented left hemisphere preferes mechanisms to living things and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemishpere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity.
In the second part of his book, McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from the ancient to the modern, from Aeschylus to Magritte. He ultimately argues that, despite its inferior grasp of reality, the left hemisphere is increasingly taking precedence in today’s world – with potentially disastrous consequences.
Study Facilitator:
Gloria Coelho founder and director of The Caritas Center in Boulder, has been teaching courses in Jungian-based dreamwork for over 20 years. Also a Spiritist healer, Gloria often utilizes dream interpretation to assist people in their emotional, spiritual and/or physical healing process.
