Every thought, dream, and plan brought to you by squishy stuff between your ears

The brain is arguably the most important topic of research in countless areas of study: psychology and therapy, medicine, criminal justice, education, and much more. Research is seeking to explain exactly what consciousness is, what memory is, and what makes us who we are. On the subject of neuroscience, Psychology Today says, “The human brain has been called the most complex object in the known universe, and in many ways it’s the final frontier of science.”

This idea is certainly supported by the beloved celebrity Patrick Star who said, “the inner machinations of my mind are an enigma.”

So, the brain is the final frontier of science, an enigma, the seat of the soul, the thing responsible for my opening the refrigerator 6 times in 9 minutes expecting more snacks to appear… but what is it?

Well, it’s mostly fat—super soft, buttery, and squishy fat. Since it does coordinate everything that happens consciously, unconsciously, and subconsciously in the body, it requires a lot of energy. It alone uses 20% of your body’s energy. Your brain is so powerful, it can even power a 20 watt lightbulb!

It is fascinating to consider that every thought and every action we have comes from this mashed potato matter in our heads. Jeffrey Eugenides makes a good point: “Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.”