Arts and Sciences: Same Coin, Different Sides?
And why do we need both
When I was in grad school struggling to become a bona fide scientist, it surprised me to discover that many of my fellow students — despite having to teach or work in the lab essentially 24/7 — enjoyed outside interests in the arts. From playing the tower bells on weekends to composing symphonies to painting enormous abstracts, most of my chemistry comrades were deeply engaged in creating art in some form.
Back then, I was certain — because those were the days when I thought I knew just about everything — that taking a break from science to play around with a completely different kind of activity was restful, a complete shift from left to right brain, required for maintaining some modicum of sanity.
I was only partly right about that. Yet, to this day, working on a painting or a poem is as restorative as having a nap or sinking into a deep meditative state. I need this escape just as much as I need food, water, and hugs. But I never fully understood why this “shift” from left brain to right brain and back again was so important, so essential.
One morning, as I was going through some old notebooks full of stashed ideas and quotes, a yellowed slip of ancient scribbled-on newsprint fell out onto my desk, almost as if the Universe were sending me a message:
“Poetry is not the proper antithesis to prose, but to science. Poetry is opposed to science, and prose to metre. The proper and immediate object of science is the acquirement of communication of truth; the proper and immediate object of poetry is the communication of immediate pleasure.” — Samuel T. Coleridge
Truth and pleasure. These days I believe that most of us aren’t getting enough of either.
But why do some of us grow up to be scientists and engineers and others of us become artists and writers? And what’s up with those of us who are both? To answer these questions, let’s first take a look at the split (or even multiple?) personalities of our brains, and how they work separately, and sometimes in concert, to shape our destiny.
Most of us believe that, in the intricate landscape inside our heads, two distinct yet interconnected hemispheres jockey for dominance: the left brain and the right brain. The left brain, the bastion of logic and science, takes pride in its precise calculations and analytical prowess. If the left brain were a human, we might label him “OCD.” Meanwhile, the right brain, the realm of art and poetry, emanates with boundless creativity and emotional depth. We might give her the label of “disorganized” or “always late for meetings.”
Though they seem like polar opposites, the left brain and right brain are not always adversaries but complementary partners in the symphony of human cognition. Their harmony lies in their ability to collaborate, each bringing its unique strengths to the table.
A simple Left/Right model: The left brain, methodical and systematic, navigates a maze of data, formulating hypotheses, and conducting experiments. It seeks to understand the world through a lens of objectivity, unraveling its mysteries through empirical observation. The left brain’s logical reasoning builds the foundations of science, creating a solid ground upon which knowledge can grow.
On the other hand, the right brain thrives in the realm of abstraction and imagination. It paints the canvas of emotions, transcending boundaries and expressing the ineffable through art and poetry. The right brain’s creative impulses give rise to inspiration and insight, illuminating aspects of the human experience that logic alone could never capture.
In their cooperation, when perfectly balanced, the left brain tempers the excesses of the right brain, grounding artistic flights with a touch of realism. Simultaneously, the right brain adds color to the left brain’s stark analyses, infusing data with meaning and context. Together, they bridge the gap between reason and emotion, forging a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves.
The true magic lies in the brain’s ability to seamlessly integrate these seemingly opposing forces. The poet and the scientist are not adversaries but two facets of the same individual, working in concert to make sense of the universe. When the left brain and right brain dance together, their symphony becomes a powerful force, shaping our thoughts, our creations, and our very perception of reality. When the left brain is more dominant, science and engineering will be the primary focus. When the right prevails, poetry and art.
We have all known people (“Lefties”) who are the kings and queens of logic, science, and all things rational. They wear glasses and carry a pocket protector full of pens to jot down equations. The “Righties” we’ve known, on the other hand, were the queens of art, poetry, and imagination. They rocked a beret and had an endless supply of colorful paintbrushes.
Lefty would scoff at Righty’s abstract paintings, calling them “a mess of colors” while Righty playfully called Lefty’s graphs and formulas “boring as watching grass grow.”
According to this notion, individuals are said to have a dominant hemisphere (left or right) that governs their thinking and personality traits. But, although the idea of people being more right-brained or left-brained has been a prevailing concept in pop culture and self-help literature, it is essential to understand that this is an oversimplified and outdated view of brain functioning.
It’s not that simple: In reality, the brain is a highly complex and interconnected organ, and its functions involve both hemispheres working together in coordination. While certain cognitive processes may be more localized in one hemisphere, such as language processing being typically left-lateralized in most right-handed individuals, overall brain function relies on a distributed and interconnected network.
Recent scientific research using brain imaging techniques, like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has shown that complex cognitive tasks involve the recruitment of multiple brain regions from both hemispheres. It’s the intricate network of connections and interactions between different brain regions that allows us to perform various tasks, whether they are logical, creative, analytical, or emotional.
Moreover, the brain’s plasticity allows it to adapt and change over time based on experiences and learning. This means that even if someone may naturally favor certain types of thinking or skills, the brain remains flexible and capable of developing and strengthening various abilities throughout life.
In fact, the left-brained vs. right-brained dichotomy is an oversimplification, and there is no scientific basis for classifying individuals as predominantly one or the other. People are unique, and their cognitive abilities and preferences are shaped by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, experiences, and learning. Our brains are incredibly dynamic and adaptable, allowing us to explore and excel in diverse areas of life.
For a scientist, to engage in art or making music can be a relaxing and satisfying experience for several reasons:
- Creative Outlet: Science often involves rigorous research, data analysis, and problem-solving, which can be mentally taxing. Engaging in art or music provides a creative outlet, allowing scientists to express themselves in ways that go beyond the boundaries of their scientific work. It gives us the freedom to explore our imagination and emotions, providing a much-needed break from the structured nature of scientific inquiry.
- Emotional Release: Science can be emotionally demanding, especially when experiments fail or research progress is slow. Art and music allow scientists to release pent-up emotions and stress. The act of creating something beautiful or meaningful can be therapeutic, helping scientists to unwind and find solace in their creativity.
- Different Cognitive Processes: Science and art/music involve different cognitive processes. While science relies heavily on analytical and logical thinking, art and music engage more intuitive, emotional, and holistic aspects of the brain. Shifting from the analytical mindset of science to the creative mindset of art or music gives the different areas of the brain a chance to rest and recharge.
- Mindfulness and Flow: Engaging in art or making music can induce a meditative state, where individuals become fully immersed in the present moment and lose track of time. This mindfulness state can be highly relaxing and rejuvenating, allowing scientists to take a break from their scientific challenges and focus solely on the act of creating.
- Integration of Perspectives: Engaging in art or music can enhance a scientist’s ability to think creatively and see problems from multiple perspectives. This cross-disciplinary thinking can be valuable in scientific research, fostering innovative approaches and solutions.
In essence, delving into art or making music offers scientists an opportunity to tap into their creative side, unwind from the demands of scientific work, and find relaxation and inspiration in the world of artistic expression. It complements their scientific endeavors and contributes to their overall well-being and personal growth.
But even beyond all that, consider the brilliant polymath Leonardo da Vinci, who is renowned for his iconic paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His artistic mastery extended to drawing, sculpture, and architectural design. His paintings are celebrated for their realistic portrayal of human emotions and their exquisite attention to detail.
However, Leonardo’s talents extended far beyond the realm of art. He was a scientist, engineer, inventor, and anatomist. He conducted groundbreaking studies in various scientific disciplines, including anatomy, geology, botany, and astronomy. Leonardo’s notebooks are filled with meticulous sketches and scientific observations, showcasing his inquisitive mind and dedication to understanding the natural world.
Leonardo da Vinci’s ability to bridge the gap between art and science is what sets him apart as a truly exceptional figure in history. He saw no distinction between these disciplines, believing that art and science were interconnected and that understanding the natural world was essential for creating meaningful art.
I couldn’t agree more.
© 2023 Adelia Ritchie