The Art of Being Simple and the Bicameral Mind

‘Bicameral’ is a term that means having two legislative chambers. Psychologist Julian Jaynes applies this to the underlying principle of the left/right brain in his book, The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind. (1976)

Jaynes was a bit out there in that he believed we had two thinking beings residing in one body. While he could be correct – think of it as the left and right brained – many had a difficult time grasping the concept. They viewed it as being too far to be mainstream accepted.

Early hominids had one, reactive mind, where it would only present higher thought process when a problem was faced. The brain only reacted to situations in the here and now, and didn’t really think to the future or how to improve situations. It was all based on gut instincts. There was a shift to where the brain has the ability to function each hemisphere separately at the same time, improving the thought process.

No wonder so many have a hard time keeping it simple.

My favorite Greek philosopher Democritus once said, “I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.” In college, I posted that on my apartment bathroom mirror as a reminder to find that one strength, that one cause to give all of my energy to.

As a society, we tend to get so caught up in being better than everyone else that we forget to be humble. We forget to focus on the good, no matter how small it may be. We thrive and want it all, forgetting what is in the present. We forget that it’s not difficult to reach your goals, unless you make it. This thought process furthered the philosophy into being extremely blunt and open, as I’ve found that I lose a lot of respect for those that play mind games. There isn’t a need to make it complicated. Live in the now, tell it like it is and reveal in those that do the same.

It’s difficult to keep it simple with a bicameral mind. Focus and dedication is key, as well as the ability to switch from one situation to the next with ease and little stress. I’ve found that if I need clarification, I ask. If I want you to know something, I tell you. I only call/text those that I want to – time is an investment. It sounds turbo douche to say, but if I feel you’re worth it, I’ll make the effort. Life doesn’t need to be complicated. You only live once – and if Mike dying at 17 taught me anything, you never know how long it will be.

Don’t question. Go for it. How do you keep it simple?

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Grace Boyle

Simplicity is beautiful. My term I often say to friends or myself is, "Cut the bullshit."

Life is already challenging and filled with the unforeseen - so the pieces we have control over are to keep it simple and less complicated. Even with a relationship, if a friend is lamenting to me, "He doesn't call me," "He won't return my texts," "Sometimes he's really sweet, sometimes he acts like he doesn't want to be with me," etc. It should and will be simple. If he wants you and you want him, it is obvious and known. If not, cut the ties (ha, I know, it's not so simple) but really. The answer is, maybe not the process.

It also begins to be obvious when you see/call/keep in touch with specific friends and the others...well you know you are being intentional. Don't be friends with someone because you feel forced or obligated. That isn't simplicity. Life is beautiful and we should embrace that while also feeling stronger that the simpler we focus our efforts, the easier it can be.

Great post!
laurenfernandez

I'm a week late on responding, but I LOVE this. I've been cutting the BS out for the past few months, moving states and really evaluating who I surround myself with. Life is simple - its those around us who try to make things complicated. You do, or you don't. You don't kind of want someone in your life.

Its BS.
Thomas Wendt

Simplicity is difficult. Whether it's Jaynes's right vs. left, Freud's unconscious vs. conscious (or id vs. ego vs. superego), or Lacan's reality vs. The Real, it's always the "vs." that is important. The key is conflict; these forces are constantly pushing against one another, each jousting toward a different end. This conflict is anything but simple. So how do we mediate them? Oy, that's a-whole-nother story.
laurenfernandez

You just listed many of my favorite philosophers, so thats major kudos. I like your key point - the conflict. The obstacle, and how you push past it. Ive been chewing on your comment for the past few days!
Rosanna Fiske (@Fiskey)

Lauren,

So interesting to read your blog today of all days. I've gone through some personal hardships in the last couple of months, and your thoughts here really re-energized me. So much of what you say applies to how I already live my life, but a reminder, here and again, is always welcome. Thank you!

Rosanna
laurenfernandez

Me too - so glad it helped!
JasMollica

Lauren,

I go back to my news days. When I'd write an radio cast for an anchor or myself, I kept thinking how I could get the most news in during one minute. You keep it simple. Who? What? Where? When? Why? Instead of going over the top, the more simple we can put things for clients, fellow pros, etc., the clearer things are for all.
laurenfernandez

News in one minute? I think if I talked really fast, I could do it. :) But, that makes sense. You get the most important stuff out quickly and efficiently.
Bradmarley

Laura -

Great post. While you don't mention its relevance to PR, I would be surprised if you weren't thinking along that line.

Too often, I believe, PR professionals (especially new pros trying to break into the biz) tend to over-think the work that needs to be done, whether it's pitching a story or writing a strategy plan. In an effort to differentiate ourselves, we want everything to be perfect; we want to look super-brilliant. When, in reality, the work we are doing can be accomplished by picking up the phone, or putting our experience into action. It can be quite simple, really, but we make it more complex than it needs to be.

When you think about it, the old mantra, "K.I.S.S." should guide us most of the way.
laurenfernandez

It's weird, I wasn't, but many have made the connection. Maybe it's because so many PR folks are like that personality wise. I really enjoyed how you broke it down - thanks for stopping by!