Two Ways of Seeing

As philosopher and neuroscientist Dr. Iain McGilchrist explains in The Matter with Things, the two halves of our brain process the world differently:

• The left hemisphere focuses on parts and details, seeing pieces of the puzzle.
• The right hemisphere sees the whole, understanding context and interconnectedness.

Modern science and culture have leaned heavily on reductionist thinking—solving problems in siloes. But this approach often misses the big picture. For instance:

• Treating diseases without addressing the root causes tied to lifestyle, socioeconomics, and environment.
• Reducing carbon emissions without considering land use, biodiversity, and equity.
• Boosting crop yields without accounting for soil health, water impacts, or nutrition.

True progress requires both perspectives: seeing the parts and understanding their place within the whole.

A New Way of Thinking

McGilchrist’s insights align with systems science, where everything is part of an indivisible whole. Whether it’s subatomic particles arising from quantum fields or the intricate relationships of ecosystems, interconnectedness is fundamental.

This holistic view calls for a shift in mindset—from seeing ourselves as separate to recognising our place within a universal whole.