The total number of neurons in the human brain falls in the same ballpark of the number of galaxies in the observable universe.
A direct estimate of the number of cells or neurons in the human brain was not available in the literature until recently. Cortical gray matter (representing over 80 percent of brain mass) contains about 6 billions neurons (19 percent of brain neurons) and nearly 9 billion non-neuronal cells. The cerebellum has about 69 billion neurons (80.2 percent of brain neurons) and about 16 billion non-neuronal cells. Interestingly enough, the total number of neurons in the human brain falls in the same ballpark of the number of galaxies in the observable universe.
A direct estimate of the number of cells or neurons in the human brain was not available in the literature until recently. Cortical gray matter (representing over 80 percent of brain mass) contains about 6 billions neurons (19 percent of brain neurons) and nearly 9 billion non-neuronal cells. The cerebellum has about 69 billion neurons (80.2 percent of brain neurons) and about 16 billion non-neuronal cells. Interestingly enough, the total number of neurons in the human brain falls in the same ballpark of the number of galaxies in the observable universe.
What drives the emergent cascade across time and across levels, from the smallest to the largest of scales? Following the lead suggested by the authors, one answer is to consider the relationally of system components (stars, molecules of water, neurons in the brain) and the hierarchy of levels (physics - chemistry - biology). All of these components and systems are in motion, and there is a direction, function or purpose to this movement, what I call "cosmic intentionality" (not to be confused with conscious intention). As the mathematics of complexity suggests, each complex dynamic system is drawn to particular "attractor states" - stable configurations that maximize efficiency. In addition, the behaviors of the individual units of the system that are most successful as the system emerges are cooperative behaviors --- stars or water molecules learn to "dance" together. And finally, within the unit level and between units and system, the relationships are reciprocal --- each influences the other.
The cosmic intentionality thus involves attraction - cooperation - reciprocity. When we talk about relationships that embody these qualities, we use the word "love"
Perhaps the Analogy is also a Qualia, as in the universe somehow as an organism with an autonomic metabolism, "bootstraps-thinks" or germinates itself into existence as part of a larger, infinite Multiversal p-adic tree, generative ecosystem?
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