Dr. Matsumoto, a leading neural scientist known for his development of brain-like computers, explored the unique mechanism of the human brain and the factors that stimulates our personal growth. (Tokyo Ginza Yamaha Hall, September 10, 1999)

The Difference between the computer and the brain
Computers carry out a certain operation according to the goal or task set by the human operator. On the other hand, the human brain is different from computers in that it has an important function of “defining its own goals.” Without a goal, the brain cannot be activated. A vision always exists before reality. If you envision that something is possible, the brain will work to make it possible. If you think that something is impossible, the brain will work to make it impossible.

Computers implement a given procedure in order to produce an output. Generating an output is the purpose of the computer. The purpose of the brain, however, is not the output itself, but the formation of the information processing system required for the output. When the brain creates its system, mistakes and setbacks are often part of the process. The purpose of the brain is to create a system in order to achieve something that has not yet been achieved. If you only continue to do what you can already do, there is no progress or growth. While computers may be evaluated according to their output, understanding the processes of the brain tells us that human beings should not be judged in this manner.

How the brain creates happiness
While we are growing and extending ourselves, we find happiness and purpose in life. Happiness does not come from one's present position or being at one's peak, but rather it is relative to the inclination of the vector of life. The steeper the upturn of the vector, the happier you are. You must find a peak you wish to reach, and once you achieve your goal and reach that peak, it is important to set your next goal. For the brain, happiness lies in setting its own goal rather than adjusting itself to social norm. The reason why many young people go through an identity crisis is because they are unable to find a goal.

It is written in a Hebrew passage from the Bible, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” In religion, the conviction exists first and reality follows thereafter. This process is certainly not accepted by scientists, who question everything before arriving at a conviction. But when you look at how the brain functions, this can be seen to be a very rational process. For instance, you will get a better result by thinking “I am happy” rather than “I want to be happy.”

Even if you set a goal, you are likely to experience failure at first. Those who can take challenges positively and relish them can overcome setbacks and move on. Our sense of pleasure and satisfaction activate the brain and motivates us. It is important that you enjoy what you do.

The brain has a huge memory storage, which is used to perform “table lookups.” Information is stored from which answers are retrieved when you encounter an experience. Each person has a different table, and hearing the same word, for example, will generate a different mental construct in each person.

Therefore, there is no such thing as objective happiness or unhappiness. How you regard a situation depends on the judgement made by the brain. What brings you agony is not the external circumstance, but rather your inner emotional reaction brought about by that circumstance. Therefore we could conclude that your largest oppressor is yourself. Peace is not about the outer reality, but the reality created from within.

Love activates the brain
When I was thirty, I was doing some research on the nerve tissue of squids, and for this purpose, I had to raise squids. I was unsuccessful for three and a half years, and eventually became completely neurotic. But one day, I realized how lucky I was to be able to work on such an unusual project. Then all of a sudden, I understood the minds of squids. I realized that the problem was that the water was polluted by ammonium, and when I solved this problem, I was able to raise squids. I was taught this by the squids themselves.

When you force your own ideas upon someone and try to control them, you will hit a wall. You must open your heart to them and try to learn from them. That is the right way to use your brain. This is called love. Love is a positive relationship with another being.

Intelligence, emotion and will are three features of the human mind, but emotion is the most important of all. When our emotions are satisfied, we are motivated to bring the will to bear, and the will activates the brain to develop intelligence.

My philosophy which emphasizes the importance of emotions is not readily accepted by scientists. But I believe that brain science will allow us to explore the proposition “What is a human being?” within the framework of natural science. I believe that a transdisciplinary approach to this fundamental question will bring about a whole new way of thinking that will give birth to an ideal social system.