In control? Think again. Our ideas of brain and human nature are myths

from Guardian:

"In control? Think again. Our ideas of brain and human nature are myths.

The notion of individual autonomy underpins our society, yet new research suggests this guiding principle is an illusion."

"The rightwing emphasis on the individual's capacity to triumph over their environment through willpower is undermined by the research which shows how childhood deprivation leaves such scarring on the brain. While the challenge to the left is to recognise that the myopic tendencies of the brain to privilege the short term has been held in check by institutions and traditions which can safeguard longer-term interests. Perhaps that requires greater understanding on the left of how such institutions operate and a revision of assumptions about why they restrict individual autonomy."