"Anticipation of movement, through muscular innervation and memory, by its retention of nerve impulse images, extend the present to the limit of a second or so"
About this Quote
The quote by John Desmond Bernal delves into the intricate relationship in between anticipation, movement, and the human neurological system. At its core, this statement explores how our physical actions are not just responses to present stimuli however are deeply woven with our ability to expect future motions. This anticipatory ability is helped with by our neurological processes, particularly muscular innervation and memory.
Muscular innervation refers to the communication in between nerves and muscles, enabling our body to move. When Bernal speaks of "anticipation of motion", he is describing the brain's capability to predict and get ready for imminent actions. This preparation is enabled through previous experiences encoded in our memory, which assists create a collection of nerve impulse images-- or, in easier terms, ingrained patterns of responding to certain stimuli.
The mention of "nerve impulse images" mentions the residual impact of past movements stored within the nerve system. These images are memories of previous actions, allowing the brain to anticipate future motions by remembering and adjusting these patterns. This procedure effectively stretches our understanding of today, making it an ongoing interplay between past memories and instant sensory input.
Bernal keeps in mind that this extension of the present has a temporal border of "a second approximately". This highlights the short lived nature of this anticipatory state, stressing human beings' capability to exist concurrently in the now while being primed for what is to come. It is a testament to the brain's impressive flexibility, capable of browsing the immediate future through seamless integration of past understanding and present experiences.
In general, Bernal's quote encapsulates the vibrant nature of human understanding and action, revealing an advanced system that enables the fluid anticipation and execution of motion. This viewpoint highlights the interconnectedness of cognitive processes, memory, and the physical execution of actions, framing them as a continuous discussion in between the past, present, and near future.
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