Unflattening

The idea of stereoscopic vision is an important one for Sousanis’s book. The term refers to the mechanics of human vision: The distance between our eyes means that each of them sees a slightly different picture. Our brain then has to make sense of the pictures to arrive at a consistent image. Importantly, this discrepancy between each eye’s viewpoint means that “[T]here is no correct view” (Location 44), and that “[S]eeing, much like walking on two feet, is a constant negotiation between two distinct sources” (Location 44). This process, inherent to our perceptive organs themselves, embodies Sousanis’s contention that truth comes from the integration of multiple perspectives rather than a singular viewpoint. As the book progresses, what begins in the structure of the eyes opens out to encompass the kinetic elements of vision and the importance of welcoming those with disparate viewpoints, both literal and metaphoric.

The left-brain hemisphere informs Sousanis’s discussion of language. The left brain allows us to focus on the task at hand and to process linear, sequential information such as language. Western civilization’s privileging of verbal language and specialized knowledge has therefore also prioritized the left brain. While this means that we have become experts in focused work, we have become unpracticed in developing a more integrated view of experience. This accounts for our difficulties in visual thinking.

In contrast to the left brain, the right-brain hemisphere is better equipped to deal with simultaneous information; it considers “the whole in its context” and strives to remain open rather than closing down meaning (Location 76). From an evolutionary perspective, the right brain’s ability to continually consider new information helped humans survive the attacks of wild animals. As the right brain hemisphere’s strengths resist evaluation on the terms that have dictated knowledge and intelligence, education has neglected them.

Neuroplasticity—the process by which repeated actions shape our neural pathways—is an important concept for Sousanis’s work, as it contributes to the flattening of experience. In sequential vignettes of the shoelace tying process, Sousanis acknowledges that “[F]orming habits is essential, so we do not have to relearn every activity continually” (Location 124). The ability of our neurons to adapt to repeated action enables efficiency and frees our mind to focus on more challenging and stimulating tasks. However, the negative side of neuroplasticity is that it can contribute to flattening ruts as “our habits come to possess us” (Location 124). When we take the daily processes and rituals of our life for granted, it is a small step towards becoming an uncurious automaton. Sousanis argues that we must therefore strive to forge new neural pathways that can accommodate not habit but curiosity. This is second nature to children but becomes more difficult as we reach adulthood, when the neural pathways are more set.