Enhancing Brain Performance by Externalizing Thought

The brain areas in charge of generating plans and thoughts share many similarities with the motor cortex in terms of cellular architecture and input–output connectivity. The main difference is that prefrontal cortex does not directly innervate motor circuits. Instead, prefrontal cortical areas can be designated collectively as an internalized action system, so plans and thoughts can be conceived as internalized actions. These same brain areas and mechanisms are also responsible for externalizing thought in the form of artifacts, measuring instruments, language, art, and literature. In turn, externalized objects, as the tangible products of abstract thought, can have a profound impact on the creator’s mind and on the minds of others. Thus, externalized brain function facilitates the communication of explicit knowledge, hard-earned by a few, to all members of the community, enabling the quick and efficient spread of semantic knowledge.