Humanities and techies: what's the difference? / ITech content

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Men and women, olive lovers and olive haters, Jacob and Edward fans—dividing humanity into two groups that can't understand each other seems convenient and amusing. However, for techies and humanities majors, such a black-and-white view of the world can be ineffective. It's important to recognize that each person is unique and capable of combining qualities of both groups. This diversity of approaches and views enriches our society and promotes the development of various fields of activity.

In this article, you will receive information about…

is it true that people are divided into two types;
why the world began to be divided in half;
which famous personalities challenge the theory of "techies and humanities";
why such theories are not harmless.

Why is it incorrect to divide people into humanities and techies?

In Russia, labels are starting to be attached to children as young as three years old. Children who are keen on drawing, reading books and communicating are sent to philology departments. Fans of construction sets and architectural games in the sandbox are defined as future engineers. Western culture has a similar distinction, but instead of categorizing people into techies and humanities, it emphasizes the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Our brain is divided into two hemispheres, each responsible for specific mental processes. This distinction plays an important role in the functioning of our minds, as each hemisphere controls different aspects of our behavior and thinking. The right hemisphere is more often associated with creative and intuitive abilities, while the left hemisphere is responsible for analytical thinking and logical processes. Understanding these differences can help optimize learning and skill development for each individual.

Illustration: Katya Pavlovskaya for Skillbox

The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for emotions and imagination, while the left hemisphere is responsible for logic and analytical thinking. However, this doesn't mean that people with highly developed analytical abilities are incapable of imagination. Nor does it mean that those who prefer logical thinking are incapable of experiencing emotions. In fact, each person possesses both analytical and creative abilities, and their combination creates a unique approach to perceiving the world. Therefore, it's important to understand that both hemispheres work harmoniously and complement each other, allowing us to be complete individuals.

The hemispheres of the brain function in close interaction. If one hemisphere worked independently, a person would only be able to control half of their body. This emphasizes the importance of coordination and synergy between the left and right hemispheres for the body's proper functioning and the performance of complex tasks.

Thought and mental processes, as well as coordination and motor skills, are formed as a result of the constant interaction of the two hemispheres of the brain. This interaction plays a key role in the development of cognitive functions and motor skills, ensuring the harmonious functioning of the entire body. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this connection can help improve mental activity and motor coordination.

Speech is a result of our brain's work, and the left hemisphere, in particular, plays a key role in this process. It is responsible for recognizing sounds, forming words, and constructing sentences, which allows us to read, write, and speak. At the same time, the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for intonation, non-verbal communication, and the interpretation of emotions, which makes our communication more complete and expressive. Thus, the interaction of both hemispheres ensures harmonious perception and transmission of information during communication.

Full-fledged communication is the result of the interaction of both halves of the brain. Effective interaction between the right and left hemispheres contributes to better understanding and perception of information. The right hemisphere is responsible for emotions, intuition, and creativity, while the left is responsible for logic, analysis, and structure. By combining these aspects, we can achieve deeper and higher-quality communication. Understanding the importance of harmony between these brain functions can significantly improve our communication skills and interaction with others.

Do people like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory really exist, who are completely devoid of empathy, do not understand sarcasm, and reject everything that cannot be explained by logic? Perhaps such people do exist. However, it's worth noting that even Sheldon ultimately succumbed to the influence of his right brain, which led to his greatest career success. This underscores the importance of balancing rational and emotional thinking in achieving success.

Modern research confirms that success in mathematics is achieved not only by left-brain analysts, but also by people with a balanced development of both hemispheres of the brain. This discovery underscores the importance of a holistic approach to mathematics instruction that considers both analytical and creative abilities. This balance promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to solve complex problems.

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental illness characterized by obsessive thoughts and actions. Symptoms of OCD may include persistent anxious thoughts, fears, and the need to perform certain rituals or actions to reduce anxiety. Examples of such obsessive thoughts may relate to contamination, fear of harm, or a need for order. Treatment for OCD typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, which helps patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Understanding OCD and its signs is important for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

Why and when did the myth of two types of people begin?

In 1962, William Jenkins, suffering from a serious case of epilepsy, was admitted to the operating room where surgery could relieve his frequent seizures. One small incision in his brain began a myth that continues to influence people around the world. This story shows how medical technology can change lives, opening new horizons in the treatment of complex diseases. Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, continues to generate interest and debate among scientists and physicians, highlighting the importance of further research in this area.

The surgery involved separating the two hemispheres of the brain. The good news is that Mr. Jenkins' condition has improved significantly—his seizures have ceased. At the same time, new perceptual features have emerged, opening up interesting avenues for studying changes in cognitive function and emotional perception.

The operation and subsequent research were led by renowned neurobiologist Roger Sperry, a 1981 Nobel Prize winner. He was awarded the prize for his discoveries supporting the concept that the two hemispheres of the brain respond to different external stimuli and process information uniquely. His work played a key role in understanding the functional asymmetries of the brain, opening new horizons in neuropsychology and neuroscience.

In real life, people with split brains do not exist, and Sperry himself emphasized this.

The theory of the left and right hemispheres of the brain gained popularity thanks to the media. Journalists often distorted the statements of neurobiologist Roger Sperry. As a result, the idea of a simple division of people into "left-brained" and "right-brained" became ingrained in society. This simplification has proven to be a handy tool when choosing a profession and in controversial situations when the interlocutors are unable or unwilling to understand each other's point of view.

Are there any real counter-examples to the myth?

Lewis Carroll, the world-famous writer, and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, a mathematics lecturer at Oxford College, are one and the same person. Dodgson, in addition to his literary work, made significant contributions to mathematics, in particular, he became known for such terms as the "method of condensation" and "Dodgson's identity." This combination of mathematics and literature makes his figure unique and interesting to study.

Lewis Carroll, known as an outstanding writer and the author of "Alice in Wonderland", also showed himself to be left-handed. Despite this, he was able to achieve significant success in mathematics and showed a genuine passion for chess. The unique qualities of his right-brain thinking not only enriched his literary work but also helped develop his analytical skills, which underscores the diversity of his talents.

Brian May Photo: Elias Ruiz Monserrat / Flickr

Image: Brian May, Patrick Moore, Chris Lintott. Bang! : The Complete History of the Universe. Carlton Books, 2016

Brian May is a guitarist and composer for the legendary rock band Queen, known for his iconic compositions such as "We Will Rock You" and "Show Must Go On". He is not only a musician but also a graduate of the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Imperial College London. In addition to his musical career, May is an astrophysicist and co-author of the popular science book "The Big Bang: A Complete History of the Universe," highlighting his deep interest in science and space exploration. The film "Arrival," nominated for eight Academy Awards, is based on the short story "Story of Your Life" by author and programmer Ted Chiang. Interestingly, modern WiFi owes its existence to "frequency hopping," a technology co-created by 1940s Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr. This technology played a key role in the development of wireless communications, highlighting the importance of women's contributions to scientific discovery.

Why can such misconceptions be dangerous?

Playing techies and humanities scholars is convenient: if you don't feel like reading Tolstoy, it's perceived not as laziness, but as a manifestation of left-brain bias. You often hear the question: "Why do I, a techie, need works like War and Peace?" This approach highlights the differences between people with a technical and a humanities mindset and opens a discussion about the importance of classic literature for techies. It's important to understand that even techies benefit from familiarizing themselves with the works of great writers, as it broadens their horizons and develops critical thinking.

By adhering to stereotypes about professions, we limit our opportunities for personal and career growth. People who were identified as humanities students as children often experience anxiety when faced with jobs that require analytical thinking. This creates the false impression that the world of information technology is inaccessible to them. In fact, by developing skills in various fields, one can confidently transition into IT and achieve success, regardless of their initial education.

Many programmers believe that knowing how to code is enough to have a successful career. However, employers have a different opinion. They believe that technical skills can be developed faster than soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Therefore, companies often prefer to hire specialists with less developed technical knowledge but with strong communication skills and the ability to quickly adapt to a team. This highlights the importance of soft skills in today's IT world, where interaction and collaboration are becoming key success factors.

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Conclusion

The division of people into techies and humanities, as well as right-brain and left-brain types, exists only because of our beliefs. The brain does not limit a person's interests—its potential allows it to engage in a variety of fields. It is important to choose activities that bring joy and inspiration. Don't despair because of labels or failures if something doesn't work out the first time. The main thing is to continue pursuing your passions and developing your skills, regardless of stereotypes.

If you were raised with the label "humanities," try reading popular science literature about quantum physics or take a course in "Astronomy and Space," which explains the structure of the Universe in accessible language. Perhaps you simply weren't interested in this in school, but now it will open up new horizons.
If you're a techie, sign up for a free course on the fundamentals of world history. This topic may have seemed boring to you in school, but now, with the benefit of your life experience, it might seem fascinating.

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