Having nothing to say to the world about Russian (and any other country’s) politics or fluctuations in gas prices, one naturally turns to contemplation on the meaning of life, universe and everything. It is not 42. The answer is not discrete, it is continuous. Let me explain.

All the world’s problems come from the inability of the left side of the brain to talk to the right side of the same. That applies universally across genders and borders. 

The angry, judgmental and reward-driven left side of our communal brain dominates politics, business, culture, religion. This has served us well as species on the way out of the forest and onto megapolis. It is failing us now. 

Our human weaknesses are well researched and weaponised. We are primed to chase the next best thing by clever marketing. we are distracted with red herrings in politics while real action is happening elsewhere. We are getting angrier. Deep down, however, we all know this is not how it is meant to be.

The mute, compassionate and touchy-feely right side of the brain does not have a say in this modern discourse. But this is the side which knows how it feels to be happy and free. And it is unflinching in letting you know that Pavlovian response to worldly goodies and YouTube shorts is not it.

The disconnect between the two sides of human nature is probably the reason for being on the brink of a collective nervous breakdown or a catastrophic climate event, whatever comes first. If the lucky few make it there, a Martian settlement will still have the same problem kicked down the road in the future. 

There might be a way out. It is not carbon capture, nitrogen-powered cars a very big rocket or migrants going where they came from. These might cure symptoms but not the disease. The solution could lie in allowing our compassionate right side of the brain have a say. First it might produce a tiny little squeak. Then a little conversation. Then a dialogue of equals.

It does not cost anything and it might change your life. But it is tremendously hard going. And at times terrifying. Much harder than getting a super duper rocket in space.  The trick is to get started and persist. Sorry, you can not outsource this to AI.

Policy makers might revisit the idea of Universal income and a four-day working week to get the process going. This would release some energy from the senseless daily grind to pursue something more enjoyable. For those artistically inclined, there is much more. Get a copy of “Drawing on the right side of the brain” by Betty Edwards. Contour drawing is critical and don’t skip the exercises.

Apart from learning much about yourself with a bit of spare money and time, there might be some interesting side effects when we let our right brain have a say.

You might get a better night’s sleep as the right side of the brain uses so much energy for seeing (observing), scribbling and emoting, the entire brain (including the worrisome left hemisphere) shuts down for the night. Mind you, there will be some uncomfortable nights when the brain will not let you sleep. 

The right side of the brain slows you down. Let someone in front of you make her slow way down the stairs on the tube. There might be a reason why the universe wants you to miss the meeting. 

As your pace slows down, there is time to see around, notice shapes, colours and curves. Possibly other people too. This might feel good. 

So here is the answer how to fix us. The meaning of life and everything is a continuous dialogue between the right and left side of the brain. This could make us more human.

Good luck! 

Ps. and while we’re at it, the right side of the brain has found the route of the UK perpetual productivity problem. it is gossip. No one does much inbetween.

Edited by Martin O’Rourke