Ideas worth spreading

The neurons that shaped civilization

2,423,612 views | Vilayanur Ramachandran • TEDIndia 2009

Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Vilayanur Ramachandran

See speaker profile

Neurologist V.S. Ramachandran looks deep into the brain’s most basic mechanisms. By working with those who have very specific mental disabilities caused by brain injury or stroke, he can map functions of the mind to physical structures of the brain.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.