What you learned in school
Psychology and biology textbooks taught that humans use only 10% of their brain capacity. Students learned that if they could unlock the remaining 90%, they could achieve superhuman abilities. This "fact" was often attributed to William James or Albert Einstein and became popular through Dale Carnegie's self-help books.
What we know now
This persistent myth was taught in psychology and biology classes for generations. Students were told that if they could unlock the other 90% of their brain, they could achieve superhuman abilities. The claim was often attributed to William James or Albert Einstein. Modern brain imaging technology like PET scans and fMRI have shown that we use virtually all of our brain, even during simple tasks. Even during sleep, many areas of the brain are active. Brain damage to any area typically causes noticeable deficits, proving every part has function.