THE ADULT BRAIN, it turns out, is not just plastic but, as…
““THE ADULT BRAIN, it turns out, is not just plastic but, as James Olds, a professor of neuroscience who directs the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study at George Mason University, puts it, “very plastic.”16 Or, as Merzenich himself says, “massively plastic.”17 The plasticity diminishes as we get older—brains do get stuck in their ways—but it never goes away. Our neurons are always breaking old connections and forming new ones, and brand-new nerve cells are always being created.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The adult brain remains highly adaptable, though plasticity declines with age, allowing continual formation and re‑wiring of neural connections.
In simple terms: Brains stay adaptable but become less flexible over time.
Key Takeaway
Embrace lifelong learning to keep neural pathways active.
Themes
neuroplasticity
aging
learning
growth
Mood
hopeful
inquisitive
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career development
- skill acquisition
- habit formation
- education
- rehabilitation
Key Concepts
Neuroscience
developmental psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design environments that boost neural change later in life?
- What habits can you adopt to maintain brain flexibility?
A Different Perspective
Plasticity never fully disappears, but older brains may need stronger stimuli to change.