The human brain is a fascinating but unusual organ that faces a barrage of decisions every day. Two key parts that play a crucial role in decision-making are the limbic system and the neocortex.
The limbic brain is closely linked to rapid automatic thinking – known as System 1. In contrast, the neocortex is key to slower, rational information processing, i.e. System 2.
System 2 is slower, thinks rationally, and requires more time and energy to analyze inputs. We activate it when we need to make logical decisions based on facts, knowledge, and deeper thinking. However, this way of thinking causes cognitive overload and requires more concentration.