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Generally, one could argue that human beings are ultimately defined by two factors: the physical body, and the mind within the body. Each is characterized by the state in which it exists. The body is physical. It can be injured, maimed—damaged to the point where it doesn’t function properly. The mind, though it can be damaged, does not exist in any physical form. A solid barrier separates what is physical from what is considered mental. The mind and body are two completely different things, for they both engage in separate functions. The mind serves as tool of reason and problem solving, whereas the physical body does not. However, one cannot deny that the body is the vessel by which those thoughts are ultimately expressed. The body serves to carry out those thoughts through what we call “actions”. The mind and body, though different, are indeed strongly connected.
The mind allows a human being to decide between right and wrong. For example, while contemplating on whether or not I should complete a homework assignment, I have several choices that could follow through. I could sit down at my desk, pick up the pencil, and commence working, or I could choose to momentarily abandon the assignment and watch TV in the living room. Whatever decision I make, without the presence of physical vessel, I would be unable to communicate that decision. Without my legs to propel me forth, I could not leave the room. Without my hands or fingers, it would be impossible for me to pick up my pencil and commence writing. Thus, the body is what enables me to follow through my thoughts. On the flip side of things, the physical body would be useless without a mind to accompany it. What use is an arm or leg if it cannot kick or throw the football? What use is a heart, if there is no signal to command its beating? The absence of a mind would render the human being an inanimate entity.
Our mind is what we use to process emotions, knowledge, and impulses. This process is thought or reasoning. On the other hand, our bodies are able to process the physical. When we trip and fall, it is our bodies that tell us that we are hurt. But then how do we explain when a physical action causes an emotional reaction. For example, when one exercises there is a chemical release of endorphins into the brain. The dictionary.com definition of an endorphin is, “Any of a group of peptide hormones that bind to opiate receptors and are found mainly in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions.” Since we are assuming that our brain is separate from our mind, this is easy to understand. However, as stated above, endorphins have the ability to affect our emotions. If this is the case, then how can we say that our mind is separate from our body?
In addition, if our minds are separate from our bodies, then how do we explain impulses? An impulse is a sudden urge that prompts an action. If we feel an impulse and then act upon it in a physical way, doesn’t that infer that our minds and bodies are one in the same? It is more than a mere interaction between the two. Our minds and bodies are too closely intertwined to say that they are not a part of the other.
The mind and body, though very different, depend on one another to provide the other purpose. One is no more important than the other. The human being requires both to maintain its existence.