Lauren Weinstein provides an illustrated look into the neurology lab of University of Pennsylvania physicist and McArthur Fellow, Dani Bassett. Bassett is using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and network science to build detailed models of the networks in our brain.

Dani says that the biggest impediment to learning is the executive system, the part of the brain that makes conscious decisionsLauren Weinstein

Children are able to learn easier, according to Bassett, because their executive systems develop last. As a result, kids learn without the constant deliberation that complicates adult learning.

This knowledge could allow us to create learning environments that foster flexibility required to keep our inner managers off balance, and stop us from overthinking.