True or False: 20% of the brain's work is in the background, outside of our awareness.

The assertion that 20% of the brain's work happens in the background outside of our awareness is somewhat misleading. The brain is continuously active, managing a vast array of functions whether we are consciously aware of them or not. While certain processes may operate below the level of conscious awareness—such as those involved in regulating bodily functions, processing sensory information, or maintaining homeostasis—these are not easily quantified as a specific percentage of "work."

The misconception often stems from the myth that humans only use a small fraction of their brain, which has been debunked by neuroscience research showing that virtually all parts of the brain have identifiable functions and are active at different times.

Recognizing that awareness and cognitive engagement vary with tasks, it is essential to understand that the brain's complexity does not lend itself to simple mathematical reductions like "20% of the brain's work." Therefore, it reinforces the idea that all brain activity plays a crucial role irrespective of our immediate awareness.