Love on the spectrum (2): the evaluation circuit

In the intricate landscape of the human brain, the evaluation circuit emerges as a critical component, particularly in the context of autism. This article explores the nuances of this circuit and its implications in both autistic and general populations.

Autistic individuals often experience an incessant activation of their evaluation circuit. This phenomenon leads to constant, unnecessary evaluations of various aspects of life, contributing to a state of perpetual restlessness. Contrary to popular belief, the social difficulties commonly associated with autism are not the root cause but rather a consequence of this overactivity.

The perpetual engagement of the evaluation circuit in trivial matters not only causes restlessness but also hinders social interactions. This restlessness, misunderstood as poor social skills, is a direct result of the overactive circuit. This realization shifts the focus from social skills training to addressing the underlying neural activity.

Educational systems currently fail to address this overactive circuit, leaving many individuals with an underutilized evaluation system. This underutilization manifests in various forms, such as the misinterpretation of internal critical voices as depression. In reality, this inner voice is the evaluation circuit performing its function, assessing the quality of one’s activities and thoughts. Modern society’s misunderstanding labels this as depression, urging individuals to suppress it with medication rather than understanding and harnessing it.

The article emphasizes that true artistic and intellectual potential lies in embracing and refining this internal voice, rather than stifling it. For instance, in the realm of poetry, the journey to authenticity involves nurturing this critical voice to refine one’s craft, contrasting starkly with the societal trend of suppressing it with medication.

Autistic individuals, the article posits, might be further along in understanding this concept than the general population. Their overactive evaluation circuit, while causing restlessness and social challenges, also positions them closer to realizing their artistic potential. The article cites the example of James B. Jones, whose struggles in romantic endeavors were attributed to his relentless evaluation circuit, preventing him from finding peace and consequently, love.

This is a summary from the original argument, which can be read on substack:

Love on the Spectrum (2) – the evaluation circuit

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About the author

Martijn Benders has published twenty-six books, eighteen of which are in Dutch. Critics such as Komrij and Gerbrandy have hailed him as one of the greatest talents of his time. He has also written three philosophical works, one of which is in English and focuses on the Amanita Muscaria, the Fly Agaric. Publishing on the international platform of The Philosophical Salon, he has also gained international recognition as one of the most remarkable thinkers from the Netherlands.

Books

There exists a considerable group of leftist individuals who vigorously opposed the prevailing coronavirus narrative, including some of the world’s leading philosophers, such as Agamben and Kacem. However, this stance was heavily censored and vilified by what is referred to as ‘neocon-left’ or ‘woke-left’, as something associated solely with what they deem ‘far-right’. In my book, I discuss the reasons behind these actions, the underlying motives, and how this is emblematic of a new form of fascism aimed at seizing power permanently.

The middle section of the book is dedicated to poetry. It features a beautiful selection of poems from the Mediterranean region, by poets from Turkey and Greece, who have been imprisoned and tortured by the regime.

The final part of my book is a manifesto against literary nihilism, as manifested in the Literature Fund. It reveals how this fund is dominated by a group of Christians and ‘wokies’, which is undesirable in a free society.

Amanita Muscaria – The Book of the Empress is an exceptional work that sets a new benchmark in the realm of mycophilosophy. While one might be tempted to classify the book within the domain of Art History, such a categorization would fail to capture its true essence.

Amanita Muscaria – The Book of the Empress – De Kaneelfabriek, 2023

You don’t have time to read this, but that’s because you are no longer human. If anything remained of the original person within you, the old mycelia of childhood, you would learn a great deal from this book. In fact, its magical knowledge might become your most valuable possession. This is a book about human imagination and how it fell into the iron grip of transdimensional cockroaches. Additionally, it offers magical tips to significantly improve your life and time acceleration. M.H.H. Benders also takes a light-hearted yet scathing look at the entirety of Dutch literature. What more could you want?