The right hemisphere, as elucidated by Iain McGilchrist, is the portion of the human brain responsible for a holistic, integrative mode of perception and cognition that contrasts starkly with the linear, detail-oriented processing of the left hemisphere. This hemisphere engages with the world in an embodied, relational manner, enabling us to understand context, nuance and the implicit meanings behind the explicit. It excels in tasks involving spatial awareness, face recognition, the grasp of complex patterns, emotional attunement, and the ability to process novel experiences. Rather than stripping the world down to its components, the right hemisphere appreciates the interconnectedness of things, connecting us more deeply to the lived experience and to others. It plays a crucial role in creativity, empathy, and the appreciation of art and music, fostering a sense of being that transcends mere functionality.

See also: left hemisphere, right brain, corpus callosum, split brain, brain damage