Summary

In Chapter 4, Ramachandran describes mirror neurons in more detail. All primates appear to have mirror neurons, which allow them to understand what others are doing and predict what they will do next and thus are able to form social hierarchies. However, only humans have the ability to interpret intentions. Mirror neurons allow you to mimic the facial movements needed to form the series of sounds that we call language, but many regions of the brain must come together to produce and comprehend language. The Broca's area is responsible for the expressive aspects of language, while Werenicke's area is responsible for syntax. Other areas, like the prefrontal cortex, are responsible for recognizing things like sarcasm and double meaning, as well as making judgement calls about an appropriate response.

From this, Ramachandran deduces that mirror neurons are what allow us to sympathize with other people...