 She explains the neurological basis for reasoning and cognition in the brain , and brings the point across that the self itself is changeable . She describes the physiology behind neurological pathways which include webs of neurons containing dendrites , axons , and synapses ; and explains that certain brains with more rigid pathways will be less susceptible to new information or creative stimuli . Taylor utilizes neurological science to show that brainwashed individuals have more rigid pathways , and that rigidity can make it unlikely that the individual will rethink situations or be able to later reorganize these pathways . She explains that repetition is an integral part of brainwashing techniques because connections between neurons become stronger when exposed to incoming signals of frequency and intensity . She argues that people in their teenage years and early twenties are more susceptible to persuasion . Taylor explains that brain activity in the temporal lobe , the region responsible for artistic creativity , also causes spiritual experiences in a process known as lability . 
