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ipreferquiet's review against another edition
5.0
Aside from the slow narrator, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is composed in a rather interesting way. Each chapter deals with a particular topic and describes functions and limitations of your brain. Every chapter starts with a scene: a short episode in the lives of 2 people, Emily and Paul, in their busy jobs. (Tbh, their days sounds kind of crazy to me, with all the deadlines, emails, meetings, but what do I know...) Then in the rest of the chapter, an explanation follows of what goes on in a human brain regarding the things going wrong in the scene. This is pretty clear and not hard to follow. The author shows how the things Emily or Paul did were only adding to their stress / unproductivity / unhappiness. They could have done things differently if they had more insight in how their brain works.
After that, each chapter has a 'take 2': the scene is played again but this time the characters act as they should to maximize their brain output and minimise the effect of their liabilities. At the end, there is a short recap of the chapter and a brief 'what can you change now you know this' list.
Here's a scope of the topics that are discussed:
The pre-frontal cortex, which is our 'thinking brain', taps into a rather limited supply of energy, so use it wisely. It can only hold a few items at a time, so group things together and simplify. You can veto distractions. Your brain needs the right level of arousal for optimal performance. You can overcome blockages in creative thinking by clearing your space of attention and allowing unconscious processes to flow. Emotions and expectations are always present; there are different strategies to cope with them, each situation may have its own approach.
The author didn't forget to include a section on how to act when others lose the plot and how to influence others toward change.
For all this information to be beneficial and effective, you need to be able to observe what your brain is doing and what else going on in your thinking. He explains how to get good in this in an excellent chapter about mindfulness.
After that, each chapter has a 'take 2': the scene is played again but this time the characters act as they should to maximize their brain output and minimise the effect of their liabilities. At the end, there is a short recap of the chapter and a brief 'what can you change now you know this' list.
Here's a scope of the topics that are discussed:
The pre-frontal cortex, which is our 'thinking brain', taps into a rather limited supply of energy, so use it wisely. It can only hold a few items at a time, so group things together and simplify. You can veto distractions. Your brain needs the right level of arousal for optimal performance. You can overcome blockages in creative thinking by clearing your space of attention and allowing unconscious processes to flow. Emotions and expectations are always present; there are different strategies to cope with them, each situation may have its own approach.
The author didn't forget to include a section on how to act when others lose the plot and how to influence others toward change.
For all this information to be beneficial and effective, you need to be able to observe what your brain is doing and what else going on in your thinking. He explains how to get good in this in an excellent chapter about mindfulness.
interrowhimper's review against another edition
4.0
Parts of this book seemed like they were describing experiences and patterns I have noticed but not clearly articulated. I thought a lot of the research was clearly described and in general I found this helpful. There was the occasional eye-rollingly cheesy moment but what else do you expect from self-help non-fiction?
egeorjeana's review against another edition
4.0
As a neuropsychologist and reformed (-ish) theater kid, this book hit a sweet spot for me in its approach to the content. What I appreciated most about Rock's writing was that it was so clearly rooted in science, and he took the time to explain how and why. This was not a frivolous "hack your life" book, nor was it really about "hacking your brain," per se, but rather a book about knowing your brain and using that knowledge to your advantage. While rooted in some complex science, Rock managed to explain the core of the work in the field without shying away from the content. It really made this book feel accessible to a wide variety of readers - you certainly don't need to be a neuroscientist to understand it, but if you are a neuroscientist you won't feel bored out of your mind (brain?). Reading this book allowed me to make immediate everyday changes in my life that have already clearly had benefits in my work. Even when knew some of the background, Rock presented everything in terms of active opportunities for change rather than passive statements about human nature.
TLDR; this book was very well done and well-balanced, and I recommend it for readers of all backgrounds.
TLDR; this book was very well done and well-balanced, and I recommend it for readers of all backgrounds.
km_loves_books's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
pattymac's review
5.0
Great read - interleaving business acumen, neuroscience step by step tips and suggestions and contextual examples-loved it and will be re reading
conniec's review
3.0
Fast and easy to read, lots of interesting neuroscience-y explanations for everyday brain functions that helped me understand why it works a certain way.
shaneliebling's review against another edition
5.0
I am currently rereading this (and taking notes), but to be honest, this is probably one of the most important books I have ever read. It explains SO much of how the brain works and interacts with the world and how it is really bad at a great number of things. Thankfully though it also tells you how to trick your brain into working how you want it to. Truly fantastic.