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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
This was a nice slice of neuroscience cake. I appreciated that the author was able to explain complex concepts simply. I bet he would be an excellent professor or a great person to meet and talk to in a bar. There was a dash of philosophy, poetry, historical literature, psychology (of course) and neuroscience.
If you know anything about psychology this was akin to General Psychology- elaborated. The book contained concepts, definitions and stories common in class; I did learn about some new terms and more modern stories. I will admit sometimes with neuroscience books it can feel like if you've read one you have read them all. To me this idea applies to Incognito although if I had never read a neuroscience based book before, starting with this one would be an excellent choice.
If you know anything about psychology this was akin to General Psychology- elaborated. The book contained concepts, definitions and stories common in class; I did learn about some new terms and more modern stories. I will admit sometimes with neuroscience books it can feel like if you've read one you have read them all. To me this idea applies to Incognito although if I had never read a neuroscience based book before, starting with this one would be an excellent choice.
The book is roughly divided into 3 parts. Part one is crammed with interesting factoids, optical illusions and scientific studies that answer questions such as…. how blind people can “see”, why a normal person cant tickle themselves but schizophrenics can, what synaesthesia is and what time of the month strippers will make the most money. I absolutely loved this section as I never seem to be able to get enough of arbitrary and strange facts.
Part two focused more on the psychological part of how decisions shape us, even if we seemingly unaware of the process. It also brings up the subject of blameworthiness, and specifically focused on criminals and current ways of incarceration. Even though I may not entirely agree with what was presented in this section it does make you think about the justice system in a different way.
The last part of the book reverts back to the biological side covering the cause and effect of changes in the brain’s chemistry (through medication, narcotics or alcohol etc).
This is at heart a scientific book but explained in a way that is easily digestible.
Part two focused more on the psychological part of how decisions shape us, even if we seemingly unaware of the process. It also brings up the subject of blameworthiness, and specifically focused on criminals and current ways of incarceration. Even though I may not entirely agree with what was presented in this section it does make you think about the justice system in a different way.
The last part of the book reverts back to the biological side covering the cause and effect of changes in the brain’s chemistry (through medication, narcotics or alcohol etc).
This is at heart a scientific book but explained in a way that is easily digestible.
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
What could have been a wonderful book has one major flaw: consistency. This is the biggest challenge I believe for any non-fiction work: to weave an engrossing story around what the author wants to present. I believe that Mr. Eagleman succeeded only halfway in doing that.
Nevertheless, this book presented many a facts about the human brain, in other words, you and I, which I had never come across before. It succeeded in being more richer and deeper than one would expect from a neuroscience book. There were definitely moments of awe about how wonderful our brain is and made me respect the complexity of who we are better than before. And for that, we can give it to Mr. Eagleman.
Nevertheless, this book presented many a facts about the human brain, in other words, you and I, which I had never come across before. It succeeded in being more richer and deeper than one would expect from a neuroscience book. There were definitely moments of awe about how wonderful our brain is and made me respect the complexity of who we are better than before. And for that, we can give it to Mr. Eagleman.
Very insightful yet impressively easy to follow and listen to. Several laugh-out-loud moments. Read it if you want to learn more about your brain, and have fun in doing so!
Eagleman's examination of consciousness vs. unconsciousness is crafted with poetic language capable of kindling a sense of simultaneous awe and pride in the structure of the brain, balanced by some troubling explorations of free will in the light of recent neuroscientific findings.
3.5 stars out of 5. It's just irreverent enough to read like "pop science" and just serious enough to be educational.
3.5 stars out of 5. It's just irreverent enough to read like "pop science" and just serious enough to be educational.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Swapped out Ramachandran's Tell-Tale Brain for this book this semester in my Physio Psych class. Really enjoyed it and several students reported blowing ahead in the assigned chapters because they loved it so much.