I brought this book “The Brain: The Story of You” from a book fair and turning a few pages the words that caught my inquisitiveness was ‘Who Am I’.The book will take your to a journey of extreme sports, criminal justice, genocide,,brain surgery,robotics and also a search for immortality. Amongst the synapses and trillions of connection of brain cells you will find yourself. It is a popular science book written by neuroscientist David Eagleman. Published in 2015. Here is a summary of the key themes and ideas presented in the book:
The Brain’s Complexity: Eagleman begins by emphasizing the astonishing complexity of the human brain, which consists of billions of neurons and trillions of connections. He compares the brain to a vast and intricate city, with each neuron functioning as a tiny worker.
Perception and Reality: The book discusses how the brain constructs our perception of reality. Eagleman explains that our brains process sensory information and create a mental model of the world around us, which may not always accurately reflect the external reality.
Time Perception: Eagleman explores how the brain perceives time and the concept of time dilation. He discusses how time can seem to slow down or speed up during different experiences and how the brain’s internal clock functions.
Consciousness: The book delves into the mystery of consciousness and raises questions about what it means to be conscious. Eagleman discusses various theories and experiments related to consciousness, including split-brain research and the role of the subconscious mind.
The Adaptive Brain: Eagleman emphasizes the brain’s adaptability and plasticity, highlighting its ability to rewire and change throughout life. He discusses cases of brain injuries and how the brain can sometimes compensate for damage.
Decision-Making and Morality: The book explores the neural basis of decision-making and moral judgments. Eagleman discusses experiments that reveal how the brain processes information to make choices and form moral beliefs.
Identity and Self: Eagleman considers how our sense of self and identity are shaped by the brain. He discusses cases of neurological disorders and brain injuries that can alter a person’s personality and self-perception.
Dreams and Creativity: The book touches on the role of dreams and creativity in the brain’s functioning. Eagleman discusses the significance of dreaming and its potential role in problem-solving and creativity.
The Future of Neuroscience: Eagleman speculates on the future of neuroscience and the potential for advancements in brain research to impact fields like education, criminal justice, and artificial intelligence.
Throughout the book, David Eagleman combines scientific research with engaging anecdotes and thought experiments to make the subject matter accessible to a general audience. “The Brain: The Story of You” provides readers with a fascinating journey into the inner workings of the human brain and offers insights into the profound impact it has on our lives and understanding of the world.
“Reviewed by: Dr Debleena Bhattacharya is presently Assistant Professor in Marwadi University (MU), Rajkot, Gujarat. Prior to joining MU, she has worked as Project coordinator for BIRAC-SRISTI PMU, a joint venture of Govt. of India and NGO located in Gujarat. She received her doctoral degree from IIT Dhanbad and her area of interest is wastewater treatment, environmental biotechnology, and molecular genomics. She has authored a book published by CRC Press, U.S.A alongwith scientific papers & book chapters.”
