If the conscious mind--the part you consider you--is just the tip of the iceberg in the brain, what is all the rest doing? In Incognito, neuroscientist David Eagleman plumbs the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate surprising questions: Why can your foot jump halfway to the brake pedal before you are consciously aware of danger ahead? Why do strippers make more money at certain times of the month, although no one is consciously aware of their fertility level? Is there a true Mel Gibson? What do Odysseus and the ...
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If the conscious mind--the part you consider you--is just the tip of the iceberg in the brain, what is all the rest doing? In Incognito, neuroscientist David Eagleman plumbs the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate surprising questions: Why can your foot jump halfway to the brake pedal before you are consciously aware of danger ahead? Why do strippers make more money at certain times of the month, although no one is consciously aware of their fertility level? Is there a true Mel Gibson? What do Odysseus and the subprime mortgage meltdown have in common? How is your brain like a conflicted democracy engaged in civil war? Why are people whose name begins with J more likely to marry other people whose name begins with J? Why is it so difficult to keep a secret? Why did Supreme Court Justice William Douglas deny that he was paralyzed? This subsurface exploration includes diversions into brain damage, drugs, infidelity, synesthesia, criminal law, the future of artificial intelligence, and visual illusions--all highlighting how our perception of the world is a hidden and awe-inspiring construction of the brain.
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You probably, unlike Alice, think you know the answer to this question. Read this book and you will discover not only why Alice was undecided about who she was, but that you probably should also be unsure about who you are. The book is a fascinating and neuroscientifically sound book about personal selfhood. While it is scientifically sound, it is well written and easy and enjoyable to read. I read it as a library book, bought a copy for me and two others to give to friends, and have my copy currently loaned to another friend. I think everyone should read, and can profit from reading, this book.
Jackie
Feb 2, 2012
Great book!
Purchased this for my husband for Christmas ... he doesn't read alot except on the computer. He couldn't put it down! Wonderful!!
