Why is the brain divided? The difference between right and left hemispheres has been puzzled over for centuries. In a book of unprecedented scope, Iain McGilchrist draws on a vast body of recent brain research, illustrated with case histories, to reveal that the difference is profound - not just this or that function, but two whole, coherent, but incompatible ways of experiencing the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, where the right ...
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Why is the brain divided? The difference between right and left hemispheres has been puzzled over for centuries. In a book of unprecedented scope, Iain McGilchrist draws on a vast body of recent brain research, illustrated with case histories, to reveal that the difference is profound - not just this or that function, but two whole, coherent, but incompatible ways of experiencing the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, where the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility and generosity. This division helps explain the origins of music and language, and casts new light on the history of philosophy, as well as on some mental illnesses. In the second part of the book, he takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists, from Aeschylus to Magritte. He argues that, despite its inferior grasp of reality, the left hemisphere is increasingly taking precedence in the modern world, with potentially disastrous consequences. This is truly a tour de force that should excite interest in a wide readership.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Slightly different cover design. Crease to spine, causes wear between a few pages. Light scratches to cover & some scuffs/nicks to edges. Some marks to textblock edges. Content very good. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 544 p. Contains: Illustrations.
McGilchrist's book changes everything. Based on the last 20 years of brain research, plus a fascinating historical analysis that looks at centuries of humanity's progression in the arts and sciences, the author has demonstrated how Western cultural is increasingly formed by brain function most identified with the left hemisphere, such as bureaucracy and ever-more-reductionist approaches to research. As a result, the values identified with the right hemisphere, such as empathy for those not-like-us and the capacity to see the Big Picture, are increasingly discounted. He persuasively demonstrates how this imbalance imperils humanity's future. For those who want to cut to the chase, read the last chapter first--what the world looks like to the Left Hemisphere. It may give you nightmares.
