Synopses & Reviews
How do our unique personalities emerge from our anatomically identical physical brains? What gives rise to our emotions? Why do some drugs make us ecstatic while others make us miserable?
For centuries, the most elusive and tantalizing questions about how the human mind works were left to the esoteric realm of philosophers. But in the last decade, there has finally been an explosion of interest from those who study the physical brain.
In this groundbreaking scientific exploration, internationally acclaimed neuroscientist and author Susan Greenfield demystifies the private life of the brain. Embarking on an excursion deep inside the human brain, Greenfield takes us beyond the intricate tangle of cells, electrical impulses, and molecules to examine the physical basis of our emotions and search for the answer to one of the most enduring mysteries in modern science: How is a unique, subjective experience generated in each one of us?
Informed by years of cutting-edge research, as well as compelling personal anecdotes that we can all relate to, Greenfield reveals that emotions, triggered by individual life experiences, are the very foundation upon which our brains build our unique minds. Offering us a brain scientist?s perspective on the intricate dance of emotions and cognitive abilities, Greenfield asserts that this extraordinary sense of the self is inextricably bound to the often mercurial world of emotions.
Rich in insights from such diverse realms as neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, philosophy, and everyday life, The Private Life of the Brain traces the life of our mind and reveals how our childhood experiences; intense emotions like fear, depression, and euphoria; and the drugs that induce these extreme feelings dramatically affect who we are. She argues that emotions exist at the core of our selves to a greater or lesser degree, depending on how much we are using?or losing?our mind at any given moment.
Timely and provocative, The Private Life of the Brain is a tour de force that provides an eye-opening look through the authoritative lens of neuroscience. Captivating for novices and experts alike, this intriguing book presents an enlightening journey into the human brain for anyone who has ever pondered the mystery of who we are and how the brain works.
Synopsis
How does the human brain produce your private world?
Critically acclaimed neuroscientist and author Susan Greenfield, who holds the prestigious position of Director of the Royal Institution in England, weaves together a thought-provoking examination of childhood experiences, primal emotions, such as fear and euphoria, and the effects drugs have on our personalities to probe the most intriguing mystery facing todays scientists: How does the human brain create consciousness and a unique sense of self?
In this absorbing, lyrical exploration, Dr. Greenfield presents a provocative new theory that treats emotions as the building blocks of our consciousness and provides an illuminating glimpse into the human brain that reveals the astonishing essence of who we are.
Synopsis
Drawing on many different sources-the effects of neurological disorders and injuries, the actions of drugs, the character of thought in dreams, in schizophrenia, in reverie, and in childhood-Susan Greenfield has given us a synthesis which is challenging, original, readable, and personal.-Oliver Sacks
How does the human brain produce your private world?
In this groundbreaking exploration, neuroscientist and author Susan Greenfield demystifies the private life of the brain.She examines the physical basis of our emotions and searches for the answer to one of the most enduring mysteries in modern science: How does the brain create a unique, subjective experience for each one of us?
Utilizing cutting-edge research and compelling personal anecdotes, Greenfield reveals that emotions, triggered by individual life experiences, are the very foundation upon which our brains build our unique minds.In this absorbing, lyrical exploration, Dr. Greenfield presents a provocative new theory that provides an illuminating glimpse into the human brain and reveals the astonishing essence of who we are.
This is one of those rare books that can make a reader happy to have been led to think.-Booklist
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-250) and index.
About the Author
SUSAN GREENFIELD, M.A., D.Phil., D.Sc., C.B.E., is the first female director of Britains Royal Institution, which was established in 1799 to "diffuse science for common purposes of life." She is also a Fellow of Lincoln College and Professor of Pharmacology at Oxford University, where she conducts research into the causes of Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. Her previous books include Journey to the Centers of the Mind: Toward a Science of Consciousness, The Human Mind Explained, and The Human Brain: A Guided Tour, which has been translated into fourteen languages.
Table of Contents
Preface.
The Idea.
The Story So Far.
The Child.
The Junkie.
The Nightmare.
The Depressive.
The Human Condition.
The Answer?
Appendix: The Reality of a Neural Correlate of Consciousness.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index.