Description
This book reveals a remarkable paradox: what your brain wants is frequently not what your brain needs. In fact, much of what makes our brains "happy" leads to errors, biases, and distortions, which make getting out of our own way extremely difficult. Author David DiSalvo presents evidence from evolutionary and social psychology, cognitive science, neurology, and even marketing and economics. And he interviews many of the top thinkers in psychology and neuroscience today. From this research-based platform, DiSalvo draws out insights that we can use to identify our brains’ foibles and turn our awareness into edifying action. Ultimately, he argues, the research does not serve up ready-made answers, but provides us with actionable clues for overcoming the plight of our advanced brains and, consequently, living more fulfilled lives.
Read More
Although this book is for general readers, it is not a self-help book; instead, it interprets recent scientific insight from behavioral science and cognitive and experimental psychology to explore the ways in which the human mind relies on irrational thinking, stereotypes, inflexible internal scripts, and distortion to make automatic decisions. Author DiSalvo, creator of the science blogs Neuronarrative and Neuropsyched, explains that our brains' default mode is weighted toward maintaining certainty, avoiding risk, and preventing loss, but these same tendencies can become obstacles. Using real life examples and anecdotes, he explains when and how to go against our brain's natural leanings. The book closes with 50 tips on life in general, drawn from the research discussed in the book, plus an extensive, annotated list of books, web sites, and blogs for general readers, as well as scientific journals. The cover offers a funny color photo of the brain as a frayed rubber-band ball, but otherwise the book contains no pictures. The author has written for Psychology Today and Mental Floss. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Read Less