Author: David Eagleman
In the latter part of the book David spends a considerable amount of time, debating how we hold people responsible for their actions. He argues that our thoughts and beliefs are not a constant and can vary depending on the environment in which we were brought up, hormones, chemical stimulants, etc. Given the inconstancy of our thought process does it even make sense to talk about what someone believes in ? Does it makes sense to punish people for their actions ? David seems most passionate about this topic and it shows. I for one, would have preferred the book without the large discourse here. Nevertheless, this is a great book and one that I highly recommend to anyone who is curious about our cognitive process.
Having read several books on the brain and our cognitive powers, I expected this to be a repetition of sorts, and boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise. Neuroscientist, David Eagleman takes us on a wild ride by bringing to light many of the sub-conscious activities that we take for granted. There are examples of activities that we do on a daily basis, like changing lanes, that we have no clue in the absence of the real world setting.
The book really got me thinking on how impulses are transmitted from our eyes, through the optic nerve and to the brain. Can we splice the output of a video-camera to the optic nerve and be able to visualize in a similar vein as we see through our eyes ? The book doesn't wander into the territory of science fiction, but it definitely gets you thinking.
The other interesting tidbit that I learned from the book is that I will be a happier person if I sit with a pencil in my mouth forcing me to smile all day. I wonder how they measure happiness and I am sure that I will be sore and unhappy when I remove the pencil.
The book really got me thinking on how impulses are transmitted from our eyes, through the optic nerve and to the brain. Can we splice the output of a video-camera to the optic nerve and be able to visualize in a similar vein as we see through our eyes ? The book doesn't wander into the territory of science fiction, but it definitely gets you thinking.
The other interesting tidbit that I learned from the book is that I will be a happier person if I sit with a pencil in my mouth forcing me to smile all day. I wonder how they measure happiness and I am sure that I will be sore and unhappy when I remove the pencil.
In the latter part of the book David spends a considerable amount of time, debating how we hold people responsible for their actions. He argues that our thoughts and beliefs are not a constant and can vary depending on the environment in which we were brought up, hormones, chemical stimulants, etc. Given the inconstancy of our thought process does it even make sense to talk about what someone believes in ? Does it makes sense to punish people for their actions ? David seems most passionate about this topic and it shows. I for one, would have preferred the book without the large discourse here. Nevertheless, this is a great book and one that I highly recommend to anyone who is curious about our cognitive process.
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