Without question, the human brain is one of the most complex yet fascinating organs in the human body. It is so fascinating there’s a science to it – neuroscience – which helps to offer answers on how and why the brain functions as it does. However, not many people can truly offer insight into the brain and explain it to the general public, which is what makes David Eagleman’s The Brain a noteworthy book.
David Eagleman is an American neuroscientist, author, and the writer and presenter of the international PBS series The Brain with David Eagleman. He has also published more than 120 academic publications and other books, all evidence of his deep understanding of the brain.
In The Brain, Eagleman takes readers on a journey into the mystery of the brain in a manner that is both educative and fascinating for the general public. Split into six chapters, it leads readers to examine the brain through questions such as Who am I?, What is reality?, Who’s in control?, How do I decide?, Do I need you?, and Who will we be?
What’s In It for Readers?
To readers such as Tarek Saadi, gaining insight into the brain through these chapters is something that goes a long way toward building knowledge for his consulting work. More generally, reviews of the book have applauded Eagleman for providing an enlightening and fun read that has numerous colorful illustrations to help readers understand. The book also has interesting facts spread throughout its pages that are relevant to understanding how it works, not to mention information on the brain’s key components.
More deeply, readers will appreciate how Eagleman describes complex aspects such as how memories are formed and his take on reality, consciousness, and willpower. The book’s last section provides a look at the future of neuroscience, where some of the examples leave readers with mind-provoking questions on the role of technology in shaping how memory is stored.
Readers who like content on neuroscience and psychology will love The Brain, but so too should anyone who hasn’t read much on these topics and is looking for a place to start. The book also makes a good pre-read if someone is interested in watching the PBS series.
The Brain is just one of Eagleman’s books about the human brain. His other books have focused on brain plasticity, the neuroscience of the conscious mind, and even the aspects of neural function that human beings have no awareness of.