Peak Picks & Reviews

Changing your mind for the better means changing your brain for the better. The brain is continually remodeling itself as you learn from your experiences. When you repeatedly stimulate a “circuit” in your brain, you strengthen it. You learn to be calmer or more compassionate the same way you learn anything else: through repeated practice. Introduction  Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., and Forrest Hanson, presents a unique approach to personal growth and emotional resilience. Leveraging neuroscience, psychology, and practical mindfulness techniques, the Hansons guide readers on how to build lasting inner strengths that help manage adversity, cultivate peace, and deepen relationships. By focusing on scientifically supported strategies, Resilient emphasizes the concept of " positive neuroplasticity "—the brain's capacity to transform positive experiences into long-term strengths. This review delves into the cor...

Scientific self-help involves self-tracking and self-experiments involving interventions and a/b tests. Self-experiments in particular have a long tradition in mainstream science. You’ll be using some of the same techniques that Nobel Prize winners have used in their research to upgrade your mental performance. Introduction In Smarter Tomorrow, Elizabeth R. Ricker offers a fresh and practical approach to self-improvement by focusing on the science of " neurohacking "—the practice of using brain science and data-driven self-experiments to optimize cognitive performance. The book is a guide to actionable, scientifically supported techniques intended to enhance mental abilities through personalized self-experiments and brief, daily exercises. With her background in neuroscience, Ricker combines insights from her research with personal anecdotes and case studies, aiming to empower readers to become their own " brain hackers " in as little as 15 minutes per day. This rev...

When it comes to the brain, simple distinctions like nature versus nurture are alluring but not realistic. We have the kind of nature that requires nurture. Your genes require a physical and social environment​—​a niche filled with other humans who shared your infant gaze, spoke to you with intent, set your sleep schedule, and controlled your body temperature​—​in order to produce a finished brain. Introduction  In Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain, neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett offers readers a concise, insightful exploration of the brain’s complexity. Written in a digestible and engaging style, the book presents groundbreaking ideas that challenge conventional wisdom about human cognition and behavior. Barrett’s work distills the latest findings in neuroscience into seven short essays (and a bonus "half" essay), each dealing with different aspects of how the brain works. With an emphasis on debunking myths and addressing misconceptions, Barrett's book appea...

 Eliminate the six illusions, fix the seven blind spots—and stop trying to escape—and you’ll reach happiness more often than not. Introduction  Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat is a book that seeks to bridge the gap between happiness and science. Gawdat, an engineer and former Chief Business Officer at Google X, presents an intriguing proposition: happiness can be deconstructed and approached systematically, much like solving a mathematical equation. After the tragic death of his son, Gawdat embarked on a personal quest to understand and master happiness, using logic, data, and a deeply analytical mindset to create a replicable " Happiness Equation ."  The book intertwines Gawdat’s personal experience with scientific insights and philosophical reflections, offering readers a mix of emotional vulnerability and rational clarity. It is written with a tone of deep sincerity and intention, aiming to help readers apply a pragmatic approach to joy in their...

 Other animals, like humans, sometimes greet each other when they meet. Chimpanzees often grunt to say hello and may even give each other a hug and a kiss. But as Jane Goodall points out, they never say goodbye. In fact, humans may be the only animals who bid one another farewell in mutual recognition that we are going our separate ways, and often in anticipation that our paths may cross again tomorrow. Introduction  "The Invention of Tomorrow: A Natural History of Foresight" is a fascinating exploration of one of humanity's most distinctive cognitive abilities: the capacity to imagine and plan for the future. Written by cognitive scientists Thomas Suddendorf, Jonathan Redshaw, and Adam Bulley, this book delves into the evolutionary roots, psychological mechanisms, and societal implications of foresight. The authors argue that foresight is not just a human trait but one that has profoundly shaped our species’ development and success. This review will provide a detailed sy...

 What do we do with the cognitive overload from multiple gigabytes of information from multiple devices? First, we simplify. Second, we process the information as rapidly as possible; more precisely, we read more in briefer bursts. Third, we triage. Introduction  In a rapidly digitalizing world where screens have become our constant companions, Maryanne Wolf's "Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World" serves as a poignant call to reflect on the evolving nature of reading. Wolf, a renowned neuroscientist and literacy advocate, explores the profound implications of digital media on our reading habits and cognitive abilities. Through a blend of scientific research, personal anecdotes, and cultural analysis, she examines how the shift from traditional print to digital screens affects the brain's reading circuits, urging readers to consider the consequences of this transition for our intellectual and emotional well-being. Synopsis  "Reader, Come Home...

 WE WERE NEVER BORN TO READ. HUMAN BEINGS invented reading only a few thousand years ago. And with this invention, we rearranged the very organization of our brain, which in turn expanded the ways we were able to think, which altered the intellectual evolution of our species. Introduction  "Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain," written by Maryanne Wolf, is a compelling exploration into the neuroscience, history, and cognitive development associated with the act of reading. Wolf, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and child development expert, offers a fascinating look into how the human brain, which did not evolve to read naturally, manages to adapt and develop this complex skill. This book intertwines scientific findings with historical and cultural insights, revealing the profound impact of reading on the human mind and society. Wolf's work is an essential read for educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in understanding the intrica...

No, no, my brain’s dead. My mind is alive but my brain is dead. Introduction  "The Man Who Wasn't There" by Anil Ananthaswamy digs into the intricate world of neuroscience and explores the profound and often enigmatic experiences of individuals living with various mental disorders. The book offers a compelling investigation into the nature of the self, posing fundamental questions about human identity, consciousness, and what it means to exist. Ananthaswamy, an experienced science writer, combines meticulous research with empathetic storytelling, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply human. Synopsis  "The Man Who Wasn't There" is structured around the stories of individuals affected by conditions that alter their sense of self. The book spans a range of disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Cotard's syndrome (where a person believes they are dead), and body integrity identity disorder (wher...

We wanted a mystery—a new visual form—but one we could still decipher. Introduction  Jonah Lehrer's book, "Mystery," digs into the intricacies of human cognition and creativity through the lens of various enigmatic subjects. Known for his previous works that blend science with storytelling, Lehrer attempts to unravel the compelling allure of mystery in human experience. This review explores the core elements of the book, including its synopsis, thematic depth, and overall impact, to provide a comprehensive understanding of Lehrer's latest contribution to popular science literature. Synopsis  "Mystery" is an ambitious exploration of how humans perceive and are drawn to the unknown. Lehrer weaves together stories from a wide range of fields, including neuroscience, psychology, art, and literature, to illustrate his central thesis: mysteries are a fundamental aspect of human cognition and creativity. The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing o...

Preference for the ingroup can begin to turn into seeds of prejudice against the outgroup. Introduction  In a world grappling with rising hate crimes and social division, Matthew Williams' "The Science of Hate" arrives as a timely and unsettling exploration of the human capacity for hatred. This meticulously researched book dives deep into the psychology, sociology, and history of prejudice, tracing its insidious transformation into full-blown hate. Williams, a world-renowned criminologist, unveils the complex interplay of factors that fuel hatred, offering not just a chilling analysis but also a glimmer of hope for fostering tolerance and understanding. Thematic analysis 1. The Power of Social Identity  One of the central themes Williams explores is the concept of social identity. We categorize ourselves and others based on group memberships, such as race, religion, or nationality. This in-group/out-group dynamic fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity within the gro...

 WHAT ARE DREAMS? WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? What do they mean? And what are they for? Introduction  For millennia, humanity has grappled with the enigmatic world of dreams. These fleeting narratives, often bizarre and nonsensical, have fueled philosophical ponderings, artistic expression, and even superstition. In their captivating exploration, "When Brains Dream: Exploring the Science and Mystery of Sleep," authors Antonio Zadra and Robert Stickgold, both renowned sleep researchers, embark on a journey to demystify the nocturnal theater of the mind.  The book opens with a captivating historical perspective. The authors trace humanity's long fascination with dreams, highlighting the diverse interpretations offered by ancient civilizations and prominent thinkers like Freud and Jung. This historical context sets the stage for a paradigm shift, as Zadra and Stickgold guide readers away from dream analysis towards the exciting frontiers of sleep science. Thematic analysis ...

We don’t perceive the world as it is, we perceive it as it is useful for us to do so. Introduction  The human experience, in all its complexity, boils down to one fundamental question: what does it mean to be "you"? This profound query has occupied philosophers and scientists for millennia, with answers as diverse as the minds contemplating them. In his captivating and insightful book, "Being You: A New Science of Consciousness" neuroscientist Anil Seth embarks on a compelling journey into the intricate tapestry of consciousness, offering a fresh perspective on how the brain constructs our unique sense of self. Thematic Analysis 1. Navigating the Labyrinth of Themes  Seth's exploration unfolds across several key themes, each meticulously woven into the narrative. The Predictive Brain: At the heart of the book lies Seth's theory of the predictive brain. He argues that our perception of the world isn't a passive mirror, but rather an active process of pre...

 I want to convince you that the mind is flat: that the very idea of mental depth is an illusion. Introduction  "The Mind Is Flat" by Nick Chater is a thought-provoking exploration into the intricacies of human cognition. Chater challenges conventional wisdom about the mind, arguing against the prevailing notion of a deep, hidden self beneath the surface. Instead, he posits that our minds are more like flat landscapes, where thoughts and decisions emerge without the need for a hidden depth. This book digs into the realms of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience to unravel the mysteries of consciousness and self-awareness. Thematic Analysis 1. Anti-Depth Model of the Mind  Chater's central thesis revolves around dismantling the traditional depth model of the mind, which posits that there is a hidden, underlying self influencing our thoughts and actions. He argues that our minds are more akin to flat surfaces, with thoughts and decisions emerging from a continuous interp...