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Incognito

304 pages, 2011

Takeaways
Description

Why do you hear your name being mentioned when you didn’t realize you were listening to a conversation? What does Ulysses and the credit crunch have in common? Why did Thomas Edison electrocute an elephant in 1916? Why are people whose names begin with J more likely to marry other people whose names also begin with J? How is it possible for secrets to remain secrets? And why is it hard to get angry at yourself even though you feel the emotion of the anger within yourself?

Unconscious Mind Power

In Incognito, David Eagleman explores the power of the unconscious mind. He suggests that our conscious mind is just the tip of the iceberg, and the majority of our decisions, actions, and emotions are driven by the unseen depths of our unconscious mind. It's like there's a hidden boss inside our brain, making decisions without us even knowing it.

Brain and Law

Eagleman takes a look at the intersection of neuroscience and the legal system. He argues that understanding the brain can help us create a more compassionate and effective legal system. For example, if someone's brain is wired in a way that makes them more likely to commit crimes, should they be punished in the same way as someone who chooses to do wrong?

Neuroplasticity

The book also explores the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt. This means that we're not stuck with the brain we're born with, we can train it and improve it. So, if you've ever thought you're not smart enough or creative enough, this book will make you think again.

Perception vs Reality

Incognito digs into the idea that our perception of reality is not always accurate. Our brain filters and interprets information based on our past experiences and biases. So, what we see, hear, and feel might not be the whole truth. This can be a bit scary, but also incredibly fascinating.

The Mystery of Consciousness

Finally, Eagleman researches one of the biggest mysteries of all - consciousness. He suggests that consciousness is not a single thing, but a collection of different processes happening in our brain. It's like a symphony, with different parts playing together to create our experience of being aware and alive.

Recommendations

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authorRay Dalio, entrepreneur and investor and venture capitalist and author, Recommending BestBooks

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Incognito found in libraries

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