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The Tell-Tale Brain

384 pages, 2012

science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
psychology

psychology

705 books
philosophy

philosophy

711 books
Takeaways
Description

Ramachandran is one of the foremost neuroscientists in the world--so much so that Richard Dawkins dubbed him the Marco Polo of neuroscience. Now, in this new work, Ramachandran sets his sights on the mystery of human uniqueness.

 Taking us to the frontiers of neurology, he reveals what baffling and extreme case studies can teach us about normal brain function and how it evolved. Synesthesia becomes a window into the brain mechanisms that make some of us more creative than others. 

And autism--for which Ramachandran opens a new direction for treatment--gives us a glimpse of the aspect of being human that we understand least: self-awareness. Tracing the strange links between neurology and behavior, this book unveils a wealth of clues into the deepest mysteries of the human brain."

Understanding the Human Brain

In The Tell-Tale Brain, V.S. Ramachandran takes us on a fascinating journey into the complexities of the human brain. He explores how our brains shape our experiences and behaviors, and how understanding this can help us better understand ourselves and others.

Neurological Disorders

Ramachandran digs into the world of neurological disorders in his book. He explains how these disorders can provide insights into the normal functioning of the brain. By studying these 'broken' brains, we can learn more about how our own brains work.

Mirror Neurons

One of the key concepts that Ramachandran explores in The Tell-Tale Brain is the idea of mirror neurons. These are neurons that fire both when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform that action. This research could have profound implications for understanding empathy and social behavior.

The Power of Perception

The book also delves into the power of perception. Ramachandran explains how our brains construct our reality, and how this can sometimes lead to illusions or misperceptions. This can help us understand why we see the world the way we do.

The Future of Neuroscience

Finally, The Tell-Tale Brain gives us a glimpse into the future of neuroscience. Ramachandran believes that as we continue to explore and understand the brain, we will be able to develop new treatments for neurological disorders and improve our understanding of human nature.

Quotes 3

Ramachandran's work in The Tell-Tale Brain is nothing short of a landmark study in the field of neuroscience. His insights are revolutionary.

Oliver SacksOliver Sacks - Neurologist, Author

The Tell-Tale Brain is a fascinating exploration of the human mind, filled with insights that challenge our conventional understanding.

Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins - Evolutionary Biologist

Ramachandran's The Tell-Tale Brain is a tour de force. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of the human brain.

Steven PinkerSteven Pinker - Cognitive Psychologist
Oliver SacksRichard DawkinsSteven Pinker

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