For decades, the conventional wisdom of neuroscience held that the hardware of the brain is fixed - that we are stuck with what we were born with. But recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity reveal that the brain is capable not only of altering its structure but also of generating new neurons, even into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma and compensate for disability. In this groundbreaking book, highly respected science writer Sharon Begley documents how this fundamental paradigm shift is transforming both our understanding of the human mind and our approach to deep-seated emotional, cognitive and behavioural problems. These breakthroughs show that it is possible to reset our happiness meter, regain the use of limbs disabled by stroke, train the mind to break cycles of depression and OCD and reverse age-related changes in the brain.
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There are two great things about this book. One is that it shows us how nothing about our brains is set in stone. The other is that it is written by Sharon Begley, one of the best science writers around. This is a terrific book. - Robert Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers<br /><br />It is very seldom that a science in its infancy is so skilfully unpacked that it reads like a detective novel. --Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses
Brilliant. --Health Writer
Brilliant. --Health Writer
Book Description
Is it really possible to change the structure and function of the brain, and in so doing alter how we think and feel? The answer is a resounding yes.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By Samoko
Format:Paperback
The book attracted me because of my layman's interest in neuroplacticity and because if its juxtaposition of cutting edge neuroscience with Buddhist thinking. Contrary to its title, however, the books is NOT a self-help book (which I did not think it was before I bought it); it is mis-titled, obviously for commercial reasons. One learns a lot about the the adaptability of the brain and its capacity to change or enlarge functions, e.g., to take over when a part of the brain is damaged or blocked. This is startling and as it is a developing science, it might be viwed as a well presented primer of neuroscience for an interested layperson. The first two-thirds of the book contain very little meaningful reference to Buddhism, but later on the comparative aspects of the scientific and Buddhistic view of the brain become more prominent, and, consequently, at least for me, more interesting. The author is a Newsweek journalist who seems at home with this complex scientific area, so presents it well. However, again I stress that both the title and the blurb may mislead a potential purchase into believing it is a blueprint for changing one's behavior. No, the book does not come with instructions for how to accomplish brain transformation.
43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By P. Hodson
Format:Paperback
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. Anybody who is interesting in how the brain/mind works, how people perceive and interact with the world and how the norms of neuroscience has been over-turned in the last 10/20 years should read this book. Even if you are not religious or spiritual in anyway (don't be put off by the Buddhist aspects to this book) the science is utterly fascinating. People who want to make their world a better place: "... I have a choice in how I react, that who I am depends on the choices I make, and that who I am is therefore my responsibility..." - if this is ringing any bells for you, should read this book. Anybody who is interested in how words and thoughts actually manifest the world around you because the labels you use to describe your world alter your perception of it, should read this book. It describes how thoughts (good or bad) can manifest in habits, which can be changed, it illustrates that there is the potential for brain damage caused by illness (strokes) to be alleviated, or how some aspects of dyslexia can be reduced. And presents them in easy to understand chunks. The intro could put some people off, and the chapter on how adolescent minds/brains work is a bit heavy, but it is well worth persevering. And it shows how some 'established' truths of how we as humans function, is in fact completely wrong... I can't recommend it highly enough.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Filled with interesting stories, quotes, and ideas about Buddhism and the evolution of the field of neuroscience, this book is truly a pleasure to read. My field of study as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins, the somatosensory areas of the brain that are responsible for our sense of touch, is described in some detail. Indeed, much of what we know about neural plasticity comes from studies of the somatosensory system, including the work of Merzenich, Sur, and others that is described in this book. I also think the reader comes away with the feeling that neuroscience and Buddhism are not mutually exclusive ways of understanding the brain and the mind, but are actually complementary. And, as Francis Collins has pointed out, science and spirtuality in general are not mutually exclusive. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
THE PLASTIC MIND
This book i found this was a bit confusing and in depth but its a bit like my mind LOL the more i read it i hope to understand it better. IT Time
Published 24 days ago by cheryl cleaver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clearly explains the subject
I've recently completed OU courses on Biological Psychology and Mental Health which introduced the topics of plasticity and mindfulness, and wanted to understand more about both. Read more
Published 1 month ago by bookworm
1.0 out of 5 stars
Lama
I wanted a book on the plasticity of the brain (And mind!)...I got truly fed up reading about the religious leader who seems to have 'authenticated' everything the author says. Read more
Published 2 months ago by P. House
5.0 out of 5 stars
Challenging genetic determinism
Absolutely fascinating, certainly poses a serious challenge to Dawkins' theories. A must-read for anyone with an interest in psychological theories.
Published 2 months ago by Dave Beech
5.0 out of 5 stars
A hope giver
Take what this book says and you'll see there is hope for humankind. Advances in technology provides means of measuring the workings of the brain, using those measurements... Read more
Published 3 months ago by MalcM
5.0 out of 5 stars
This product is sturdy and robust and is perfect for the doing the job...
This product is sturdy and robust and is perfect for the doing the job we bought it for.
I would recommend it.
I would recommend it.
Published 5 months ago by Sollie-Noir
1.0 out of 5 stars
Beware - old book, new title
Having read and enjoyed Sharon Begley's earlier book on this topic, Train your Mind change Your Brain, I thought I would give this one a read too. Read more
Published 24 months ago by S. Gerhand
5.0 out of 5 stars
How mind can inform and transform the body
The Plastic Mind: New science reveals our extraordinary potential to transform ourselves, by Sharon Begley, Ballantine, New York, 2007; Constable, London, 2009, 368 ff. Read more
Published on 23 Nov 2010 by Dr. H. A. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating explanation of how the brain can change itself
I have almost finished reading this book. The author's writing style is very good, clear and readable. Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2010 by K. Prygodzicz
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nonsense
There is no dogma of the hard-wired brain, but the author needs to invent one so as to make her muddled musings look salient.
Published on 29 April 2010 by H. A. Van Berg
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