Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

by David Eagleman

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Summary

Dive into the hidden depths of your mind with David Eagleman's Incognito. This groundbreaking exploration reveals the unconscious brain's astonishing power over our thoughts, feelings, and actions. From automatic behaviors like lane changes to complex decisions like choosing a mate, Eagleman unveils the intricate neural machinery operating behind the scenes, challenging our notions of free will and self-knowledge.

Eagleman masterfully deconstructs the illusion of conscious control, showing how our brains construct our perceptions of reality, time, and even beauty. He uncovers the constant competition between different brain regions, each vying for control, and how this internal struggle shapes our choices and behaviors. With vivid examples and cutting-edge research, Incognito illuminates the unconscious processes that drive everything from our love lives to our susceptibility to addiction.

Explore the fascinating world of visual illusions, sensory substitution, and the mere exposure effect, uncovering how our brains are primed and manipulated below the surface of awareness. Delve into the ethical implications of neuroscience and law, challenging traditional notions of blameworthiness and offering innovative approaches to rehabilitation. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about yourself and the nature of consciousness in this extraordinary journey into the secret lives of the brain.

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