A groundbreaking work of science that confirms, for the first time, the independent existence of the mind-and demonstrates the possibilities fo... read full description
reviews
Jan 01, 2011
Aaron
rated it: 
"Sitting somewhere between purely mental events and purely sensory ones is this vast sea of life called experience." (p. 250) And somewhere between the worst of bad popular science writing and New Age pseudo-philosophy lies this horrendous mess. Where to begin?
I have so many problems with this book that it's a challenge to put them together in a meaningful and organized fashion. Here's my best shot.
First, this book is supposedly intended to be a science book. Howe More...
I have so many problems with this book that it's a challenge to put them together in a meaningful and organized fashion. Here's my best shot.
First, this book is supposedly intended to be a science book. Howe More...
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(3 people liked it)
Jul 28, 2011
Michael
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I was fascinated by this book. From neurology to quantum physics to existential philosophy, the author covers enormous territory in pursuit of an interesting idea - that the mind exists as a force of nature independent of the the brain. Scientific determinists have long argued that the chemical and synapitic make-up of the brain determines who we are. That all of our behaviors and beliefs are essentially pre-determined by the chemical and synaptic make-up of the brain.
Schwartz rebels against More...
Schwartz rebels against More...
Dec 06, 2010
Lumpenprole
rated it: 
Take one good, or even very good book. Stick it in a blender with an awful one and set to puree.
Well, okay, I'm speaking metaphorically here, so don't do that. But that at least gives an idea of what I thought of this one. The sections of the book related to the author's work with OCD sufferers, his descriptions of similar work on those with Tourette's Syndrome and major depression and his basic narrative of discoveries related to the brain and what has come to be believed related to More...
Well, okay, I'm speaking metaphorically here, so don't do that. But that at least gives an idea of what I thought of this one. The sections of the book related to the author's work with OCD sufferers, his descriptions of similar work on those with Tourette's Syndrome and major depression and his basic narrative of discoveries related to the brain and what has come to be believed related to More...
Jul 24, 2010
Mark
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Contains a good introductory overview of the history of the philosophy of mind and some related contemporary issues in philosophy as well as some interesting speculative explorations of the relationship of theoretical physics to consciousness to brain structure. Since it is written by a psychiatrist with an obvious interest in the actual functioning of human beings and a knowledge of brain anatomy and physiology that adds to its scope beyond the more theoretical issues involved. However, I thi
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Jul 03, 2010
Ella
rated it:
Horrible, pseudo-science, pathetic, psychobabble, nonsensical, just plain wrong and really badly written.
If you would like some junk science nonsense to spout whilst downing canapes at a dinner party, then this book is for you. But I'm warning you that someone will overhear you and think, a la Woody Allen in Annie Hall, "Jesus, make this person shut up! He doesn't know what he's talking about!"
To the author "mental force" (some of you may have heard More...
If you would like some junk science nonsense to spout whilst downing canapes at a dinner party, then this book is for you. But I'm warning you that someone will overhear you and think, a la Woody Allen in Annie Hall, "Jesus, make this person shut up! He doesn't know what he's talking about!"
To the author "mental force" (some of you may have heard More...
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(2 people liked it)
Dec 26, 2010
Nick
rated it: 
Jeffrey Schwartz has written an impassioned argument for the neuroplasticity of the brain, based on his work with OCD patients and his practice of Buddhism. I have enormous admiration for anyone who brings together Eastern and Western ideas with skill and thoughtfulness, as Schwartz has done here, but when the work creates a genuine breakthrough in treating mental illness, then the originator deserves the highest possible praise. Millions of people suffer tragically from OCD, and the desensiti
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Feb 13, 2011
Jim
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The flaws in this book are many. The primary author, Schwartz, is self-obsessed, whether describing his own research or simply describing his Mercedes and land holdings. He also wanders off topic for most of a chapter, recounting the controversy with PETA about the treatment of lab monkeys (not the point of the book, but it is an interesting chapter). He makes up misleading new terminology (like “mental force”), and summarizes decades of physics far less effectively than many who have populari
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Oct 17, 2008
Landin
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Great book. Didnt give it 5 stars for 2 reasons 1. it is unnecessarily cerebral and difficult to get through. Author is too wordy and wont connect to most people and even some with a general understanding of psychology or science. It's that nerdy. 2. It lacked wholeness. For something with such a scientific tone it ended up as being nearly stream of conciousness. The original argument and original study never came full circle. Despite these things, it was right up MY alley. Simply, I am P
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Jun 21, 2007
Kathryn
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I found this book very interesting. It discuses, neuroplasticity, most specifically the use of directed thinking to change the chemical structure of the brain. Dr. Schwartz goes into detail his Four Steps method for treatment of OCD, which pulls heavily from Buddhist meditation.
This book was very informational, with a strong emphasis on the specific science involved, but was not jargon-heavy, and could be followed by an interested reader. It gives great background on the history More...
This book was very informational, with a strong emphasis on the specific science involved, but was not jargon-heavy, and could be followed by an interested reader. It gives great background on the history More...
Mar 20, 2009
Cpediem
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Interesting to see the scientific evidence that we can permanently rewire our brain through self-directed thought. The opoosite view has been a sacred cow for many years. Opens many new forms of mental health treatment from OCD to depression for those who may have lost hope in become unshackled. Interesting threads on how experimental data and quantum physics support a view of the reality of consciousness. Also good explanations of Brain development.
But the book doesn't flow well a More...
But the book doesn't flow well a More...
Jan 21, 2009
Julieta
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First of all, neuroplasticity is just fun to say. It makes you sound all educated when you drop it in a conversation. But the truth of the matter is that Jeffrey Schwartz is able to explain a complicated subject to the common folk and teach us to utilize the benefits of science. So, where is your mind???? Find that out and you hold the keys to the kingdom. The answer is actually quite simple.
Dec 15, 2009
Marty
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A terrific book on neuroscience which is a fascination of mine. A great, clearly written, introduction - it was for me - into understanding the basics of brain function. Oliver Sacks' and V.S. Ramachandran's work, materworks of this genre, come to mind as more basic and more entertaining but this volume is important in its own right. Of great value to clinicians in the psychology/psychotherapy field.
Jul 18, 2010
David
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This is an excellent book. I learned how people with severe conditions can sometimes overcome the debilitating effects of stroke, OCD, and so on.
Toward the end of the book, the author describes how quantum mechanics may be a key component to volition and free will. But, I am not completely convinced of the connection with quantum mechanics. I understand how the act of observation of an atom can resolve its (previously probabilistic) state. And the analogy between "observation" More...
Toward the end of the book, the author describes how quantum mechanics may be a key component to volition and free will. But, I am not completely convinced of the connection with quantum mechanics. I understand how the act of observation of an atom can resolve its (previously probabilistic) state. And the analogy between "observation" More...
Jul 23, 2010
Vogisland
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Not all chapters of this book have equal weight, and the presentation is a bit disorganized and repetitive. But the central arguments are significant: the mind exists, free will is not an illusion, our decisions are not merely the byproduct of material and cultural forces, and the mind can physically alter the brain's structure through attention, even in adults.
The evidence presented for neuroplasticity is overwhelming. (The same can't be said for the argument in the book's closi More...
The evidence presented for neuroplasticity is overwhelming. (The same can't be said for the argument in the book's closi More...
May 28, 2011
Geoff
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Not overly technical, but heavy enough to feel like a good study. Well documented research and experimental study. The author makes justified claims based on the data.
The last few chapters get a little fluffy, and might be where most people jump on the 'pop science' derivative. But he does open the door to future possibilities and potential sources of answers of many good questions.
The last few chapters get a little fluffy, and might be where most people jump on the 'pop science' derivative. But he does open the door to future possibilities and potential sources of answers of many good questions.
Dec 21, 2008
Steve
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This book explains the ability of the mind, or the will, to influence the brain. This has application for language learning. We can and do influence the ability of our brains to develop new neural circuits to cope with new languages. Language learning is more a matter of attitude than aptitude, I have always felt. This book supports this view.
Jul 12, 2011
Bernadette
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This book goes back and forth between neuroscience super jargon and Buddhism ideals applied to neuroscience. The author delves into his new approaches to OCD using meditation strategies. Also offers great insight into the history of neuroscience (Silver Spring Monkeys) but then treads a little too far into the quantum physics realm than what I was prepared for. Book is good until you get to the last two chapters that deal with the quantum brain and then it becomes heavy handed with science jargo
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Jul 30, 2011
Pamela
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This is the book I "stumbled upon" while trying to make sense of severe depression. It's not a fun book to read, but full of hope for people with any number of difficulties. It turns out that the brain is much more adaptable and malleable than scientists previously thought.
Mar 30, 2009
Lalena
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Good summary of research into the brains capacity to change even when you are an old fart. Some interesting supporting research into the controversial idea that the mind can act on the brain. Descartes is frowning. James is smiling.
Oct 27, 2010
Sandra
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Some interesting stuff about neuro science, but author tries over-hard to convince that quantum mechanics explains how the brain can change its own wiring. OK. Just seemed kind of one-sided.
Jul 31, 2010
How pliable our minds - or brain I should say - are is the whole point of this book. It's great for proving that point. We can actually change our neural pathways and brains faster than anyone expected I think.
However - there's quite a bit about the benefits of animal-based research and stories about it. While I don't support animal based research, I understand the points of the author. I just don't think it was necessary to go down this path for the purposes of this book. It al More...
However - there's quite a bit about the benefits of animal-based research and stories about it. While I don't support animal based research, I understand the points of the author. I just don't think it was necessary to go down this path for the purposes of this book. It al More...
Nov 17, 2009
Braden
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If you can make it through the voluminous chronicling of monkey brain research, he makes a powerful argument to suggest that the material brain is not all there is to the human mind...
Oct 24, 2008
Brainstormery
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Even OCD can be changed by controlling our thoughts. WHen you have "intent" to focus on one thing, that causes the brain to activate some areas, and deactivate other areas, just from the intent.
Practical Application - This can explain why NLP processes work so well with ADHD. When we create an instant habit, we are building a huge intention that goes on working long after we finish the technique. Schwartz says it takes 3 to 4 weeks to create a habit but this is not true with NLP. More...
Practical Application - This can explain why NLP processes work so well with ADHD. When we create an instant habit, we are building a huge intention that goes on working long after we finish the technique. Schwartz says it takes 3 to 4 weeks to create a habit but this is not true with NLP. More...
Jan 02, 2009
John
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Fascinating insights into how the mind and brain works and the role of agency in our lives.
Feb 03, 2012
AnnaMolly
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Very informative especially in regards to understanding OCD and unleashing the brain's true potential.
Dec 11, 2011
Cristobal
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An absorbing read that breaks new light on what exactly we have between our two ears and where does the material world intersect with the immaterial. A book that will make you think hard about what you think you know.
Jan 23, 2008
John
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Brilliant, but can be a bit complex at times. But then, so is the brain. Dr. Schwartz treated patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and this books draws alot from his research shaping the neural pathways of the mind. The basic premise is that the brain is plastic and can be rewired, challenging the idea that we are biological automatons. we have the power to shape our brains, and thus our destiny. Good read.
Jan 08, 2011
Corey
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An interesting discussion of modern neuroscience and how it relates to neural plasticity, and philosophical issues like the mind-body problem. His discussion of psychotherapy and the brain's capacity to rewire itself is very good. His reflections on the link between quantum physics and the mind are meandering and speculative. He probably could have left out the last chapter or so.
Oct 02, 2008
Demetra
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Read this book and you will never again question why attention and attitude matter.
The more I read about how the brain works the more sensitive that I am about the inputs (internal and external) that I introduce into my environment and my mind.
Anyone interested in how our brain hardware works and our ability to rewire our hardware should check this book out.
The more I read about how the brain works the more sensitive that I am about the inputs (internal and external) that I introduce into my environment and my mind.
Anyone interested in how our brain hardware works and our ability to rewire our hardware should check this book out.
