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Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life
The New York Times best-selling author of My Stroke of Insight blends neuroanatomy with psychology to show how we can short-circuit emotional reactivity and find our way to peace.
For half a century we have been trained to believe that our right brain hemisphere is our emotional brain, while our left brain houses our rational thinking. Now neuroscience shows that it's not that in fact, our emotional limbic tissue is evenly divided between our two hemispheres. Consequently, each hemisphere has both an emotional brain and a thinking brain. In this groundbreaking new book, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor presents these four distinct modules of cells as four characters that make up who we Character 1, Left Thinking; Character 2, Left Emotion; Character 3, Right Emotion; and Character 4, Right Thinking.
Everything we think, feel, or do is dependent upon brain cells to perform that function. Since each of the Four Characters stems from specific groups of cells that feel unique inside of our body, they each display particular skills, feel specific emotions, or think distinctive thoughts. In Whole Brain Living, Dr. Taylor shows us how to get acquainted with our own Four Characters, observe how they show up in our daily life, and learn to identify and relate to them in others as well. And she introduces a practice called the Brain Huddle--a tool for bringing our Four Characters into conversation with one another so we can tap their respective strengths and choose which one to embody in any situation.
The more we become familiar with each of the characters in ourselves and others, the more power we gain over our thoughts, our feelings, our relationships, and our lives. Indeed, we discover that we have the power to choose who and how we want to be in every moment. And when our Four Characters work together and balance one another as a whole brain, we gain a radical new road map to deep inner peace.
For half a century we have been trained to believe that our right brain hemisphere is our emotional brain, while our left brain houses our rational thinking. Now neuroscience shows that it's not that in fact, our emotional limbic tissue is evenly divided between our two hemispheres. Consequently, each hemisphere has both an emotional brain and a thinking brain. In this groundbreaking new book, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor presents these four distinct modules of cells as four characters that make up who we Character 1, Left Thinking; Character 2, Left Emotion; Character 3, Right Emotion; and Character 4, Right Thinking.
Everything we think, feel, or do is dependent upon brain cells to perform that function. Since each of the Four Characters stems from specific groups of cells that feel unique inside of our body, they each display particular skills, feel specific emotions, or think distinctive thoughts. In Whole Brain Living, Dr. Taylor shows us how to get acquainted with our own Four Characters, observe how they show up in our daily life, and learn to identify and relate to them in others as well. And she introduces a practice called the Brain Huddle--a tool for bringing our Four Characters into conversation with one another so we can tap their respective strengths and choose which one to embody in any situation.
The more we become familiar with each of the characters in ourselves and others, the more power we gain over our thoughts, our feelings, our relationships, and our lives. Indeed, we discover that we have the power to choose who and how we want to be in every moment. And when our Four Characters work together and balance one another as a whole brain, we gain a radical new road map to deep inner peace.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2021
1217 people are currently reading
4697 people want to read
About the author
Jill Bolte Taylor
43 books347 followersJill Bolte Taylor is an American neuroanatomist, author, and public speaker. Her training is in the postmortem investigation of the human brain as it relates to schizophrenia and the severe mental illnesses. She founded the nonprofit Jill Bolte Taylor Brains, Inc., she is affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine, and she is the national spokesperson for the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center.
Bolte Taylor's personal experience with a massive stroke, experienced in 1996 at the age of 37, and her subsequent eight-year recovery, has informed her work as a scientist and speaker. For this work, in May 2008 she was named to Time Magazine's 2008 Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.[1] "My Stroke of Insight" received the top "Books for a Better Life" Book Award in the Science category from the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on February 23, 2009 in New York City.
Bolte Taylor's personal experience with a massive stroke, experienced in 1996 at the age of 37, and her subsequent eight-year recovery, has informed her work as a scientist and speaker. For this work, in May 2008 she was named to Time Magazine's 2008 Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.[1] "My Stroke of Insight" received the top "Books for a Better Life" Book Award in the Science category from the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on February 23, 2009 in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 2, 2021
I bought this book because it was highly recommended by someone I trust who reads a lot of information about the brain and creativity. It's been three weeks since I finished it and I'm still not entirely sure of what I think about it. At the beginning the author's story is really engaging, but after the 30th time she starts to say, "when my left brain when offline..." it was getting old. At first it seems like she'd break out of the basic right vs. left brain discussion, but by the end it just felt like it was a new take on an old theme. The author begins with the theory that the left and right brains have both emotional and thinking aspects to them, which makes the right/left hemisphere conversation much more nuanced. However, as the book continues she doesn't (in my opinion) completely clarify how those thinking and feeling aspects play out in the four characters. By trying to flesh out the characters' personalities "in the wild," I actually think she adds a whole lot of confusion. She attributes a ton of extraneous traits to each character which made me lose the overall sense of what each character is supposed to do. In addition, the last section of the book in which she talks about the characters as they relate to addiction and technology is confusing. I kind of see why she'd include addiction, but the technology section totally lost me. She organizes it by generations (Gen X, Boomers, etc.) and talks about how they interact/ed with technology and which characters in their brains were most utilized. It was...confounding. She seemed to be trying to connect to the research that technology has changed our brains significantly over the course of the last 100s years, but she cites no research and simply tries to explain the changes based on her four characters. Actually, she falls back into some basic left-brain/right-brain stereotypes that was frustrating to me.
So, I think there is some interesting material here, but there was a lot of extraneous noise that has made it really hard for me decide what to do with it. If it were me, I'd strip out about half the book and present a clearer, simpler picture of the four characters. I'd then spend more time discussing how the four interact in real life. I'd dump the whole last section too. A second read-through will probably make it more clear, but I prefer books that are clear the first time and don't require me to do so much editing along the way.
So, I think there is some interesting material here, but there was a lot of extraneous noise that has made it really hard for me decide what to do with it. If it were me, I'd strip out about half the book and present a clearer, simpler picture of the four characters. I'd then spend more time discussing how the four interact in real life. I'd dump the whole last section too. A second read-through will probably make it more clear, but I prefer books that are clear the first time and don't require me to do so much editing along the way.
May 12, 2021
As a fan of the author's first book (My Stroke of Insight), and given her impeccable academic credentials, I anticipated this book with great expectations--and Dr. Jill Taylor Bolton exceeded them by far. I fear my review could never do this book justice. It is a true gift to the world, explaining why we do the things we do and feel the way we do, in resolving the conflicting messaging we receive from our brain. Beyond providing helpful insights into the brain's way operating, the author gives us the tools to apply this knowledge to find a happier balance and more satisfying life experience. For all its scientific grounding, the book also unlocks a deeply spiritual dimension that is an undeniable part of the human experience, albeit often suppressed and derided in a society that values, above all, the rational brain and the gifts of analytical, critical thinking bestowed upon us by the brain cells of left sided hemisphere. Somewhat ironically, I think that people with right brain dominance will enjoy the book far more than the left brain types--since one of its premises is that we should give freer reign to our right brain tendencies and to be less driven by impulses coming from the left hemisphere. Naturally, the left brain thinkers will have none of that. Meanwhile, right brain thinkers will rejoice in this newly found permission (indeed, exhortation) to live in the moment and to embrace its joyful and peaceful serenity.
August 13, 2021
I have very mixed feelings about this book. While it is clear to me that the author is on to something, it is very clear her intended audience is the general public. The way she wrote the book was completely unscientific, all subjective experience with very little attempt to explain what exactly causes the formation of completely polarized ways of being in the world. If you walked into a clinical setting and stated that you have 4 completely autonomous characters in your head, you would be immediately labeled as severely mentally ill. Now, that in and of itself is an issue but mostly because there is no science backing up any of her claims (not even the slightest attempt to delve into science or the mechanism behind this).
In the world of science we cannot justify peddling our opinion of how the self works because the general public is very impressionable. Regardless, this particular instance she is more right than she is wrong. But the way she went about explaining it considering she is a neuroscientist, is less than ideal in a scientific sense and does nothing to further the field of science which would have a much larger impact than that few thousand people that will read this book. I am about to enter grad school and am going into it trying to explain the actual mechanism that creates these divisions of self. I will attempt to write a book in a more empirical fashion if I ever find any success. Difficult topic to say the least, but the self is endlessly fascinating to me and the topic is unbelievable important to understand in an empirical manner.
In the world of science we cannot justify peddling our opinion of how the self works because the general public is very impressionable. Regardless, this particular instance she is more right than she is wrong. But the way she went about explaining it considering she is a neuroscientist, is less than ideal in a scientific sense and does nothing to further the field of science which would have a much larger impact than that few thousand people that will read this book. I am about to enter grad school and am going into it trying to explain the actual mechanism that creates these divisions of self. I will attempt to write a book in a more empirical fashion if I ever find any success. Difficult topic to say the least, but the self is endlessly fascinating to me and the topic is unbelievable important to understand in an empirical manner.
June 11, 2021
It had promise. It had a semi decent start. But the idea was swiftly mired into a quagmire of repetition and the author talking too much about herself. That later idea...that's what intrigued me into buying the book. The same idea, taken too far, turned me off of the book.
Has some interesting tidbits if information and the tie ins to jungian analysis and shadow work, that's ok, but...all in all, the connections were too loose or poorly explained.
Has some interesting tidbits if information and the tie ins to jungian analysis and shadow work, that's ok, but...all in all, the connections were too loose or poorly explained.
June 10, 2021
3.5 stars
Dr. Bolte Taylor’s “My Stroke of Insight” was a gift given to me when I woke up from a 5-week coma due to a massive right brain bleed. Although her bleed was totally different than mine from an anatomical perspective, reading her book and realizing that she had recovered fully gave me hope to carry on. It was, along with “The Brain the Heals Itself”, “Stronger After Stroke” were all 5-stars books that helped me tremendously during my long months in rehab. However, I have to give this book a lesser rating due to the following reasons: - - - review to come.
Dr. Bolte Taylor’s “My Stroke of Insight” was a gift given to me when I woke up from a 5-week coma due to a massive right brain bleed. Although her bleed was totally different than mine from an anatomical perspective, reading her book and realizing that she had recovered fully gave me hope to carry on. It was, along with “The Brain the Heals Itself”, “Stronger After Stroke” were all 5-stars books that helped me tremendously during my long months in rehab. However, I have to give this book a lesser rating due to the following reasons: - - - review to come.
August 1, 2021
The moment I finished listening to this book I ordered a hard copy (and some to give away as gifts) so I could better understand the workings of our brain from a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist’s perspective. She does a good job at putting into layman’s terms. I was intrigued by the her premise that when we understand our brain at a cellular level, we have the power to literally be in control of our emotions.
The author introduces us to 4 characters in our brains, two thinking and two emotional ones, (not just one of each in each of the brain’s hemisphere we already knew about). She gives lots of example to help us get to know each character individually so we learn to recognize them when they are running our circuits. For me, this is not as easy as it sounds, but since learning this material I’ve consciously tried to put into practice; for example, the other day when I was upset over something, my usual overthinking cycle kicked in which I now recognize as my character 2, so I purposely tried to bring my playful character 3 online by working out at the gym and listening to upbeat music. It didn’t take long to feel better and from that point it was easy to get to my peaceful character 4 (the Zen one) which is the goal the author is trying to get us to accomplish. In this state, she asserts, we will be happier and more peaceful human beings and can then spread that peace to others. Something definitely worth pursuing. Great read!
The author introduces us to 4 characters in our brains, two thinking and two emotional ones, (not just one of each in each of the brain’s hemisphere we already knew about). She gives lots of example to help us get to know each character individually so we learn to recognize them when they are running our circuits. For me, this is not as easy as it sounds, but since learning this material I’ve consciously tried to put into practice; for example, the other day when I was upset over something, my usual overthinking cycle kicked in which I now recognize as my character 2, so I purposely tried to bring my playful character 3 online by working out at the gym and listening to upbeat music. It didn’t take long to feel better and from that point it was easy to get to my peaceful character 4 (the Zen one) which is the goal the author is trying to get us to accomplish. In this state, she asserts, we will be happier and more peaceful human beings and can then spread that peace to others. Something definitely worth pursuing. Great read!
January 29, 2022
Jill Bolte Taylor presents a unique and plausible take on the two halves of the brain, dividing each side into conscious and unconscious, thinking and emotional. She labels the four parts as Characters 1,2,3, and 4. The attributes are not new, her characterization is new. WBL is her experience and perception, not evidence for all of us. She uses Jungian concepts which do not fit. Character 3 is in reality, the inner child most of us know. She describes it as uninhibited, wild, bouncy, full of joy and impulsivity. Not all children are uninhibited extroverts with freedom and laughter. Many come from dysfunctional homes, parents, and pasts. Those inner children are quite different, with very different expressions and needs.
Taylor is a very high extrovert. Her concepts are based on extroversion. I might enjoy reading her work from an introvert experience, but don't have any interest in writing it. She uses the 12 steps in describing how each inner character would experience recovery and addiction. Character 3, the inner child is completely absent. Odd, because that part of us is intimately involved with recovery and addiction. My boredom, disappointment, and annoyance with the characters came in during the last third of the book. Interesting, but no cigar.
Taylor is a very high extrovert. Her concepts are based on extroversion. I might enjoy reading her work from an introvert experience, but don't have any interest in writing it. She uses the 12 steps in describing how each inner character would experience recovery and addiction. Character 3, the inner child is completely absent. Odd, because that part of us is intimately involved with recovery and addiction. My boredom, disappointment, and annoyance with the characters came in during the last third of the book. Interesting, but no cigar.
January 7, 2022
Started out interesting especially with regards to experiment on surgically dividing the brain in half and assessing the human subject motor responses and complications of our every day tasks
However, I found it overly repetitive. I also unfortunately I could not get on board with the “4 characters” and giving them names/identities, to me it felt as if I was reading a fictional story about a person with multiple personalities
I had an extremely hard time finishing this book. I got more and more disinterested in the message and more frustrated in general
However, I found it overly repetitive. I also unfortunately I could not get on board with the “4 characters” and giving them names/identities, to me it felt as if I was reading a fictional story about a person with multiple personalities
I had an extremely hard time finishing this book. I got more and more disinterested in the message and more frustrated in general
June 1, 2021
So Much Wisdom
Is gained by listening to the chorus of the four characters within my brain. I'm recommending this book to all my friends who are interested in this amazing part of our bodies and beings. It's a valuable follow-up to My Stroke of Insight.
Is gained by listening to the chorus of the four characters within my brain. I'm recommending this book to all my friends who are interested in this amazing part of our bodies and beings. It's a valuable follow-up to My Stroke of Insight.
August 5, 2021
“The evolution of humanity is an ongoing process, and we have the power to consciously direct our development as a part of that evolution. We have two beautiful cerebral hemispheres, each of which processes information in its own unique way, and I believe that bringing them together into whole brain living is our road map to both our own deep, inner peace and peace in the world.”
Most people don't realize that we have 'two beautiful cerebral hemispheres,' as Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor put it above. Or maybe we just don't take the weird idea seriously that we have two distinct brains.
If you fit either of those groups or, like me, you really wish to better understand what it means to have two brains and how that influences who and how we are, then it's your lucky day. You've come to the right place, which is an intrepid review of Taylor's 2021 book Whole Brain Living.
Contrary to what most of us understand about the brain, the left brain isn't just the rational, organized side that gives us our identities based on our pasts.
Our right brains aren't simply our creative, sensitive sides that give us our values and artistic flair.
Each hemisphere determines their own way of thinking and feeling,
Taylor knows this very well after experiencing a catastrophic left brain stroke when she was 37 and a professor at Harvard. It decimated her left brain functionality, leaving her as helpless as an infant, and after surgery relieving her brain of a clot the size of a golf ball and eight years of great effort, she regained her left brain that is much more integrated with her right brain.
Her still enormously popular TED talk in the early 2000s led to her memoir My Stroke of Insight and, complementing and extending the beauty of that book, her second, self-helpish book Whole Brain Living: the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life.
Our four characters, encompassing our left brain thinking character, left brain feeling character, and their opposing right brain characters, often are unaware of each other.
This is where a Brain Huddle comes in. By recognizing, appreciating, inquiring, and navigating the four characters (there's a “b” word for a BRAIN sequence, but have blanked out on it), we can mitigate the dominance of one character and help all to work together for our inner peace, healthier relationships with others who exhibit character dysfunction, and healthier lifestyles too. I mostly skipped the chapter about addictions and recovery. I don't doubt she has helpful advice for addicts, but I'm not an addict.
She gets a bit spiritual, talking about a Higher Power or cosmic consciousness, but I don't find those ideas any more palatable than religious fantasy. In the quote above Taylor described an evolution of our brains and that makes sense.. We choose to evolve or we choose to do nothing and keep reacting like children (left brain feeling character or Jung's Shadow character).
It's mostly a very interesting book, especially the next to last chapter where she describes the generations from WWII to the present in terms of how their right and left brains developed because of how they were raised and what world tragedies they lived through.
To be brief, the oldest generations learned mostly through their right brain. Baby Boomers hooked us on left brain dominance, but Millennials were raised on technology that strengthened their right brains. Unfortunately Gen X didn't get much left brain guidance and feel safer in groups. Or is that Gen Z?
As you can see, there's a lot of cool information here and I hope you'll check out her books.
Most people don't realize that we have 'two beautiful cerebral hemispheres,' as Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor put it above. Or maybe we just don't take the weird idea seriously that we have two distinct brains.
If you fit either of those groups or, like me, you really wish to better understand what it means to have two brains and how that influences who and how we are, then it's your lucky day. You've come to the right place, which is an intrepid review of Taylor's 2021 book Whole Brain Living.
Contrary to what most of us understand about the brain, the left brain isn't just the rational, organized side that gives us our identities based on our pasts.
Our right brains aren't simply our creative, sensitive sides that give us our values and artistic flair.
Each hemisphere determines their own way of thinking and feeling,
Taylor knows this very well after experiencing a catastrophic left brain stroke when she was 37 and a professor at Harvard. It decimated her left brain functionality, leaving her as helpless as an infant, and after surgery relieving her brain of a clot the size of a golf ball and eight years of great effort, she regained her left brain that is much more integrated with her right brain.
Her still enormously popular TED talk in the early 2000s led to her memoir My Stroke of Insight and, complementing and extending the beauty of that book, her second, self-helpish book Whole Brain Living: the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life.
Our four characters, encompassing our left brain thinking character, left brain feeling character, and their opposing right brain characters, often are unaware of each other.
This is where a Brain Huddle comes in. By recognizing, appreciating, inquiring, and navigating the four characters (there's a “b” word for a BRAIN sequence, but have blanked out on it), we can mitigate the dominance of one character and help all to work together for our inner peace, healthier relationships with others who exhibit character dysfunction, and healthier lifestyles too. I mostly skipped the chapter about addictions and recovery. I don't doubt she has helpful advice for addicts, but I'm not an addict.
She gets a bit spiritual, talking about a Higher Power or cosmic consciousness, but I don't find those ideas any more palatable than religious fantasy. In the quote above Taylor described an evolution of our brains and that makes sense.. We choose to evolve or we choose to do nothing and keep reacting like children (left brain feeling character or Jung's Shadow character).
It's mostly a very interesting book, especially the next to last chapter where she describes the generations from WWII to the present in terms of how their right and left brains developed because of how they were raised and what world tragedies they lived through.
To be brief, the oldest generations learned mostly through their right brain. Baby Boomers hooked us on left brain dominance, but Millennials were raised on technology that strengthened their right brains. Unfortunately Gen X didn't get much left brain guidance and feel safer in groups. Or is that Gen Z?
As you can see, there's a lot of cool information here and I hope you'll check out her books.
June 9, 2021
Wow this was a good book. Jill Bolt Taylor is great at explaining why we are like we are and how to improve ourselves by putting our own for brains together for better solutions. I found it Helpful and understanding the way other people are to themselves and to others acting from the different parts of their own brains. I hope it will let me help as well as understand others.
November 16, 2021
If you seek peace of mind, joy, and perhaps a touch of Nirvana on earth, you will enjoy Whole Brain Living.
Whole Brain Living is Jill Bolte’s latest book, written since Jills TED TALK video that took us through the day she was experiencing a major let brain stroke. The story of the minute-by-minute happening, from inside her mind the day of her stroke.
Whole Brain Living I to me a great follow up to her TED TALK, Stroke of Genius, one of the very top-watched TED Talk ever. Viewed 27.9 MILLION times.
Both her TED Talk and Whole Brain Living drastically change what we humans have been taught and believe about our brain, mind, and human psychology. This is a truly paradigm shift in our thinking on the human brain, mind, and consciousness.
I have studied philosophy, metaphysics, and science for forty years. From Taoism to Hinduism and from the Greek minds to Carl Jung. To me, Whole Brain Living is a first-time-ever actual experience-based explanation versus philosophical-based theories.
This year I had three strokes. Somewhat ironically while deep in my left-brain Type A personality producing my own TEDx live event for 2021. With the first stroke, my left side thinking area brain was destroyed. From these strokes, [ three in a time period of three months] I experienced, and still experience today, many of the same right and left-brain experiences Jill writes about.
Although I lost sight in one eye, lost my speech, and had memory gaps, I was still alive. I could still walk. Considering all the trauma to my brain and body I oddly was not depressed or feeling a victim. I was feeling joyful, serene, and unbelievably blessed.
I have been an avid seeker of knowledge for 40 years, so since my stroke, I have been reading daily to learn and understand what happened to me and how to remake myself. In my search, I came across Whole Brain Living. It was just what I was searching for. It is a detailed, wonderful, and insightful read. It is an especially inspiring, upbeat, and easy to grasp guide for anyone, who has had a major stroke, depression, or is on a path to self-discovery.
Totally confused at the time of my stroke, and in the months after it, I did not understand or even fully know what was happening to me. Secretly I thought I was going mad or having an emotional breakdown. I did not want to alarm my family, and I could not communicate what was going on in my head. Nothing prepares us for the loss of our thinking brain and mind. On the outside people see us as healed or normal. But in the inside of our head, brain and mind we are totally confused, uncertain, and somewhat lost on our own.
As an example, I dreaded going to sleep at night. Most every night I was trapped in a constant dream of being lost in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people and no way to get home. Yet in the morning I would wake up with joy in my heart, peace in my mind, and a love for life stronger than I had ever experienced before the stroke.
After reading Whole New Brain I now understand what was happening to my mind and brain. But while I was living this nightmare, I had no words to explain it. But now through Jill Bolte and her compassionate, Whole Brain Living I have the words and understanding to communicate with and hopefully help others. My stroke has been a priceless gift. A gift of life. A gift of awakening, joy, and understanding.
From Whole Brain Living I have learned that both of our brains have their purpose. Both are miracles, and in this physical realm, both are to be lived through and loved.
Steven Monahan
TEDx licensee, Organizer. Mentor
Whole Brain Living is Jill Bolte’s latest book, written since Jills TED TALK video that took us through the day she was experiencing a major let brain stroke. The story of the minute-by-minute happening, from inside her mind the day of her stroke.
Whole Brain Living I to me a great follow up to her TED TALK, Stroke of Genius, one of the very top-watched TED Talk ever. Viewed 27.9 MILLION times.
Both her TED Talk and Whole Brain Living drastically change what we humans have been taught and believe about our brain, mind, and human psychology. This is a truly paradigm shift in our thinking on the human brain, mind, and consciousness.
I have studied philosophy, metaphysics, and science for forty years. From Taoism to Hinduism and from the Greek minds to Carl Jung. To me, Whole Brain Living is a first-time-ever actual experience-based explanation versus philosophical-based theories.
This year I had three strokes. Somewhat ironically while deep in my left-brain Type A personality producing my own TEDx live event for 2021. With the first stroke, my left side thinking area brain was destroyed. From these strokes, [ three in a time period of three months] I experienced, and still experience today, many of the same right and left-brain experiences Jill writes about.
Although I lost sight in one eye, lost my speech, and had memory gaps, I was still alive. I could still walk. Considering all the trauma to my brain and body I oddly was not depressed or feeling a victim. I was feeling joyful, serene, and unbelievably blessed.
I have been an avid seeker of knowledge for 40 years, so since my stroke, I have been reading daily to learn and understand what happened to me and how to remake myself. In my search, I came across Whole Brain Living. It was just what I was searching for. It is a detailed, wonderful, and insightful read. It is an especially inspiring, upbeat, and easy to grasp guide for anyone, who has had a major stroke, depression, or is on a path to self-discovery.
Totally confused at the time of my stroke, and in the months after it, I did not understand or even fully know what was happening to me. Secretly I thought I was going mad or having an emotional breakdown. I did not want to alarm my family, and I could not communicate what was going on in my head. Nothing prepares us for the loss of our thinking brain and mind. On the outside people see us as healed or normal. But in the inside of our head, brain and mind we are totally confused, uncertain, and somewhat lost on our own.
As an example, I dreaded going to sleep at night. Most every night I was trapped in a constant dream of being lost in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people and no way to get home. Yet in the morning I would wake up with joy in my heart, peace in my mind, and a love for life stronger than I had ever experienced before the stroke.
After reading Whole New Brain I now understand what was happening to my mind and brain. But while I was living this nightmare, I had no words to explain it. But now through Jill Bolte and her compassionate, Whole Brain Living I have the words and understanding to communicate with and hopefully help others. My stroke has been a priceless gift. A gift of life. A gift of awakening, joy, and understanding.
From Whole Brain Living I have learned that both of our brains have their purpose. Both are miracles, and in this physical realm, both are to be lived through and loved.
Steven Monahan
TEDx licensee, Organizer. Mentor
May 10, 2024
Aufwertung auf 5🌟
An meiner Review ändert sich nichts aber mittlerweile merke ich wie der Inhalt und das Konzept nachwirken und zwar auf eine derart bereichernde Weise, wie man es von einem Buch dieser Art nur erhoffen kann, was sich aber in den seltensten Fällen erfüllt. Ich kann nicht sagen dass ich von Lebenskrisen gebeutelt bin und weiß daher nicht wie sehr einem die Erkenntnisse im „Ernstfall“ wirklich über den Berg helfen. Aber bei meinen kleinen Alltagsproblemen habe ich die Methode als sehr wirksam empfunden. Und mit Methode meine ich meine etwas abgewandelte Form des Brainhuddle. Ich denke das findet jeder für sich selbst raus wie es für ihn am besten passt. Jedenfalls trainiere ich durch die bewusste Reflexion meine Charaktere 3 und 4, was für einen dominanten Charakter 2 der sich immer im Recht fühlt, genährt durch das vermeintliche Selbstvertrauen eines sehr gut trainierten Charakters 1, ein enormer Zugewinn ist.
Vorherige Review:
Die 4 Charaktere und das Brain Huddle sind die Kernelemente des Buchs, die ich sehr wertvoll finde. Auch die Tipps im Umgang mit Charakter 2. wenn zwei von dieser Sorte einen Konflikt austragen, keine Chance auf friedliche Lösungen. Einzige Möglichkeit: mit Charakter 3 und 4 reagieren und dem Gegenüber mit akutem Charakter 2 Affekt, jene 90 Sekunden die dieser Affekt in aller Regel dauert, geben um anschließend zu einer konstruktiveren Interaktion zu kommen.
Viele Passagen habe ich nur quergelesen, weil sie etwas zu schwadronierend sind und an manchen Stellen hätte ich mir etwas mehr wissenschaftlichen Tiefgang gewünscht. Ein Bereich wo das nachvollziehen schwierig wird, ist die Beschreibung des Charakters 4, unser Portal zur Energie und zum Wesen des Universums. JBT würde darauf aber sicher antworten dass es mein Charakter 1 und 2 sind die hier ihre Einwände bringen. Also letzten Endes geht es beim Charakter 4 mehr darum sich einzulassen und eine große Portion Glaube mitzubringen.
Insgesamt eine sehr bereichernde Lektüre, das Grundkonzept wird mich jedenfalls weiter beschäftigen und Querverbindungen mit anderen Konzepten suchen und finden lassen (Beispiel The Work von Byron Katie).
An meiner Review ändert sich nichts aber mittlerweile merke ich wie der Inhalt und das Konzept nachwirken und zwar auf eine derart bereichernde Weise, wie man es von einem Buch dieser Art nur erhoffen kann, was sich aber in den seltensten Fällen erfüllt. Ich kann nicht sagen dass ich von Lebenskrisen gebeutelt bin und weiß daher nicht wie sehr einem die Erkenntnisse im „Ernstfall“ wirklich über den Berg helfen. Aber bei meinen kleinen Alltagsproblemen habe ich die Methode als sehr wirksam empfunden. Und mit Methode meine ich meine etwas abgewandelte Form des Brainhuddle. Ich denke das findet jeder für sich selbst raus wie es für ihn am besten passt. Jedenfalls trainiere ich durch die bewusste Reflexion meine Charaktere 3 und 4, was für einen dominanten Charakter 2 der sich immer im Recht fühlt, genährt durch das vermeintliche Selbstvertrauen eines sehr gut trainierten Charakters 1, ein enormer Zugewinn ist.
Vorherige Review:
Die 4 Charaktere und das Brain Huddle sind die Kernelemente des Buchs, die ich sehr wertvoll finde. Auch die Tipps im Umgang mit Charakter 2. wenn zwei von dieser Sorte einen Konflikt austragen, keine Chance auf friedliche Lösungen. Einzige Möglichkeit: mit Charakter 3 und 4 reagieren und dem Gegenüber mit akutem Charakter 2 Affekt, jene 90 Sekunden die dieser Affekt in aller Regel dauert, geben um anschließend zu einer konstruktiveren Interaktion zu kommen.
Viele Passagen habe ich nur quergelesen, weil sie etwas zu schwadronierend sind und an manchen Stellen hätte ich mir etwas mehr wissenschaftlichen Tiefgang gewünscht. Ein Bereich wo das nachvollziehen schwierig wird, ist die Beschreibung des Charakters 4, unser Portal zur Energie und zum Wesen des Universums. JBT würde darauf aber sicher antworten dass es mein Charakter 1 und 2 sind die hier ihre Einwände bringen. Also letzten Endes geht es beim Charakter 4 mehr darum sich einzulassen und eine große Portion Glaube mitzubringen.
Insgesamt eine sehr bereichernde Lektüre, das Grundkonzept wird mich jedenfalls weiter beschäftigen und Querverbindungen mit anderen Konzepten suchen und finden lassen (Beispiel The Work von Byron Katie).
November 24, 2021
loved the first half
What a strange book.
I loved the first half, and found the framework of the four characters within your mind to be extremely helpful. I immediately began to recognize these various voices throughout my day, which allowed me to be more curious and aware of my reactions. I did wish there was a bit more discussion of the science underpinning it, as I think that would have been fascinating.
The second half of the book made little sense to me. It felt like random musings on various topics such as relationships, addiction, and a generational history of the last century in America.
It really started to read like a horoscope at this point, fitting everything into a few stereotypes. She often refers to the characters as if they are different people, which really muddled the message for me. My understanding is that we each have all of these voices in our mind, some more dominant than others. But parts of the book are written as if these are individuals, and you can classify people (or even whole generations) by their “type”. It was much less nuanced.
I will take away some really helpful tools and ways of framing thoughts and feelings from this book, and leave the rest.
What a strange book.
I loved the first half, and found the framework of the four characters within your mind to be extremely helpful. I immediately began to recognize these various voices throughout my day, which allowed me to be more curious and aware of my reactions. I did wish there was a bit more discussion of the science underpinning it, as I think that would have been fascinating.
The second half of the book made little sense to me. It felt like random musings on various topics such as relationships, addiction, and a generational history of the last century in America.
It really started to read like a horoscope at this point, fitting everything into a few stereotypes. She often refers to the characters as if they are different people, which really muddled the message for me. My understanding is that we each have all of these voices in our mind, some more dominant than others. But parts of the book are written as if these are individuals, and you can classify people (or even whole generations) by their “type”. It was much less nuanced.
I will take away some really helpful tools and ways of framing thoughts and feelings from this book, and leave the rest.
July 8, 2021
I had a hard time rating this one. I think the concepts of the book are fantastic and gives you lots to think about and consider when working to become more self-aware. I love the idea that we have four parts of our brain that are operating in different ways and how and when we use and experience the parts. When you begin to understand which part you might be using, it helps you understand how to choose and have empathy for the part that might be showing up in the moment.
While the concepts are great, the writing and format of the book seemed to over explain and the examples from the authors life didn’t enhance the content. And the chapter about addiction didn’t add anything to the book.
Still worth the read for the first half of the book.
While the concepts are great, the writing and format of the book seemed to over explain and the examples from the authors life didn’t enhance the content. And the chapter about addiction didn’t add anything to the book.
Still worth the read for the first half of the book.
June 9, 2022
I found it difficult to go through the whole story. It felt as if the author sacrificed some of the depth in displaying her concepts for the sake of covering more ground topic wise. There were almost in every chapter that I felt the need to hear some more to have a buy in the content but it was never enough thoroughness.
June 25, 2021
I bought this book because I have read My Stroke of Insight, and was impressed with her message of recovery and hope. This book was an interesting way of looking at the brain. I thought the section on addiction was out of place in the book and should have been a separate topic.
March 17, 2024
Given that the author is a neuroscientist with an amazing story, I expected more - more facts, more research, and more practical advice.
February 18, 2022
1/My Story and Our Brain: She had a stroke and the left brain shut down. She stepped into the present moment (right brain) with no chatter (from left brain). When emotional circuits are triggered, we reflexively respond with fear, anger, or hostility. Once stimulated it takes less than 90 seconds for the chemistry of our brain to be flooded and then flush them completely out of our blood stream. The ‘we’ inside of ‘me:’ right hemisphere is the life-force power at one with all or left brain-single individual who is separate from others. None of the 4 brain characters are more authentic than the other. My passion is for you to master your own 4 characters so you can completely own your power and live your best life.
2/Brain Anatomy and Personality: Patients had the corpus callosum (connective brain tissue) cut and they were observed to have conflicting actions/opinions within themselves! Brain cells dominate and inhibit their counterpart cells, so the brain is not all-on or all-off under any circumstance except death. Our left brain offers us our individuality, while our right brain connects us with the consciousness of not only the collective whole of humanity but the vast expansive consciousness of the universe.
3/Our Brain’s Team: The Four Characters: Ultimate goal is to create more connection and consequently greater health within ourselves and with others. Each of us has a whole brain (all 4 characters), but we may find that one may be dominating and that others rarely show up. Conflict between right (keep current job so kids can stay in familiar school) and left brain (take job new job in city for more pay). Brain huddle: pause where all four characters contemplate best move). Breathe, Recognize (dominate Character), Appreciate (all 4 Characters), Inquire (invite input from all 4), Navigate (this new reality) (spells BRAIN)
4/Character 1 – Left Brain Thinking (Helen): The energetic flow of all mass moves so slowly that it cannot be detected by our left brain. Our two hemispheres process information in these two opposite ways, our overall perception of the world is a blended combination of the big picture (right brain) and the details (left brain). It’s a bit disconcerting to think that who we are is completely manufactured by a small group of cells in our left brain…but that is how fragile our ego identities are. Left brain has awareness of itself and its relationship with the external world. We have the power to voluntarily change the cellular structure underlying our thoughts and feelings (neuroplasticity). Left brain judges one thing more important than another, we manage time such that we can be punctual, and when we make plans, we are organizing our behavior across time. Snapshot: organizes everything, naturally mechanical, neat, plans well, respects authority, critically judges right/wrong, good/bad, detail based, counts everything, protective.
5/Character 2 – Left Brain Emotional (Abby): When the brain stem transfers its well organized data up to the emotional tissue (characters 2&3) it is their job to modify and refine that data by streaming it through the filter of emotion. We are feeling creatures who think. The job of the amygdala is to ask, ‘am I safe?’ When our amygdalae sound the alarm, our hippocampi shut down and we are no longer capable of learning and memorizing new information because we are too busy managing an emergency. When we train ourselves to ignore our emotions, those emotions will seep out one way or another. We are wired to express ourselves emotionally as soon as we arrive in the external world. This is not true for our thinking cells. Primary job of character 2 is to filter out immediate danger and help us focus our attention. Character 2 is the source of our deepest and most profound emotions. I don’t mind if someone is miserable as long as they remember to enjoy it. Having the emotional capacity to experience true suffering is an amazing part of being alive. This part of our brain is emotionally reactive to the external world and does not accept responsibility for its behavior. It is also inclined to sacrifice its future, as it is blinded by the pain from its past. I know my little Abby is full force when I am feeling unappreciated, undervalued, unwanted or unworthy. Character 2 is rarely self-aware. Snapshot: anger/name calling, deceives, feels guilty, internalizes shame, loves conditionally, negative self-judgement, anxious, whines, egocentric, blames.
6/Character 3 – Right Brain Emotional (pig pen): All we have to do to bring our mind to the present moment is to push the pause button on whatever it is that we are doing, thinking, or feeling and consciously bring our attention to our immediate sensory experience of textures, sights, and smells. This is easy when we are willing to step away from the details of our lives and shift our focus to what life feels like. Not how we feel emotionally but how we feel experientially. All of the cells in our body work independently to do their part and then collectively they communicate with one another, making up a healthy you. Our strengths are in our differences. Character 3 experiences emotions in the present moment and has no perception about the past. Right brain is dominant at birth. Snapshot: forgiving, awe-inspired, playful, empathic, creative, joyful, curious, style, hopeful, experiential.
7/Character 4 – Right Brain Thinking (Queen Toad): Our character 4 (spiritual being having a physical experience) is the all-knowing intelligence from which we came, and it is how we incarnate the consciousness of the universe. We have to quiet character 1, settle character 2, and focus away from the sensations of character 3 in order to hear character 4. Scientific method can only measure left brain activity. Right brain requires that we take a leap of faith to wrap our minds around. In utero, our consciousness (character 4) directed the expression of our genes. AT birth, our skeletal muscles and the rest of our motor system would require external stimulation to mature. We perceive ourselves as big as the universe and enveloped in deep inner peace and love, is available to us in life and is what we will return to in death. We have power through our thoughts and emotions to influence this field of energy. The energy that fuels the movements of the planets and stars is the exact same energy that forms the consciousnesses of both the overall universe and our Character 4. I shift out of my left brain’s perceived boundaries, I become the movement of the flow and shift into being hat elusive thing. I am not only the leaf, but I am the energy that moves the leaf. Who are you when you set down your self-doubt, judgement, and criticism? Character 4 is the anchor of the corporate ship (no ego) and can look at all options objectively. Work: 1: wants to make money, 2: squirrel around with details, 3: wants it to be fun, 4: wants to serve the greater good. Snapshot: aware, expansive, connection, accepting, embraces change, authentic, generous of Spirit, clarity, intention, vulnerability. Our society is skewed toward the materialistic value of our left brain; we are rewarded for what we do rather than who we are.
8/The Brain Huddle: Your Power Tool for Peace: The brain huddle is how we own our own power by taking full responsibility for who and how we present ourselves to the world, as well as how we choose to let the world influence our thinking, emotions, feeling, and behavior. We have 50 trillion cells making up own body and brain as beautiful little creatures, each with a consciousness of their own. Advantages to huddle: pause button, all 4 characters can voice their opinion, decisions supported by all characters, see characters playing out in lives around her. B= Breathe for a pause, R=Recognize which 4 characters are there, A=Appreciate all four, I=Inquire what we might do next, N=Navigate our new reality.
9/Connection to Ourself- Our Four Characters and the Body: 1 sees our body as a vehicle (takes care of body on the regular), 2 see our body as a responsibility (very little body awareness & medical things feel overwhelming), 3 sees our body as a toy (it’s amazing and should be used fully), and 4 sees our body as a temple of the soul (employs alternative medicine like yoga & meditation).
10/Connection with Others – Our Four Characters in Romantic Relationships: Character 1: look for long term partner and don’t want to give up/quit relationship. Character 2: prefer stability of character 1s. Character 3: player that is tough to get down the aisle. Every character needs caution to remain with their primary identity to preserve their well-being. If we concede to our secondary character putting the other person above ourselves, we do so at the expense of our own integrity. Once a character 1,3, or 4 has been dragged into the emotional pain of their character 2, they do not stand a chance of happiness until they shift back into their primary character. Two character 2s in dispute will never agree or find long-term peace. A true character 4 is an emotionally stable force that we all have deep inside. Character 4 will ask, ‘Is this a relationship that is life giving or does it energetically drain me?’
11/Disconnection and Reconnection – Our Four Characters in Addiction and Recovery: Characters 1 & 2 have enjoyed dominating my life for a very long time, and they remain well versed in how to live an automated, unconscious life. It is critical that I pay attention o what is going on inside of my brain so that I don’t revert to my old left-brain (1&2) habits that led into drinking in the first place. The biologic of addiction rests not only in the power of choice in the present moment (Character 3) but in the pain, guilt, and shame of our past (Character 2). Our character 1 may come on board because they have a lot to lose. Character 4 lifts us above our illness.
12/The Last 100 Years – Our Four Characters and the Influence of Technology: GI Generation & Silent Generation: Tone of living set by #4 in interpersonal and multigenerational relationships. #2s gained a voice during the 70’s. Male #3’s worked with their hands and joined the service. Baby Boomers: Valued #1 (work over family) more than their parents. The 70’s were about materialism (designer/name brand clothes). Accustomed to left brain learning. Generation X (D&L): kids had no one around when they came home from school and developed a strong #1 character as they cared for themselves. Computers at home helped them develop right brain (fun) learning styles. Millennials (H,I,J): Computers at home and school helped them develop the right and left brains. Lead with #3 character but fit into #1 values. Treatment of everyone as a winner (participation trophy) led to underdeveloped #2 character. Change jobs often due to #3 character (living for the moment). Self-value is determined by ‘friends, likes, clicks.’ Generation Z (K): Blending whole brain into right-brain dominant. First whole brain generation. Spend a lot of time running their fight or flight response. Summation: The go-go mentality that technology encourages us to engage in can wreak havoc on our brain health, as well as the health of our relationships with those around us. Sleep helps us reboot. Engage in Brain Huddle.
13/Perfect, Whole, and Beautiful: We have the power to choose which circuitry we want to run in the good times and in the tough times as well. Author chooses character 4 (over character 2) when her friend dies. A healthy brain is made up of billions of healthy neurons that are in communication with one another. Comparably, a healthy society is made up of billions of healthy people who are in communication with one another. You are the life force power of the 50 trillion beautiful molecular geniuses that make up your form. You can choose to step into the consciousness of your left hemisphere, where you become a single individual, a solid, separate from the flow, and separate from me. I believe that the more time you spend choosing to run the deep inner peace circuitry of your right hemisphere, the more peach you will project into the world and the more peaceful our planet will be.
2/Brain Anatomy and Personality: Patients had the corpus callosum (connective brain tissue) cut and they were observed to have conflicting actions/opinions within themselves! Brain cells dominate and inhibit their counterpart cells, so the brain is not all-on or all-off under any circumstance except death. Our left brain offers us our individuality, while our right brain connects us with the consciousness of not only the collective whole of humanity but the vast expansive consciousness of the universe.
3/Our Brain’s Team: The Four Characters: Ultimate goal is to create more connection and consequently greater health within ourselves and with others. Each of us has a whole brain (all 4 characters), but we may find that one may be dominating and that others rarely show up. Conflict between right (keep current job so kids can stay in familiar school) and left brain (take job new job in city for more pay). Brain huddle: pause where all four characters contemplate best move). Breathe, Recognize (dominate Character), Appreciate (all 4 Characters), Inquire (invite input from all 4), Navigate (this new reality) (spells BRAIN)
4/Character 1 – Left Brain Thinking (Helen): The energetic flow of all mass moves so slowly that it cannot be detected by our left brain. Our two hemispheres process information in these two opposite ways, our overall perception of the world is a blended combination of the big picture (right brain) and the details (left brain). It’s a bit disconcerting to think that who we are is completely manufactured by a small group of cells in our left brain…but that is how fragile our ego identities are. Left brain has awareness of itself and its relationship with the external world. We have the power to voluntarily change the cellular structure underlying our thoughts and feelings (neuroplasticity). Left brain judges one thing more important than another, we manage time such that we can be punctual, and when we make plans, we are organizing our behavior across time. Snapshot: organizes everything, naturally mechanical, neat, plans well, respects authority, critically judges right/wrong, good/bad, detail based, counts everything, protective.
5/Character 2 – Left Brain Emotional (Abby): When the brain stem transfers its well organized data up to the emotional tissue (characters 2&3) it is their job to modify and refine that data by streaming it through the filter of emotion. We are feeling creatures who think. The job of the amygdala is to ask, ‘am I safe?’ When our amygdalae sound the alarm, our hippocampi shut down and we are no longer capable of learning and memorizing new information because we are too busy managing an emergency. When we train ourselves to ignore our emotions, those emotions will seep out one way or another. We are wired to express ourselves emotionally as soon as we arrive in the external world. This is not true for our thinking cells. Primary job of character 2 is to filter out immediate danger and help us focus our attention. Character 2 is the source of our deepest and most profound emotions. I don’t mind if someone is miserable as long as they remember to enjoy it. Having the emotional capacity to experience true suffering is an amazing part of being alive. This part of our brain is emotionally reactive to the external world and does not accept responsibility for its behavior. It is also inclined to sacrifice its future, as it is blinded by the pain from its past. I know my little Abby is full force when I am feeling unappreciated, undervalued, unwanted or unworthy. Character 2 is rarely self-aware. Snapshot: anger/name calling, deceives, feels guilty, internalizes shame, loves conditionally, negative self-judgement, anxious, whines, egocentric, blames.
6/Character 3 – Right Brain Emotional (pig pen): All we have to do to bring our mind to the present moment is to push the pause button on whatever it is that we are doing, thinking, or feeling and consciously bring our attention to our immediate sensory experience of textures, sights, and smells. This is easy when we are willing to step away from the details of our lives and shift our focus to what life feels like. Not how we feel emotionally but how we feel experientially. All of the cells in our body work independently to do their part and then collectively they communicate with one another, making up a healthy you. Our strengths are in our differences. Character 3 experiences emotions in the present moment and has no perception about the past. Right brain is dominant at birth. Snapshot: forgiving, awe-inspired, playful, empathic, creative, joyful, curious, style, hopeful, experiential.
7/Character 4 – Right Brain Thinking (Queen Toad): Our character 4 (spiritual being having a physical experience) is the all-knowing intelligence from which we came, and it is how we incarnate the consciousness of the universe. We have to quiet character 1, settle character 2, and focus away from the sensations of character 3 in order to hear character 4. Scientific method can only measure left brain activity. Right brain requires that we take a leap of faith to wrap our minds around. In utero, our consciousness (character 4) directed the expression of our genes. AT birth, our skeletal muscles and the rest of our motor system would require external stimulation to mature. We perceive ourselves as big as the universe and enveloped in deep inner peace and love, is available to us in life and is what we will return to in death. We have power through our thoughts and emotions to influence this field of energy. The energy that fuels the movements of the planets and stars is the exact same energy that forms the consciousnesses of both the overall universe and our Character 4. I shift out of my left brain’s perceived boundaries, I become the movement of the flow and shift into being hat elusive thing. I am not only the leaf, but I am the energy that moves the leaf. Who are you when you set down your self-doubt, judgement, and criticism? Character 4 is the anchor of the corporate ship (no ego) and can look at all options objectively. Work: 1: wants to make money, 2: squirrel around with details, 3: wants it to be fun, 4: wants to serve the greater good. Snapshot: aware, expansive, connection, accepting, embraces change, authentic, generous of Spirit, clarity, intention, vulnerability. Our society is skewed toward the materialistic value of our left brain; we are rewarded for what we do rather than who we are.
8/The Brain Huddle: Your Power Tool for Peace: The brain huddle is how we own our own power by taking full responsibility for who and how we present ourselves to the world, as well as how we choose to let the world influence our thinking, emotions, feeling, and behavior. We have 50 trillion cells making up own body and brain as beautiful little creatures, each with a consciousness of their own. Advantages to huddle: pause button, all 4 characters can voice their opinion, decisions supported by all characters, see characters playing out in lives around her. B= Breathe for a pause, R=Recognize which 4 characters are there, A=Appreciate all four, I=Inquire what we might do next, N=Navigate our new reality.
9/Connection to Ourself- Our Four Characters and the Body: 1 sees our body as a vehicle (takes care of body on the regular), 2 see our body as a responsibility (very little body awareness & medical things feel overwhelming), 3 sees our body as a toy (it’s amazing and should be used fully), and 4 sees our body as a temple of the soul (employs alternative medicine like yoga & meditation).
10/Connection with Others – Our Four Characters in Romantic Relationships: Character 1: look for long term partner and don’t want to give up/quit relationship. Character 2: prefer stability of character 1s. Character 3: player that is tough to get down the aisle. Every character needs caution to remain with their primary identity to preserve their well-being. If we concede to our secondary character putting the other person above ourselves, we do so at the expense of our own integrity. Once a character 1,3, or 4 has been dragged into the emotional pain of their character 2, they do not stand a chance of happiness until they shift back into their primary character. Two character 2s in dispute will never agree or find long-term peace. A true character 4 is an emotionally stable force that we all have deep inside. Character 4 will ask, ‘Is this a relationship that is life giving or does it energetically drain me?’
11/Disconnection and Reconnection – Our Four Characters in Addiction and Recovery: Characters 1 & 2 have enjoyed dominating my life for a very long time, and they remain well versed in how to live an automated, unconscious life. It is critical that I pay attention o what is going on inside of my brain so that I don’t revert to my old left-brain (1&2) habits that led into drinking in the first place. The biologic of addiction rests not only in the power of choice in the present moment (Character 3) but in the pain, guilt, and shame of our past (Character 2). Our character 1 may come on board because they have a lot to lose. Character 4 lifts us above our illness.
12/The Last 100 Years – Our Four Characters and the Influence of Technology: GI Generation & Silent Generation: Tone of living set by #4 in interpersonal and multigenerational relationships. #2s gained a voice during the 70’s. Male #3’s worked with their hands and joined the service. Baby Boomers: Valued #1 (work over family) more than their parents. The 70’s were about materialism (designer/name brand clothes). Accustomed to left brain learning. Generation X (D&L): kids had no one around when they came home from school and developed a strong #1 character as they cared for themselves. Computers at home helped them develop right brain (fun) learning styles. Millennials (H,I,J): Computers at home and school helped them develop the right and left brains. Lead with #3 character but fit into #1 values. Treatment of everyone as a winner (participation trophy) led to underdeveloped #2 character. Change jobs often due to #3 character (living for the moment). Self-value is determined by ‘friends, likes, clicks.’ Generation Z (K): Blending whole brain into right-brain dominant. First whole brain generation. Spend a lot of time running their fight or flight response. Summation: The go-go mentality that technology encourages us to engage in can wreak havoc on our brain health, as well as the health of our relationships with those around us. Sleep helps us reboot. Engage in Brain Huddle.
13/Perfect, Whole, and Beautiful: We have the power to choose which circuitry we want to run in the good times and in the tough times as well. Author chooses character 4 (over character 2) when her friend dies. A healthy brain is made up of billions of healthy neurons that are in communication with one another. Comparably, a healthy society is made up of billions of healthy people who are in communication with one another. You are the life force power of the 50 trillion beautiful molecular geniuses that make up your form. You can choose to step into the consciousness of your left hemisphere, where you become a single individual, a solid, separate from the flow, and separate from me. I believe that the more time you spend choosing to run the deep inner peace circuitry of your right hemisphere, the more peach you will project into the world and the more peaceful our planet will be.
March 18, 2023
The concept was fascinating. The author had suffered a stroke and realized that she was only using half of her brain in the 8 years it took her to rehabilitate. Through that experience, she learned that the brain is divided into 4 different parts, or characters. She was a neuroscientist before the stroke, so she was very in tune to her brain and it’s functions.
I highlighted a lot in order to reference later. However I will admit that I skimmed some of the super technical sections.
My favorite section was the explanation of mind over matter.
She had a great section about addiction.
Another great section about each generation and the effect of technology on our brains. (They have evolved.)
You can also watch her TED talk ‘The Stroke of Insight’.
I highlighted a lot in order to reference later. However I will admit that I skimmed some of the super technical sections.
My favorite section was the explanation of mind over matter.
She had a great section about addiction.
Another great section about each generation and the effect of technology on our brains. (They have evolved.)
You can also watch her TED talk ‘The Stroke of Insight’.
January 6, 2023
Jill Bolte Taylor is bringing an unique and embracive perspective through our Four-Characters, living inside our brains and coming up with useful practices to recognize and appreciate each one of them. Although, there are some not-yet-backed-by-science approaches, I find this book very useful to understand the mechanism underlying neuroanatomy and the connectivity between neurons & characters’ reflections.
February 15, 2024
This is a great resource for understanding how our brain works. I agree with Jill, if everybody worked on healing, we would all be a lot happier and mentally healthy. It’s not technical or difficult to understand.
February 1, 2023
Read this as an audiobook. It could have benefited from a professional narrator. Some good ideas though.
August 19, 2024
we are feeling creatures who thiiiiiink!!!! she’s quite silly but i like the four characters framework and wanna sit and answer these questions soon. would recommend to anyone who wants to think about their emotions and motivations and happiness :)
February 14, 2025
Best. Book. EVER.
Finally, the owner's manual for being human! EVERYONE should read this book. I may buy a case and start handing them out...
Finally, the owner's manual for being human! EVERYONE should read this book. I may buy a case and start handing them out...
September 7, 2022
This is an important book, that we should all read, process, and live by.
February 3, 2025
This book is amazing and gives me so much healing
August 23, 2021
Interesting topic but the audio book had me wanting to tear my hair out. Her voice is grating and condescending after a whole book of it.
April 10, 2025
This book is awesome and dovetails super well with the topics I’ve been researching and living through. It intersects with a lot of nervous system learning, but also would’ve probably spoken to me earlier and anyone else who is navigating.
Really helps understand shame or at least understand from where it is coming and why it does not work as a form of change
Really helps understand shame or at least understand from where it is coming and why it does not work as a form of change
June 16, 2025
My inner psychology nerd really enjoyed this first person explanation of the four personality types. Jill Bolte Taylor has a unique perspective on the human brain that we will literally never see again given her personal background as not only a Harvard trained brain scientist but also a stroke survivor. She’s a talented story teller, too, making the subject enjoyable.
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