A very short tour of the mind : 21 short walks around the human brain

“Thoroughly enjoyable” essays from a cognitive neuroscientist, filled with surprising facts ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review). Modern computers might be faster, and whales might have larger brains, but neither can match the sheer intellect or capacity for creativity that the human mind enjoys. It is arguably the most complex organ in the universe. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog can remember where it buried its bone but you can’t find your keys, or whether it’s true that we use only ten percent of our brainpower, this concise book offers some answers—and introduces us to what science has learned about the intricacies of the human brain over the last fifty years. Leading us through behavioral experiments and neuroscience, cognitive theory and Darwinian evolution, Michael Corballis punctures a few hot-air balloons, and explains just what we know—and don’t know—about our own minds. “Poses questions we wouldn’t have thought to ask and then answers them with clarity and wit.” — American Scientist Why do we remember faces but not names? If your brain were cut in half would you suffer more than a splitting headache? How does your dog remember where it buried its bone but you can't find your keys? And do we really only use ten percent of our brains? In A Very Short Tour of the Mind, Michael C. Corballis answers these questions and more. The human mind is arguably the most complex organ in the universe. Modern computers might be faster, and whales might have larger brains, but neither can match the sheer intellect or capacity for creativity that we humans enjoy. In this gem of a book, Corballis introduces us to what we've learned about the intricacies of the human brain over the last fifty years. Leading us through behavioral experiments and neuroscience, cognitive theory and Darwinian evolution with his trademark wit and wisdom, Corballis punctures a few hot-air balloons; "Unleash the creativity of your right brain!") and explains just what we know—and... SCI019000 What gives the human brain the creative ability that defines us all as individuals? Although the silicon version is hard on its heels, the brain remains the most remarkable computer in existence. Leading us through cognitive theory, neuroscience and Darwinian evolution with his trademark wit and wisdom, Michael Corballis explains what we know-and don't know-about our minds. How do we know if we're really the top dogs in brain power? Does our creativity stem solely from the right brain? From language to standing upright, composing music to bull, he uncovers our most common misconceptions and the fascinating habits and abilities that make us human Intro; Copyright; Contents; 1 Picking up the pieces; 2 Swollen heads; 3 On being upright; 4 Why Italians gesticulate; 5 Lost cousins; 6 Attention!; 7 On being right-or not; 8 Split brain, split mind; 9 About face; 10 My oath; 11 Small talk; 12 Music; 13 Remembrance of (some) things past; 14 About time; 15 Coloured days; 16 I know what you're thinking; 17 Mirror, mirror on the brain; 18 Laughing matters; 19 Telling left from right; 20 The 10 per cent myth; 21 Lies and bullshit; Further reading; Index; About the Author