Emotional ignorance : lost and found in the science of emotion

Why can't we think straight when hungry? What's the point of nightmares? And why can't we forget embarrassing memories?Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope - for science.In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals- why we would ever follow our gut;- whether things really were better in the old days;- why it's so hard to stop doomscrolling;- and how sad music can make us happier.Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are. Recommended by the New Scientist. 'Brilliant.' Stylist 'Thoughtful and thought-provoking - you need to read this book' Gina Rippon 'An affecting and illuminating book for anyone who has feelings, and who wants to know why.' Katie Mack Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope - for science. In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals: - why we would ever follow our gut; - whether things really were better in the old days; - why doomscrolling is so addictive; - and how sad music can make us happier. Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are. Readers love Emotional Ignorance: 'Intriguing, illuminating and thought-provoking.' 'A fascinating exploration of our emotions and how they enhance all of our lives (and why it doesn't always feel that way).' 'A scientific book about emotions that causes emotions. A wonder indeed.' Recommended by the New Scientist.'Brilliant.' Stylist, 'Ten new books to bring you comfort and wisdom in 2023''Thoughtful and thought-provoking - you need to read this book' - Gina Rippon'An affecting and illuminating book for anyone who has feelings, and who wants to know why.' - Katie Mack'The master of understated humour.' BBC Radio ScotlandWhy can't we think straight when hungry? What's the point of nightmares? And why is it so impossible to forget embarrassing memories?Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope - for science.In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals:- why we would ever follow our gut;- whether things really were better in the old days;- why doomscrolling is so addictive;- and how sad music can make us happier.Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are 'i Find Their Illogic And Foolish Emotions A Constant Irritant.' - Mr Spock, On Humans (star Trek S3e7) Emotions. They're A Pain, Aren't They? If Only We Were All A Little Less Emotional And A Lot More Rational, We Wouldn't Get Ourselves Into Half The Scrapes We Do. But Is That A Fair Synopsis? Are Emotions Really Some Form Of Cognitive Appendix That We'd Be Better Off Without? Or Do They Serve A Deeper Purpose? For Them To Take Up So Much Of Our Brain's Precious Resources, Emotions Must Have Evolved For A Reason. What Is That Reason? And How Do They Work In The Brain? Are They Innate, Wired In From The Word Go, Allowing A Baby To Cry With Distress Mere Seconds After Exiting The Womb? Or Are They Learned, Over Time And Through Our Experiences Of Dealing With Others? In The Emotional Brain, Dean Burnett Investigates All These Questions - And Many More Besides. Combining In-depth Research With Expert Analysis, The End Result Is A Fascinating And Endlessly Entertaining Account Of The Science Underlying Our Emotional Lives. "Why can't we think straight when hungry? What's the point of nightmares? And why is it so impossible to forget embarrassing memories? Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope for science. In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals: why we would ever follow our gut; whether things really were better in the old days; why doomscrolling is so addictive; and how sad music can make us happier. Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are"--Publisher's description