The Brain that Changes Itself

quarky · 16th November 2008, 06:34 AM

My wife is reading this book by Norman Doidge, M.D. and asked me to see what JREF has to say about it.

Any opinions?

Dancing David · 16th November 2008, 06:48 AM

You mean thi sone?
http://www.normandoidge.com/

I think I would need to read the specifics to understand. The questions are not that remarkable. It looks like "Goshm Wow, Bang" pop-science.
The brain has a structure but the software is in the interaction of the neurons, so change is occuring all the time.

Noe this quote is a little specious:
"We learn that our thoughts can switch our genes on and off, altering our brain anatomy. "

What they probably refering to is how use of a neuron releases one of the many chemicals that create enzyme gradients in neuron development. So I doubt it is what they say here.

This one is just funny:
"We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so."

And with lots and lots of practice!

Starthinker · 16th November 2008, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Dancing David

This one is just funny:
"We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so."

And with lots and lots of practice!

Reminds me of Psychocybernetics, which I actually think works to some extent. Do I think you can learn to play a musical instrument this way? No. But I do think you can change yourself, how you act and behave in everyday life this way.

16th November 2008, 06:34 AM	#1
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	The Brain that Changes Itself My wife is reading this book by Norman Doidge, M.D. and asked me to see what JREF has to say about it. Any opinions?
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454

16th November 2008, 06:48 AM	#2
Dancing David Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 34,729	You mean thi sone? http://www.normandoidge.com/ I think I would need to read the specifics to understand. The questions are not that remarkable. It looks like "Goshm Wow, Bang" pop-science. The brain has a structure but the software is in the interaction of the neurons, so change is occuring all the time. Noe this quote is a little specious: "We learn that our thoughts can switch our genes on and off, altering our brain anatomy. " What they probably refering to is how use of a neuron releases one of the many chemicals that create enzyme gradients in neuron development. So I doubt it is what they say here. This one is just funny: "We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so." And with lots and lots of practice!
	__________________ Hell, dynamiting fish in a barrel is more challenging. - Ladewig I suspect you are a sandwich, metaphorically speaking. -Donn And a shot rang out. Now Space is doing time... -Ben Burch You built the toilet - don't complain when people crap in it. _Kid Eager

16th November 2008, 07:14 AM	#3
Starthinker Philosopher Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 5,014	Originally Posted by Dancing David This one is just funny: "We learn how people of average intelligence can, with brain exercises, improve their cognition and perception in order to become savant calculators, develop muscle strength, or learn to play a musical instrument, simply by imagining doing so." And with lots and lots of practice! Reminds me of Psychocybernetics, which I actually think works to some extent. Do I think you can learn to play a musical instrument this way? No. But I do think you can change yourself, how you act and behave in everyday life this way.
	__________________ \|¦¦\|¦ \|¦\|\|\|\|¦\|\|\|¦\|\|¦¦\|¦\|\|\|\|\|\|\|¦\|¦¦¦¦\|¦¦¦¦\|\|¦\|¦\|¦¦\|¦ \|¦¦\|¦ He who doubts victory has already lost the battle. Below the navel there is neither religion nor truth.