The Brain Has a Mind of Its Own: Insights from a Practicing Neurologist

by Richard Restak

Unlike psychiatrists who tend to underestimate the role of the brain in mental illness, neurologist Restak (The Brain) seeks the cause, in part, in brain dysfunction. Drawing on his patients' often dramatic stories, this gifted and disarming writer's vivid scientific imagery helps to demonstrate the mysterious interaction between the physical brain and the "inner-dimensional'' mind. The gap between the two, he notes, has narrowed, thanks to recent advances in neurobiochemical and genetics research and technology. Among these is the PET scanner, which can record action in the brain before a conscious act of will and help diagnose schizophrenia. One of the wide-ranging essays here concerns the benefits to be derived from such activities as contemplating a bonsai tree, which, along with other "prescriptions for insight,'' Restak much prefers to the cult of self-absorption attributable, he believes, to psychoanalysis, how-to books and "communal group grope'' approaches (review from Publisher's Weekly).

Genres: Psychology, Science, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Brain

210 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1991

About the author

Richard M. Restak M.D. is an award-winning neuroscientist, neuropsychiatrist and writer. The best-selling author of nineteen acclaimed books about the brain, he has also penned dozens of articles for a variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. A fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Neuropsychiatric Association, he lives and practices in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially appreciate the way this author writes. He explains complex medical terms as if he is a friend sitting on your couch having coffee with you. His obvious admiration and delight in the human brain is contagious, and he has a special talent for explaining what we know about the brain and what we have still to discover. This particular book is a collection of essays that he wrote over time in his earlier career. It is a big picture view of the brain more than a deep dive into cutting edge neuroscience. This book is like meeting a new friend when you have moved to a new town who takes the time to show you around and help you get acquainted with people and places you want to know about. The book is a great jumping off point for many topics concerning the brain and neuroscience. I highly recommend this book if you have never read about the human brain and how it works.

[Novis Fuller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book serves as a history more than anything else. With information that was cutting-edge over 30 years ago but widely discredited now, it at least helps demonstrate where we WERE a generation ago.

Quite often, Restak seems to cast moral judgment on things that aren’t inherently good or bad, giving the book the feel of a slightly cranky but well meaning older relative who like things better back in his day. Paired with some cultural relics best left in the past when this book was written (light “humor” about tension in his marriage, racial terms no longer in favor, etc), it leaves this book entirely avoidable.

[Amy Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of interesting cases and insights into how your brain works without being dry and boring. The only downside is the good doctor was on vacation at Martha's Vineyard when he wrote it so he dedicates about 25 pages of the book to bragging about the Martha's Vineyard experience.

[Pradnya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting chapters. The shortness of those makes it easier to assimilate the main thought.

[Deborah Zwayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are who we are.