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The Three-Pound Enigma: The Human Brain and the Quest to Unlock Its Mysteries
The average human brain weighs three pounds—80 percent of which is water—and yet it's capable of outstripping the computational and storage capacities of the most complex computer. But how the mind works remains one of humankind's greatest mysteries. With boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, Shannon Moffett, a Stanford medical student, takes us down the halls of neuroscience to the front lines of cutting-edge research and medicine to meet some of today's most extraordinary scientists and thinkers, all grappling with provocative Why do we dream? How does memory work? How do we see? What happens when we think? Each chapter delves into a different aspect of the brain, following the experts as they chart new ground. Moffett takes us to a lab where fMRI scans reveal the multitude of stimuli that our brains unconsciously take in; inside an operating room where a neurosurgeon removes a bullet from a patient's skull; to the lab of Christof Koch, a neuroscientist tracking individual neurons in order to crack the code of consciousness; and to a research lab where scientists are investigating the relationship between dreams and waking life. She also takes us beyond the scientific world—to a Zen monk's zendo, where she explores the effects of meditation on the brain; inside the home of a woman suffering from dissociative identity disorder; to a conference with the philosopher Daniel Dennett, who uses illusions, magic, tricks, and logic to challenge our assumptions about the mind; and to the home of the late Nobel Laureate Francis Crick, co-discoverer with James Watson of DNA's double-helix structure. Filled with fascinating case studies and featuring a timeline that tracks the development of the brain from conception to death, The Three Pound Enigma is a remarkable exploration of what it means to be human.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2006
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176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 6, 2015
Subtitle: The Human Brain and the Quest to Unlock its Mysteries. Shannon Moffett is a med student, and she opens the book with a charming little scene of her and another student dissecting a cadaver. During the course of her studies, she heard from a number of different medical researchers who were looking into how the brain functions (or fails to, as the case may be). She decided that other people might be interested in hearing about it.
Which, as long as you have a brain yourself, is probably true. :)
Moffett talks to some fairly high powered names in the field (fields?) of brain/consciousness study, with diverse backgrounds. For example Francis Crick, who after his work discovering DNA went on to a second career (equally distinguished, if not equally famous) in the field of brain research; and Daniel Dennett, a philosopher who has written extensively on questions related to consciousness (she also discovers that Crick and Dennett, while both widely respected, have not necessarily always gotten along with each other or agreed with each other's conclusions). She looks at how our brain behaves during dreams, in the brains of people who appear to have multiple personalities, and at companies that offer fMRI scanning on a regular basis for those who think they can interpret the results
Moffett's writing style alternates between first person (for example in telling us what it's like to be a 20-something unknown trying to get an interview with Francis Crick; or getting ready to get an fMRI and having to ask whether or not a copper IUD will cause a problem in the same way that a steel plate or body piercing does (it doesn't)), and interludes of exposition where she as narrator recedes from the picture. In these interludes, we look at different periods in brain development. By the way, it is much more entertaining to read about fetal and early childhood brain development, than it is to read about how the brain decays and declines in old age and death (though the latter is no less fascinating).
Moffett's book is a survey of what is known about the brain currently (along with some history of what was once believed, that we now know to be incorrect). If there is a theme (besides the brain itself), it is the one hinted at in the title of the book. Currently, even still, the brain and how it works is more enigma than field of knowledge. This seems poised to change, however. In most fields of research, there is a period of exponential growth. Early discoveries are painfully slow, but each one helps focus research along more productive lines of inquiry, and later progress comes more rapidly. There is some evidence that we are currently about to enter such a period of quickening pace in our understanding of how the brain works.
The underlying question, always lurking in the background but occasionally more prominently displayed, is, "are we ready for that?" What happens if, for virtually any criminal, we can scan their brain in some way and see the part of their brain that was defective, and made them more liable to commit the crime? What if we can do this for people who haven't committed a crime yet? What if we can use it to detect lying?
What if research into memory formation, and people with multiple personalities, and introspection and rationalization, concludes that our experience of consciousness is more or less a fiction, and our brains are really more of an amalgamation of many somewhat independent thinkers, with one part in charge of retroactively (but rapidly) concocting a story for ourselves that makes it appear we have just one "me" in there?
What we will do with such information, is at this point hard to say. It may be that, like Copernicus' heliocentric theory or Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, it will be resisted for a century or more by popular belief. It may be that some or all of our ideas about personal responsibility and individual liberty have to be updated to take into account the idea that it's less "I think, therefore I am", and more "I seem to think, therefore some interconnected society of modules are".
It will take some time for society to find a way to accommodate itself to such discoveries, and before it can do so, there will need to be a critical mass of educated laypeople who find out about them. This, in turn, requires a cadre of specialists who can explain these findings to us. Moffett has done her part, and done it with wit and talent. Buy her book, and do your part as well.
Which, as long as you have a brain yourself, is probably true. :)
Moffett talks to some fairly high powered names in the field (fields?) of brain/consciousness study, with diverse backgrounds. For example Francis Crick, who after his work discovering DNA went on to a second career (equally distinguished, if not equally famous) in the field of brain research; and Daniel Dennett, a philosopher who has written extensively on questions related to consciousness (she also discovers that Crick and Dennett, while both widely respected, have not necessarily always gotten along with each other or agreed with each other's conclusions). She looks at how our brain behaves during dreams, in the brains of people who appear to have multiple personalities, and at companies that offer fMRI scanning on a regular basis for those who think they can interpret the results
Moffett's writing style alternates between first person (for example in telling us what it's like to be a 20-something unknown trying to get an interview with Francis Crick; or getting ready to get an fMRI and having to ask whether or not a copper IUD will cause a problem in the same way that a steel plate or body piercing does (it doesn't)), and interludes of exposition where she as narrator recedes from the picture. In these interludes, we look at different periods in brain development. By the way, it is much more entertaining to read about fetal and early childhood brain development, than it is to read about how the brain decays and declines in old age and death (though the latter is no less fascinating).
Moffett's book is a survey of what is known about the brain currently (along with some history of what was once believed, that we now know to be incorrect). If there is a theme (besides the brain itself), it is the one hinted at in the title of the book. Currently, even still, the brain and how it works is more enigma than field of knowledge. This seems poised to change, however. In most fields of research, there is a period of exponential growth. Early discoveries are painfully slow, but each one helps focus research along more productive lines of inquiry, and later progress comes more rapidly. There is some evidence that we are currently about to enter such a period of quickening pace in our understanding of how the brain works.
The underlying question, always lurking in the background but occasionally more prominently displayed, is, "are we ready for that?" What happens if, for virtually any criminal, we can scan their brain in some way and see the part of their brain that was defective, and made them more liable to commit the crime? What if we can do this for people who haven't committed a crime yet? What if we can use it to detect lying?
What if research into memory formation, and people with multiple personalities, and introspection and rationalization, concludes that our experience of consciousness is more or less a fiction, and our brains are really more of an amalgamation of many somewhat independent thinkers, with one part in charge of retroactively (but rapidly) concocting a story for ourselves that makes it appear we have just one "me" in there?
What we will do with such information, is at this point hard to say. It may be that, like Copernicus' heliocentric theory or Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, it will be resisted for a century or more by popular belief. It may be that some or all of our ideas about personal responsibility and individual liberty have to be updated to take into account the idea that it's less "I think, therefore I am", and more "I seem to think, therefore some interconnected society of modules are".
It will take some time for society to find a way to accommodate itself to such discoveries, and before it can do so, there will need to be a critical mass of educated laypeople who find out about them. This, in turn, requires a cadre of specialists who can explain these findings to us. Moffett has done her part, and done it with wit and talent. Buy her book, and do your part as well.
February 11, 2013
loved this book! absolutely fascinating - moffett dives into the cutting edge of what's happening in neuroscience, and meets with the people who are studying what happens when we think, see and feel. if you wonder what it is that makes us human - what makes the "mind" - read this book!
February 8, 2009
Although I have always been fascinated with the brain and the human mind, I haven't actually read any books about them until coming across Shannon Moffett's "The Three-Pound Enigma". Now having finished the book, I'm glad I started off with this one.
Moffett's book is a wonderful survey of some of the major questions and issues surrounding the brain, not only in how it works and produces that which we call consciousness, but also the moral and philosophical aspects that one inevitably runs into when trying to dissect that which most can agree is what makes us human.
I really enjoyed the interviews that Moffett conducted throughout the book. She not only gives us a sense of just how accomplished some of her subjects are, but she really brings across the human side of them in a way that brings them not only down to earth, but also to life. It's not a one-dimensional recitation of their research, but rather an honest study and interaction that I really appreciate.
Another aspect of Moffett's book that I liked were the 'Interludes' appearing at the end of some chapters. These smaller sections gave a good primer on the basic workings of the brain and the nervous system, and this type of structure allowed readers to skip over them if they weren't too interested in the technical details.
Although seemingly scattershot at first, Moffett's book definitely contains a lot of food for thought, and I hope that she shares more of her literary talents with us in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's interested in learning more about the brain and where research on it is headed today.
Moffett's book is a wonderful survey of some of the major questions and issues surrounding the brain, not only in how it works and produces that which we call consciousness, but also the moral and philosophical aspects that one inevitably runs into when trying to dissect that which most can agree is what makes us human.
I really enjoyed the interviews that Moffett conducted throughout the book. She not only gives us a sense of just how accomplished some of her subjects are, but she really brings across the human side of them in a way that brings them not only down to earth, but also to life. It's not a one-dimensional recitation of their research, but rather an honest study and interaction that I really appreciate.
Another aspect of Moffett's book that I liked were the 'Interludes' appearing at the end of some chapters. These smaller sections gave a good primer on the basic workings of the brain and the nervous system, and this type of structure allowed readers to skip over them if they weren't too interested in the technical details.
Although seemingly scattershot at first, Moffett's book definitely contains a lot of food for thought, and I hope that she shares more of her literary talents with us in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's interested in learning more about the brain and where research on it is headed today.
March 17, 2009
There are 2 reasons this great book didn't get 5 stars. One, the interludes were kind of pointless. Interesting, but kind of distracting between every chapter, and they didn't really have any bearing on the chapters before or after. The other thing is the last chapter, because I think Eastern mysticism is such a big steaming pile of bullshit I can barely get myself through a single sentence of it. The author doesn't seem to take it too seriously either, so it's a wonder she decided to fuck up the ending of her otherwise fantastic book with it.
These things aside, the book is a great introduction to the mysteries of the brain and mind for the layperson, as well as a friendly introduction to the slew of badass scientists working their asses off trying to learn more about it. I usually don't like books that descend into playful, personal stuff about scientists, showing a chemist listening to rock and roll or something wacky like that, but this was done with a lot of good humor and lightness.
Also, unlike shitty books like Seat of the Soul and movies like What the Bleep Do We Know?, Shannon Moffett is actually a real scientist with real scientist friends and her arms elbow deep in real brains. This book will give me cool shit to think about for a long time I think. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
These things aside, the book is a great introduction to the mysteries of the brain and mind for the layperson, as well as a friendly introduction to the slew of badass scientists working their asses off trying to learn more about it. I usually don't like books that descend into playful, personal stuff about scientists, showing a chemist listening to rock and roll or something wacky like that, but this was done with a lot of good humor and lightness.
Also, unlike shitty books like Seat of the Soul and movies like What the Bleep Do We Know?, Shannon Moffett is actually a real scientist with real scientist friends and her arms elbow deep in real brains. This book will give me cool shit to think about for a long time I think. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
February 26, 2014
Ms. Moffett makes neuroscience sexy in this survey. By meeting with and interviewing scientists across the field, and not just in the lab, she builds an energetic narrative of the field. We learn not only what they're up to, but also who has tattoos, who philosophizes in bars, what metal jewelry not to wear in the scanner, and so it's not your ordinary neurological review. It's fast paced and absorbing, with the bonus of some working web links to laboratory demonstrations. Perhaps by clipping through rough waters in this fashion she's able to reach a level of perception that's unlike a stricter academic approach, and lends the imagination and future to the subject, that it deserves. Don't want to read the direct scribblings of Dennett or Koch directly? This book is that avenue.
November 28, 2022
Nice read.
Could have been condensed a bit.
Could have been condensed a bit.
September 3, 2012
I liked the title and the subtitle " The three pound enigma: The human brain and the quest to unlock it's mysteries" quite befitting to the contents of the book. Whoever has chosen it, praises for that person for choosing at once a catchy title (from marketing point of view) and an apt title ( considering the contents of the book) serving both purposes without compromising on either.
The book is divided into different chapters and the beauty is that ( atleast for me) they can be read independent of each other; similar to the book " Alex's adventures in the numberland" by Alex Bellos.
The book in review deals with various mysteries of the brain like dreaming and sleep, consciousness, neuroethics, multiple personality syndrome etc. In light of the recent and latest neuroscientific research.
In this journey, she thus encounters neuroscientists working in these frontiiers and gives us some glimpses in their research methodology and their way of approaching the problem at hand and their ideas on that.
We get to meet Christofer Koch, Crick, Daniel Dennet amongst others in this sweet book dealing with one of the major unsolved mysteries or enigmas concerning our own brains, of which we still know little about.
Shannon is not a passive observer to all this, but is keen in knowing the details of excursions as she sometimes becomes subject to their experiments, dines with the scientists for a more informal dialogue, accompanies a neurosurgeon to her OPeration theatre and also interviews a multiple personality disorder patient to reveal gems of info/details which wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
All in all quite a nice justice to the subject on which the book is based and also appreciating the author for making the narrative lyrical and romantic, rather than just filling the pages with facts and opinions by providing details like in a literary novel, though sone might find such details annoying ( as I had, initially while reading the book).
Lot of more scope to include many more enigmas of the brain( which are many) for her and other writers interested in the field.
Thanks for ur patient reading ... And do read the book, for more. Thanks :-)
October 13, 2010
Moffett has produced an easy-reading overview of current research findings on the human brain and consciousness. Her reports of interviews with eminent scientists studying the subject are interspersed with brief, helpful essays on brain function and development. I particularly enjoyed her last chapter, "Mind and Body," where she is in dialogue with both Daniel Dennett -- philosopher of mind -- and Norman Fischer -- poet and Zen monk, about consciousness. Here's a quote: "Fischer takes the idea [of the social character of consciousness] one step further [than Dennett] writing that "although our lives are located in our own hearts and minds, they are also located, perhaps most poignantly, in the space between us." ... [H]e is an admirer of the Jewish theologian Martin Buber. 'For Buber,' he writes, 'there is no God, no absolute, no present moment outside the profound relationship that takes place between the I and the you, between the self and the other. Within the hallowed reaches of that ineffable experience (which is not experience, Buber insists), our true life takes place.' In the same way, Fischer would argue, that a brain requires information and fuel from the body to support a mind, it also needs language and other people." I recommend the book.
March 1, 2024
Strong start, truly makes you feel like a student of Cornell , weak ending still would recommend
November 19, 2007
This was very well written. It was understandable vem though it covered complex information. There was also an interactive element, where you could access a website to see video of tests performed. It was really fascinating.
July 31, 2013
As a neuroscience major with a concentration in cellular/molecular neuroscience, I found this book to be quite insightful. It covered the broad spectrum of Neuroscience/Psychology concerning the brain and its many mysteries
May 21, 2007
A nice little overview of the current state of knowledge on the human brain. Organized around a series of interviews with prominent researchers, which provides a nice personal touch.
September 9, 2007
A good read for anyone interested in how the brain works.the science is understandable and interspersed with stories about all the personalities involved.
October 26, 2007
The brain is an incredible organ that has yet to be fully understood.
February 25, 2008
If you're interested in the human body, this is a very interesting read. Shannon does a great job explaining things.
April 30, 2010
The first four chapters are a fascinating introduction to current brain research. The rest of the book is mainly idle speculation, and felt like a waste of time.
August 3, 2012
Very easy to read and understand, not super technical. I'd recommend this book to people interested in the brain that haven't yet done much reading about it.
May 6, 2015
It is a great introduction for understanding more about the human brain.
April 7, 2017
For such a complex, technical, and confusing topic, Shannon Moffett takes us into her world with a wonderfully written, first-hand view, at studying the human brain. There's some technical speak, but it's written as if a friend was explaining a sport to you that you don't understand. She makes the book relatable, funny, understandable, and absolutely interesting. I had to read this for a class, so of course, I wasn't too thrilled about it. However, I was absolutely delighted when I began to bound into it. I found more entertainment out of the characters she worked with rather than the actual brain learning material. Overall though, a great read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews