Here's a book review I posted on Amazon recently.
I am currently plowing through Dr. Iain McGilchrist's "The Matter With Things" but read something else from time to time to give my brain a break. Having seen a review of "Blink", I realized the reporter, Gladwell, and the Oxford neuroscientist were addressing many of the same phenomena; so this was my most recent "time out".
For those who read parts of Gladwell thinking, "This couldn't possibly be true", read McGilchrist and you'll realize that "Oh, yes, it certainly could!" If you find Gladwell lacking in depth, try "The Matter..." which offers 1,333 densely packed pages explaining the functioning of the brain's left hemisphere (mostly conscious) and right hemisphere (mostly unconscious) plus the consequences for individuals and society in the way the brain is used.
I really enjoyed "Blink's" stories because Gladwell looks for optimum ways to deal with practical, everyday situations. Focusing on a broader picture, McGilchrist feels that our Western world is less happy and effective, today, due to our culture's inflated use of the brain's left hemisphere.
I would love to see a conversation between these, two, authors! Or, perhaps, Gladwell the journalist could interview McGilchrist the scientist. One can only wish.
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