Liars, Lovers, and Heroes

What the New Brain Science Reveals About How We Become Who We Are

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biology
Cover of the book Liars, Lovers, and Heroes by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski, HarperCollins e-books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski ISBN: 9780062028662
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books Publication: December 14, 2010
Imprint: HarperCollins e-books Language: English
Author: Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
ISBN: 9780062028662
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Publication: December 14, 2010
Imprint: HarperCollins e-books
Language: English

This exciting, timely book combines cutting-edge findings in neuroscience with examples from history and recent headlines to offer new insights into who we are. Introducing the new science of cultural biology, born of advances in brain imaging, computer modeling, and genetics, Drs. Quartz and Sejnowski demystify the dynamic engagement between brain and world that makes us something far beyond the sum of our parts.

The authors show how our humanity unfolds in precise stages as brain and world engage on increasingly complex levels. Their discussion embraces shaping forces as ancient as climate change over millennia and events as recent as the terrorism and heroism of September 11 and offers intriguing answers to some of our most enduring questions, including why we live together, love, kill -- and sometimes lay down our lives for others.

The answers, it turns out, are surprising and paradoxical: many of the noblest aspects of human nature -- altruism, love, courage, and creativity -- are rooted in brain systems so ancient that we share them with insects, and these systems form the basis as well of some of our darkest destructive traits. The authors also overturn popular views of how brains develop. We're not the simple product of animal urges, "selfish" genes, or nature versus nurture. We survive by creating an ingenious web of ideas for making sense of our world -- a symbolic reality called culture. This we endow to later generations as our blueprint for survival.

Using compelling examples from history and contemporary life, the authors show how engagement with the world excites brain chemistry, which drives further engagement, which encourages the development of cultural complexity. They also share provocative ideas on how human development may be affected by changes in our culture. Their insights, grounded in science and far-reaching in their implications, are riveting reading for anyone interested in our past, present, and future.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This exciting, timely book combines cutting-edge findings in neuroscience with examples from history and recent headlines to offer new insights into who we are. Introducing the new science of cultural biology, born of advances in brain imaging, computer modeling, and genetics, Drs. Quartz and Sejnowski demystify the dynamic engagement between brain and world that makes us something far beyond the sum of our parts.

The authors show how our humanity unfolds in precise stages as brain and world engage on increasingly complex levels. Their discussion embraces shaping forces as ancient as climate change over millennia and events as recent as the terrorism and heroism of September 11 and offers intriguing answers to some of our most enduring questions, including why we live together, love, kill -- and sometimes lay down our lives for others.

The answers, it turns out, are surprising and paradoxical: many of the noblest aspects of human nature -- altruism, love, courage, and creativity -- are rooted in brain systems so ancient that we share them with insects, and these systems form the basis as well of some of our darkest destructive traits. The authors also overturn popular views of how brains develop. We're not the simple product of animal urges, "selfish" genes, or nature versus nurture. We survive by creating an ingenious web of ideas for making sense of our world -- a symbolic reality called culture. This we endow to later generations as our blueprint for survival.

Using compelling examples from history and contemporary life, the authors show how engagement with the world excites brain chemistry, which drives further engagement, which encourages the development of cultural complexity. They also share provocative ideas on how human development may be affected by changes in our culture. Their insights, grounded in science and far-reaching in their implications, are riveting reading for anyone interested in our past, present, and future.

More books from HarperCollins e-books

Cover of the book The Ten-Day MBA 3rd Ed. by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Shadow Ranch by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Tanner's Twelve Swingers by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Practical Miracles for Mars and Venus by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book sifting through the madness for the word, the line, the way by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Ransom My Heart by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Year's Best SF 2 by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book How Beautiful It Is And How Easily It Can Be Broken by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Twice the Temptation by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Soulless by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Dreaming of You by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book In the Shadow of the Master by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book The Thank You Economy by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Hot Stuff by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
Cover of the book Face of the Enemy by Steven R Quartz, Terrence J Sejnowski
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy