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Mind Over Mind: The Surprising Power Of Expectations (2012)

by Chris Berdik(Favorite Author)

3.63 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1591845092 (ISBN13: 9781591845096)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Current Hardcover

review 1: Berdik did survey many studies by Dan Ariely and others' that I've already read elsewhere in more depth, but there was some new material here too. I liked how the book started with the story of Franz Mesmer. I couldn't help but notice the similarities of what Mesmer did, with exorcism and various Christian charismatic practices that lead to healing and peace of mind. What is interesting is that though Mesmer was completely off concerning the science behind what he was doing, he nevertheless, enabled other people's faith in what they thought to be science, to somehow heal them. Berdik mentioned how placebos can have genuine physiological effects, its not all merely in ones head. There are of course things placebos can help and other things they can't. But I really think its... more a worth while venture, to seek to understand how placebos work, in hopes we can figure out how we might be able to help our bodies heal themselves, without the need of dangerous drugs. I remember Roy Burmeister writing about how the will-power is like a muscle that can be exhausted, which seemed to resonate with my experience, so it was interesting to hear Berdik mention Burmeister's research, but also another study where people who believed their willpower wouldn't be depleted, didn't experience its depletion like those who did think it was easily exhausted. But yeah, this book covered a lot, taking a look at the power of expectations in the context of criminal law, athletics, dieting, medicine, wine tasting and much more. Good stuff
review 2: I have always wondered about the science behind placebos, the mind-set of athletes during big moments, and even what our own physical posture conveys to others--and ourselves. In this fascinating book, Berdik covers these subjects and quite a few more. Berdik's style is at once informative, intelligent, and conversational. This was a pleasure to read and I can't wait to see more from this author. Get. This. Book. Now. less

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