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Brain Wars: The Scientific Battle Over The Existence Of The Mind And The Proof That Will Change The Way We Live Our Lives (2012)

by Mario Beauregard(Favorite Author)

3.57 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0062071564 (ISBN13: 9780062071569)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

HarperOne

review 1: Are human beings truly nothing more than "computers made of meat," which cease to exist when the power's turned off? This book takes a look at some of the evidence that consciousness exists in addition to and outside of the brain, and shows that the mind can do seemingly impossible things. Why/how placebos work, what has been documented to happen during OOB (Out of Body) and NDE's (Near Death Experiences). How "remote viewing" is a thing and has been used by the US government.And what does quantum physics have to do with it all?While I can't begin to explain all the points this book touches upon, I came away from it with a renewed belief that the brain and body are important tools, but are no more "us" than our favorite jeans are "us." A mind-expanding ... moreread.
review 2: Why oh why do I waste time with this sort of thing?The majority of the book, up through chapter five, not only fails to support the author's contention that the mind is separate from the brain, it actually supports the opposite opinion. Even if one takes for granted that the anecdotes about the placebo effect and psychosomatic healing and so forth are true, the chapters actually mention the various neurological and chemical pathways that could explain the effects solely through interaction between the physical brain and the rest of the body.The remaining chapters are just the usual anecdotes and uncritical meta-analyses of tiny supposed effects, combined with the author's admiration for people who have nothing better to do than sit and stare at walls or pray or whatever until their brains go wonky out of sheer boredom and they declare it a mystical experience.File this book with Chris Carter's stuff as being all storytelling and grandiose claims with nothing particularly persuasive about it. If you must read something for a sympathetic take on psi evidence, Dean Radin is a far better choice. less

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