The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
By Norman Doidge
A groundbreaking book that will change the way you think about your brain and your potential.
In this groundbreaking book, Norman Doidge introduces us to the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. He tells the stories of people who have overcome incredible challenges by harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, and he shows how we can all use this knowledge to improve our lives.
The Power of Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. This means that our brains are not fixed entities, but rather are constantly being shaped by our experiences. When we learn new things, our brains create new connections between neurons. When we practice a skill, those connections become stronger. And when we experience trauma or injury, our brains can actually rewire themselves to compensate for damage.
The Stories of Neuroplasticity
Doidge tells the stories of people who have overcome incredible challenges by harnessing the power of neuroplasticity. These stories include:
- A stroke victim who regains his ability to speak and move by using a brain-computer interface.
- A musician who overcomes a debilitating hand injury by retraining his brain to play the piano with his other hand.
- A child with autism who learns to communicate by using a special computer program that teaches him how to recognize and respond to social cues.
These stories are just a few examples of the amazing things that are possible when we understand the power of neuroplasticity.
How We Can Use Neuroplasticity to Improve Our Lives
Doidge shows how we can all use the knowledge of neuroplasticity to improve our lives. He provides practical tips and exercises that can help us to:
- Learn new things more easily.
- Improve our memory.
- Recover from brain injury or trauma.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Enhance our creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Brain That Changes Itself is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of the human brain and how we can use it to improve our lives.
Praise for The Brain That Changes Itself
“A fascinating and inspiring book that will change the way you think about your brain and your potential.” — Daniel J. Siegel, MD, author of Mindsight
“A groundbreaking book that offers hope to anyone who has ever been told that their brain is fixed or that they cannot change.” — Oliver Sacks, MD, author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
“A must-read for anyone interested in the human brain and its potential for change.” — The New York Times