Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Most of us know the basics of the brain, where it is located and its function in the body, but what do we really know about it? In Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain, Lisa Feldman Barrett provides readers with an in-depth look into the brain and our understanding of it. Drawing on her combined experiences as a psychologist, neuroscientist, and cognitive scientus, Dr. Barrett reveals the numerous misconceptions that have been accepted as fact, and explains the latest research into this complex and fascinating organ.

For Dr. Barrett, the primary lesson of Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain is that our lived experience of the world meets us neurologically preconfigured. We are born with brains that are ready to apprehend and construct the world by using neural networks, the “cognitive schemas” that form the basis of emotion and behavior. In her book, Barrett dispels the longstanding idea that humans are strictly “rational” beings, and gives readers a look into just how complex and nuanced our brains really are.

Lesson one highlights the importance of context. Our brains are constantly taking in data from our environment and interpreting these contextual cues in order to make decisions. Hinting that our minds do not operate in a vacuum, Dr. Barrett emphasizes the role neural circuitry plays in forming the physical context that influences our decisions.

Barrett’s second lesson deals with the often-misunderstood concept of affective neuroscience. In this case, Dr. Barrett emphasizes the variety and complexity of emotions, their role in behavior, and their effect on the brain’s development. Barrett reviews the sensory, cognitive, and emotional processes the brain goes through in regards to emotion, and how the complexity of the process is often overlooked.

The third lesson tackles the perception of pain. Unlike other sensory perceptions, Dr. Barrett explains that pain is subjective and interprets the context in which it occurs. By understanding the different pain pathways in the brain and the concept of affects/emotions, Dr. Barrett sheds light on the mysterious process of pain perception.

The fourth lesson emphasizes the importance of memory in the processing of information. Drawing on research, Dr. Barrett explains the “memory systems” of the brain and how memories are formed. Furthermore, she goes further to show how memories can be altered, distorted and recycled by the brain, either on its own accord or by external influences.

The fifth lesson focuses on the development of the brain throughout one’s life. Dr. Barrett explains that the brain is far from static, and its development continues as we age. Drawing from epigenetics, Barrett argues that the environment plays a major role in development and even the expression of certain genes.

The sixth lesson is an intriguing look at false memories and the notable effect emotions have on them. Citing an experiment conducted in 1997, Dr. Barrett showed how false memories can be created using people’s memories of their youth.

The seventh and final lesson of Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain looks at the brain’s plasticity. Drawing on the latest research and advances in neuroscience, Dr. Barrett sheds light on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt, as well as its vital role in shaping experience.

In her closing thoughts, Dr. Barrett offers the reader several unique and valuable insights into the workings of the brain. Primarily focusing on the often overlooked and poorly understood aspects of the brain, Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain offers readers a comprehensive and in-depth look into the complexities of the brain. With her insight and expertise, Dr. Barrett takes readers on an engaging and thought-provoking journey and provides them with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the brain.