
The Idea of the Brain
The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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Narrated by:
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Joe Jameson
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By:
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Matthew Cobb
An "elegant", "engrossing" (Carol Tavris, Wall Street Journal) examination of what we think we know about the brain and why - despite technological advances - the workings of our most essential organ remain a mystery.
"I cannot recommend this book strongly enough." (Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm)
For thousands of years, thinkers and scientists have tried to understand what the brain does. Yet, despite the astonishing discoveries of science, we still have only the vaguest idea of how the brain works. In The Idea of the Brain, scientist and historian Matthew Cobb traces how our conception of the brain has evolved over the centuries. Although it might seem to be a story of ever-increasing knowledge of biology, Cobb shows how our ideas about the brain have been shaped by each era's most significant technologies. Today we might think the brain is like a supercomputer. In the past, it has been compared to a telegraph, a telephone exchange, or some kind of hydraulic system. What will we think the brain is like tomorrow, when new technology arises? The result is an essential listen for anyone interested in the complex processes that drive science and the forces that have shaped our marvelous brains.
©2020 Matthew Cobb (P)2020 Hachette AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"The story of the most complex object in the universe has never been told with greater clarity, insight, and wit. Charting the route to future discoveries, this is a masterpiece" (Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived)
"This is a book I wish I could have written, and one that I will be thinking about for a long time." (Maria Picciotto, professor of psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine)
"A fresh history and tour d'horizon of 'the most complex object in the known universe.' Although scientists still struggle to understand the brain, they know a great deal about it; Cobb, a professor of biological sciences, delivers an excellent overview." (Kirkus Reviews)
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Good summary of the current understanding of the brain
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Really enjoyed this book
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Good Science
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Very thought provoking
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Excellent Overview
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A tour de force
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
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Superb storytelling.
Absolutely comprehensive and yet highly interesting. This is one of the best books I have listened to.
One of the best reviews of the mind.
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I wanted to point this out so you can make the right decision about it. An informed decision. Because the content is amazing and I highly recommend this book. I have noticed mispronunciation before but never wrote about it because of course it will happen from time to time—like with names. But not for central words in a book about brain science. There should be sound editing for audio books like there are print editors for print books.
I am especially incensed because I love this book and it’s so important. It deserves better.
Informative and interesting but mispronunciation
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Cobb implies present-day computer comparison to the brain is a dead end. He infers–when neuronal brain activity is understood, today’s comparison of computers to brains will be the equivalent of science recognizing the brain, not the heart, is the source of thought and action. Cobb’s implication is that with an understanding of neuronal brain function, artificial intelligence may, in the far future, create life and consciousness. The ramification of that thought is that human procreation may be a thing of the past.
BRAIN SKEPTIC
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