The Future of the Mind

The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind

By: Michio Kaku

Narrated by: Feodor Chin

Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of Physics of the Impossible, Physics of the Future and Hyperspace tackles the most fascinating and complex object in the known universe: the human brain.

For the first time in history, the secrets of the living brain are being revealed by a battery of high-tech brain scans devised by physicists. Now what was once solely the province of science fiction has become a startling reality. Recording memories, telepathy, videotaping our dreams, mind control, avatars, and telekinesis are not only possible; they already exist.

The Future of the Mind gives us an authoritative and compelling look at the astonishing research being done in top laboratories around the world - all based on the latest advancements in neuroscience and physics. One day we might have a "smart pill" that can enhance our cognition; be able to upload our brain to a computer, neuron for neuron; send thoughts and emotions around the world on a "brain-net"; control computers and robots with our mind; push the very limits of immortality; and perhaps even send our consciousness across the universe.

Dr. Kaku takes us on a grand tour of what the future might hold, giving us not only a solid sense of how the brain functions but also how these technologies will change our daily lives. He even presents a radically new way to think about "consciousness" and applies it to provide fresh insight into mental illness, artificial intelligence and alien consciousness.

With Dr. Kaku's deep understanding of modern science and keen eye for future developments, The Future of the Mind is a scientific tour de force - an extraordinary, mind-boggling exploration of the frontiers of neuroscience.

©2014 Michio Kaku (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"In this expansive, illuminating journey through the mind, theoretical physicist Kaku ( Physics of the Future) explores fantastical realms of science fiction that may soon become our reality. His futurist framework merges physics with neuroscience...applied to demonstrations that ‘show proof-of-principle’ in accomplishing what was previously fictional: That minds can be read, memories can be digitally stored, and intelligences can be improved to great extents. The discussion, while heavily scientific, is engaging, clear, and replete with cinematic references.... These new mental frontiers make for captivating reading." ( Publishers Weekly )

"Kaku turns his attention to the human mind with equally satisfying results…. Telepathy is no longer a fantasy since scanners can already detect, if crudely, what a subject is thinking, and genetics and biochemistry now allow researchers to alter memories and increase intelligence in animals. Direct electrical stimulation of distinct brain regions has changed behavior, awakened comatose patients, relieved depression, and produced out-of-body and religious experiences…. Kaku is not shy about quoting science-fiction movies and TV (he has seen them all)… he delivers ingenious predictions extrapolated from good research already in progress." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Chin tells the story of the popularization of brain science with an up-tempo, keeping the listener's interest in the dense material.... This is an excellent attempt at bringing academic research to the layperson in audio format." ( AudioFile)

The Mind simplified by Michio Kaku

Dr. Kaku does a good job presenting the latest scientific experiments and research concerning the brain. There are some very good chapters explaining consciousness from a scientific perspective which I found quite insightful. This book is well organized, and maybe a little over simplified. To me it reads as a summary of research papers from the last 5 to 7 years or so. Overall educational for people not in the field.

To this there are some creative viewpoints added here and there to make this book feel somewhat more dynamic to listen to than dry information which is nice.

Narration was a bit flat, but appropriate for the subject matter.

Overall an okay book, may not age very well so if you are thinking of reading it I'd suggest to do it sooner rather than later.

Future of Man

Wonderful loved it .
Great description of Mind and Future of Man and World...Pass it on to lived ones.

Interesting

Started off a little slow to me. Took a couple chapters for my interest to peek but then got really good. Is a little technical but was pretty easy to follow and visualize. I was not particularly fond of the narrators voice but I listen at speed 2X and that may have had something to do with it. Overall was really good I stayed with it from start to finish and if you are interested in the brain, A.I. and physics/quantum physics you will like this book.

Interesting concepts, takes continued attention

I'm really enjoying the concepts presented in this audio book. Michio Kaku has a unique approach with his insight into the science & potential of the mind. I find it incredibly interesting hearing the subject of the mind coming from a physicist's point of view. The narrator makes what could be a dry subject easy listening. It will more than likely take me many go throughs to fully digest the content. I'm sure this audio book will get "worn out".

Well done!

Loved this book. It was an easy listen and very informative without getting to deep into scientific weeds.

Mind opening!

If you love science, reality, and things that blow your mind you ..will love this audiobook! The future is going to be amazing!!

Forrest
Host of Reality Thumper

Exceptional

As expected of one of the most brilliant scientists in our time. Truly mind-opening.

Fascinating

Would you consider the audio edition of The Future of the Mind to be better than the print version?

Perhaps. The narrator sounded a little robotic/synthesized.

Have you listened to any of Feodor Chin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Any additional comments?

The author strayed often from the subject of the mind, but I enjoyed his tangents about the possible existence of aliens, the future of technology, etc.

Interesting Ann's incredibly well researched

Content is great. I loved all of it, and it was all easy to follow. The reading was a bit dreary though. This would make a better sit down and read book than an audio book.

Wide range of studies

Would you consider the audio edition of The Future of the Mind to be better than the print version?

I actually own both the audio edition and print version but unfortunately I was only able to get half way through the print copy before I was too swamped with work to continue. I was since then able to complete the book using the audio edition on my commute to and from work.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Michio Kaku since this book was more of a narrative. He has the capacity to research all the topics and goes into depth about the pros and cons. His concepts and arguments got me thinking about the future and what issues humanity will face during the future.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite section of the book was about artificial intelligence. This subject has always interested me and Michio bought up valid arguments that gave me a whole new perspective on this.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to any futurist and free thinker.