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)

Great work

I have always loved Michio Kaku's work and this is no different from amazing me.

Incredible

This book was incredibly eye opening and inspiring. Michio Kaku not only is an incredible thinker and scientist but does an exceptional job at relaying his thoughts and ideas (as well as some very intricate physics concepts) to the average joe. He has inspired me to learn more about physics and string theory (something I had never even contemplated doing) so I may better understand the world around me. Truly amazing.

Some interesting ideas and lots of filling

First quarter of the book is educative and entertaining, the rest of it is mostly ideas borrowed from other in-related topics like space/time, quantum theory etc...
Not a boring book, but if you are well rounded topics covered can be fairly redundant

Very Fascinating/

What made the experience of listening to The Future of the Mind the most enjoyable?

One of the few books I have been compelled to listen too the second time.

Like Waiting for Holiday Gifts

The various developments in expanding the capabilities of the mind are so exciting it makes the reader feel the anticipation of a child awaiting holiday gifting! This is so very hopeful for the future of mankind.

Well done book - good ideas

Well-suited to the Audible format. Great ideas that will make you think. Best digested in smaller sessions to enjoy the thoughts.

interesting ideas

from a physicist point of view discussed what is possible for our mind, in the future

Too broad

The book struggles to stay focused on its topic - namely, the brain. It wanders to touch fields such as AI and space exploration through only very loose ties. Overall, it was interesting listen, but more about a variety of science topics than the one I purchased it to hear about.

Very good book with insight to the mind.

What did you love best about The Future of the Mind?

Through knowledge of the mind evolution.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The reader kept it interesting and easy to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Mind of the future

Any additional comments?

Very informative and interesting.

VERY ENTERTAINING

An entertaining one time read. Even though this book draws on an atheistic world view that i find completely absurd it does bring forward many curious facts that holds ones attention. Well written.