• The Brain That Changes Itself

  • Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
  • By: Norman Doidge M.D.
  • Narrated by: Jim Bond
  • Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (510 ratings)

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The Brain That Changes Itself  By  cover art

The Brain That Changes Itself

By: Norman Doidge M.D.
Narrated by: Jim Bond
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Publisher's summary

An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, MD, traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformed - people whose mental limitations or brain damage were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed.

Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.

©2007 Norman Doidge (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The power of positive thinking finally gains scientific credibility. Mind-bending, miracle-making, reality-busting stuff...with implications for all human beings, not to mention human culture, human learning and human history." (The New York Times)

"Brilliant.... Doidge has identified a tidal shift in basic science....The implications are monumental." (The London Times)

"Fascinating. Doidge's book is a remarkable and hopeful portrait of the endless adaptability of the human brain." (Oliver Sacks, MD)

What listeners say about The Brain That Changes Itself

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***MIND BLOWN***

Since starting this book, I've recommend it to at least 10 people. A well-written non-fiction that anyone can appreciate. This book conveys MANY examples of how the brain's plasticity relates to everyday life. You'll understand your brain and thoughts better after you read this. DEFINITELY worth the read.

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12 people found this helpful

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Enlightening and Encouraging

This is a wonderful and informative book about Nero-Plasticity. The history of the conflict of accepting this idea on the Fields of Psychology and Neurology. I will admit that some of the Topics extrapolated are way above my understanding but overall a great Listen. I definitely plan on giving this a another listen once some time has passed. I highly recommend.

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12 people found this helpful

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Excellent!

This books has provided so many insights and ideas regarding the human brain and mind! Definitely worth the time!

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7 people found this helpful

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Excellent book

I loved this book. Norman Doidge wrote about the plastic brain and many of the scientists and patients who worked to no only understand the brain and its plasticity, but also to help those who may most benefit and gain (or re-gain) sensory input from their brain rewiring itself.
Jim Bond’s performance was also great. His inflections and usage is posted due f

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5 people found this helpful

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A great introduction to neuroplasticity

As someone who recently suffered from a spinal cord injury, I kept hearing from my Physiatrists and Physiotherapists about how neuroplasticity was going to allow me to recover. Listening to this book helped explain exactly what neuroplasticity is so that I could better understand that I can recover. I believe this understanding has helped in my recovery.

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Stroke survivor- highly recommend!!

This book helps all people understand how to reside the brain, not just ones w brain traumas

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Cultivate a Sense of Boundlessness

Pertinent for understanding important phenomena that plague us today. Extremely relevant for garnering and understanding for the hardware (brain) interface with the software (mind). Jaw dropping science tales of brain plasticity in the face of debilitating circumstances.

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Neuroplasticity - a must read

I loved both the narrator and the author. It is a must read for everyone in the field of rehabilitation, it is a start to be open minded and see the possibilities we did not think they exist.

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Learn about the amazing brain!

This is a fascinating book about the power of the brain and natural ways of healing that we hear so little about. I highly recommend!

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Interesting and informative

Really interesting overall. Had to skip the sex chapter as it just kept going unnecessarily specific. I'm not a prude but sheesh! What I listened to of it didn't add anything to the book & it just kept getting weirder.

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