The Brain That Changes Itself

Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

By: Norman Doidge M.D.

Narrated by: Jim Bond

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)

Eye Opening!

I really enjoyed learning about the brain. The author convinced me that plasticity does occur in our brains. Chapter “4 Acquiring tastes and loves” was truly inspiring and impacted me at a personnel level. Thanks Norman Doidge for opening my eyes in a way that not even religion had done. Happy to have read this book.

The Greatest Book on The Brain

Well, this book is only second to The Brain's Way of Healing by the same author. I have started implementing the principles already and have high hopes for my health and for my support group which will also benefit.

Excellent

Great weaving of storylines and research to build understanding of neuroplasticity in the brain. Narrator was easy to follow.

Wow

A book to ponder for ages. So much insight here. Great read if you're interested in the brain.

Highly insightful

Very relevant read both as a parent as a manager, and as an adult who faces aging.

Insight into the brain

Loved the in depth analysis. as a psychotherapist and teacher. The detail and examples are enlightening.

Explicación profunda de las mecánicas de la mente

Es muy interesante entender a profundidad como funciona la mente y las consecuencias que tienen sus dinámicas en nuestra vida y nuestra sociedad.

Fascinating information

A lot of good examples of how brain works. After reading this book you will have a hope and believe that you can do and change anything about you.
Loved it!

Life changing

These words will shape your view of inner-personable and interpersonal possibility as it pertains to consciousness.

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.