Name: The mind and the brain
ISBN: 9780060988470

The mind and the brain

A groundbreaking work of science that confirms, for the first time, the independent existence of the mind-and demonstrates the possibilities for human control over the workings of the brain. Conventional science has long held the position that 'the mind' is merely an illusion, a side effect of electrochemical activity in the physical brain. Now in paperback, Dr Jeffrey Schwartz and Sharon Begley's groundbreaking work, The Mind and the Brain, argues exactly the opposite: that the mind has a life of its own.Dr Schwartz, a leading researcher in brain dysfunctions, and Wall Street Journal science columnist Sharon Begley demonstrate that the human mind is an independent entity that can shape and control the functioning of the physical brain. Their work has its basis in our emerging understanding of adult neuroplasticity-the brain's ability to be rewired not just in childhood, but throughout life, a trait only recently established by neuroscientists. Through decades of work treating patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Schwartz made an extraordinary finding: while following the therapy he developed, his patients were effecting significant and lasting changes in their own neural pathways. It was a scientific first: by actively focusing their attention away from negative behaviors and toward more positive ones, Schwartz's patients were using their minds to reshape their brains-and discovering a thrilling new dimension to the concept of neuroplasticity.

What Hacker News says

shenanigoatJul 2015

I've had ocd for 33 years (I'm 43). I always thought I could tame it...eventually. It's as bad now as it's ever been. I live with it. I perform constant, ludicrous rituals. I'm thankful that my SO puts up with me. It can make me a cranky, distracted sonofabitch. I try to hide it from my son. I'm not always successful. He hasn't asked me why I do weird shit like walk in and out of a room multiple times but I suspect he will. What can I say? That I know better but I can't find the will to overcome it? The best book I've read on the subject so far is The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force by Jeffrey Schwartz.

thread

AlexUsecheMay 2014

The author mentioned in the article (as one of his recommendations to his friend) that it may be helpful to read a non-technical book (among other things of course). One book that I have found very instrumental in helping me cope with stress and anxiety is "The Mind and the Brain" by Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Sharon Begley. The reasons why are very specific I think:

1) Its vocabulary appeals to those who like me appreciate science. 2) It tackles concepts that are common in zen and Buddhism but with solid, perhaps even more grounded, explanations. 3) It helps the analytical minded to understand that there is a separation between what the brain experiences and the self. This can help others in understanding through logic and reasoning how to take control of stress and anxiety.

Just though I would share in case anyone needing help with anxiety wants to read something new and helpful.

thread

dpe82Nov 2011

It can. What helped me was learning that depression is a physical phenomenon resulting from trained signaling pathways in one's brain that can be observed and retrained. That's what CBT attempts to do, but learning some of the science behind it allowed me to really figure out what I needed to do to help myself.

These are the two books that helped the most:

"The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060988479/ref=oh_o05_s00_i...

and

"Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345479890/ref=oh_o03_s00_i...

thread

yamrzouJul 2024

From article:

> Studies, such as those highlighted by Jeffrey M. Schwartz in "The Mind and the Brain," illustrate how our neural pathways strengthen with repetition, making familiar behaviors easier to perform over time. When change is introduced, the brain must adapt, creating new pathways and weakening old ones, a process that can feel uncomfortable and energetically expensive.

thread

hatmatrixApr 2022

These are typical recommendations for fighting obsessive-compulsive behaviors. It's been a long time but I recall reading something like this in The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force (2003) by J.M. Schwartz - seems like he has some more recent books out that specifically prescribe remedies (I assume are along these lines).

thread