The Idiot Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains What Your Head Is Really Up To by Dean Burnett

A MERIT CLUB BOOK REVIEW

“Bottom line: the brain is fallible. It may be the seat of consciousness and the engine of all human experience, but it’s also incredibly messy and disorganised.”

— Dean Burnett

We are all curious about our brains. We’ve all had those moments when we wonder why we react, behave, or think the way that we do. For Neuroscientist Dean Burnett, however, it is particularly interesting to look at our brain's imperfections to help explain how they influence our behaviours and how the brain isn't necessarily as clever as we have been taught to believe.

In his book The Idiot Brain, Dean Burnett explores our mysterious grey matter. How many times have you wondered why you've lost an argument with someone (when you know for a fact you know more than them!) or when you’ve seen someone that you recognise but you just can’t remember their name. Dean narrows it down and argues that this is because of the idiot brain. Yes, the brain is this evolutionary advanced organ, but it is still pretty disorganised and flawed. Yet, despite being told that our brains aren't as amazing as we've believed them to be, The Idiot Brain is a comforting read - as Dean explains, it's normal for our brains to have a bit of a hiccup now and again. You may remember everything about someone except their name, and you know what? That's okay.

This book is thoroughly well researched and cleverly written with bursts of humour placed throughout. It is perfect for those who want to explore the world of neuroscience but are not necessarily ready for the scientific jargon. Dean tours the functions of our brain in a logical way, with emotional response triggers, mental health, addiction and so much more. He even explains why someone who may be an expert in something can still easily forget something as simple as their partner’s birthday.

This book is definitely for you if you’ve ever felt like your brain has sabotaged you at any point in life and you’re wondering what it really is up to. Not only does this book teach you more about the brain but it also leaves you knowing more about yourself.