In 1996 Joseph LeDoux's The Emotional Brain presented a revelatory examination of the biological bases of our emotions and memories. Now, the world-renowned expert on the brain has produced with a groundbreaking work that tells a more profound story: how the little spaces between the neurons-the brain's synapses--are the channels through which we think, act, imagine, feel, and remember. Synapses encode the essence of personality, enabling each of us to function as a distinctive, integrated individual from moment to moment. Exploring the functioning of memory, the synaptic basis of mental illness and drug addiction, and the mechanism of self-awareness, Synaptic Self is a provocative and mind-expanding work that is destined to become a classic.
A middle-aged neuroscientist walking down Bourbon Street spots a T-shirt that reads, "I don't know, so maybe I'm not." This stimulus zooms from eyes to brain, neuron by neuron, via tiny junctions called synapses. The results? An immediate chuckle and (sometime later) a groundbreaking book titled The Synaptic Self. To Joseph LeDoux, the simple question, "What makes us who we are?" represents the driving force behind his 20-plus years of research into the cognitive, emotional, and motivational functions of the brain.
LeDoux believes the answer rests in the synapses, key players in the brain's intricately designed communication system. In other words, the pathways by which a person's "hardwired" responses (nature) mesh with his or her unique life experiences (nurture) determine that person's individuality. Here, LeDoux nimbly compresses centuries of philosophy, psychology, and biology into an amazingly clear picture of humanity's journey toward understanding the self.
Equally readable is his comprehensive science lesson, where detailed circuit speak reads like an absorbing--yet often humorous--mystery novel. Skillfully presenting research studies and findings alongside their various implications, LeDoux makes a solid case for accepting a synaptic explanation of existence and provides to the reader generous helpings of knowledge, amusement, and awe along the way. --Liane Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

The Guide to Nearly Everything About YOU!:

This book is a miniature bible of the brain. It is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing and persuasive books I have had the pleasure of reading (multiple times), and one from which I will always benefit.

A Worthwhile Read:

I came upon this book by chance and with curiosity, and I did not know any background behind this work. "Synaptic Self" is the first book by Joseph LeDoux that I read since I have yet to read his The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. It is also a first book on neurobiology that I came across. Without a moment hesitation, I felt this is an excellent book. It is very enjoyable, well-written, and a worthwhile read.
There are eleven chapters in this book, and the one chapter... more info

Good review:

If you have a degree in Neurobiology, the first half of this book will drag horrifically for you. However, I recall some of my professors using his diagrams in class, so that's why I bought this book, to review some of the things I was rusty on. I recommend jumping in halfway through.
One other thing, though-- these popular science books always irritate me, the cutesy way they are written with all the fun little stories in them and the condescending tone. I don't know, maybe I am just easily offended.... more info

Excellent resource:

If you want to learn how the synapses in the brain work, this is an excellent book to read. I particularly liked the in-depth exploration the author did of memory and how it works in the brain.
The language is approachable, but the reader does need to take time in reading the text in order to really get the concepts. I personally think that's good, because it really helps you absorb the concepts.
Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in how the brain works.

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