What do you think?
Rate this book
Supercérebro - Como Expandir o Poder Transformador da Sua Mente
Qual a diferença entre mente e cérebro? Como controlar o medo, a ansiedade, a depressão? É possível ensinar o cérebro a deixar de lado nossos instintos primários, agir de acordo com a nossa razão e assim sermos felizes de corpo e alma? Essas são algumas das respostas que o renomado médico e autor Deepak Chopra oferece aos leitores de “Supercérebro”. Escrito em parceria com o neurocientista Rudolph Tanzi, um dos maiores estudiosos do mal de Alzheimer, o livro explica em termos leigos como o cérebro funciona e de que forma é possível deixa-lo em forma para conquistar boa saúde, ter mais qualidade de vida e simplesmente ser mais feliz.
344 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2013
1194 people are currently reading
6638 people want to read
About the author
Deepak Chopra
702 books19k followersDeepak Chopra, MD serves as the Founder and Chairman of The Chopra Foundation, and Co-Founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.
As a global leader and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Chopra transforms the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Known as a prolific author of eighty books books with twenty-two New York Times best sellers in both fiction and non-fiction, his works have been published in more than forty-three languages.
Chopra’s medical training is in internal medicine and endocrinology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Dr. Chopra serves as Co-Founder and Chairman of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Founder of The Chopra Well on YouTube, Adjunct Professor of Executive Programs at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, Columbia University, Assistant Clinical Professor, in the Family and Preventive Medicine Department at the University of California, San Diego, Health Sciences, Faculty at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.
GlobeIn acknowledges Chopra as "one of top ten most influential spiritual leaders around the world." TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as "one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century and credits him as "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine."
As a global leader and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Chopra transforms the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Known as a prolific author of eighty books books with twenty-two New York Times best sellers in both fiction and non-fiction, his works have been published in more than forty-three languages.
Chopra’s medical training is in internal medicine and endocrinology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Dr. Chopra serves as Co-Founder and Chairman of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Founder of The Chopra Well on YouTube, Adjunct Professor of Executive Programs at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, Columbia University, Assistant Clinical Professor, in the Family and Preventive Medicine Department at the University of California, San Diego, Health Sciences, Faculty at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.
GlobeIn acknowledges Chopra as "one of top ten most influential spiritual leaders around the world." TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as "one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century and credits him as "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
March 6, 2013
I enjoyed this book, and found it intellectually stimulating. It's an odd mix--part popular science, part metaphysics, and part self-help book. It could easily have turned out as a mess.
But the recipe works. Here self-help guru and spiritualist Deepak Chopra and neuroscientist Rudy Tanzi reject both materialist reductionism and sharp Cartesian dualism in favor of an integrated view of the mind-body relationship in which the mind is distinct from the brain but interacts with and affects it.
I'll leave it to Dr. Tanzi's colleagues to evaluate his interpretation of modern neuroscience, but I'm sympathetic with the critique of materialism in this book.
And the authors connect their view of the relationship between the mind and brain with practical advice on how we can improve our own lives and our own thinking. They draw on the science of neuroplasticity and exhort us to be proactive in changing destructive habits. They advocate meditation and mindfulness, as ways in which to permanently reduce stress and improve our health.
This book will not immediately make someone suffering depression or anxiety feel better, but I think the habits of thought it espouses are salutary ones that would, if practiced over a long period of time, lead one to a better and happier life.
I'm a little surprised at myself for this positive review. I haven't been a fan of Chopra in the past. I thought he was spouting a lot metaphysical nonsense with little or no rational justification, along with some truths. I'm not sure whether I was unfair to him before. Maybe I'm just becoming addled in my old age, but I think there is some wisdom in this book. I only wish I could see the authors debate someone with a very different view--Richard Dawkins, perhaps.
PS: I listened to the audio version of the book, which, as another reviewer noted, made it more difficult to make use of the many lists in the book, but the reader was excellent... One annoyance, though, was the books insistence that alcohol and tobacco are toxic for the brain. That might be true, but some truths are unpalatable (to this reviewer, who likes to smoke cigars while listening to audiobooks, at least).
But the recipe works. Here self-help guru and spiritualist Deepak Chopra and neuroscientist Rudy Tanzi reject both materialist reductionism and sharp Cartesian dualism in favor of an integrated view of the mind-body relationship in which the mind is distinct from the brain but interacts with and affects it.
I'll leave it to Dr. Tanzi's colleagues to evaluate his interpretation of modern neuroscience, but I'm sympathetic with the critique of materialism in this book.
And the authors connect their view of the relationship between the mind and brain with practical advice on how we can improve our own lives and our own thinking. They draw on the science of neuroplasticity and exhort us to be proactive in changing destructive habits. They advocate meditation and mindfulness, as ways in which to permanently reduce stress and improve our health.
This book will not immediately make someone suffering depression or anxiety feel better, but I think the habits of thought it espouses are salutary ones that would, if practiced over a long period of time, lead one to a better and happier life.
I'm a little surprised at myself for this positive review. I haven't been a fan of Chopra in the past. I thought he was spouting a lot metaphysical nonsense with little or no rational justification, along with some truths. I'm not sure whether I was unfair to him before. Maybe I'm just becoming addled in my old age, but I think there is some wisdom in this book. I only wish I could see the authors debate someone with a very different view--Richard Dawkins, perhaps.
PS: I listened to the audio version of the book, which, as another reviewer noted, made it more difficult to make use of the many lists in the book, but the reader was excellent... One annoyance, though, was the books insistence that alcohol and tobacco are toxic for the brain. That might be true, but some truths are unpalatable (to this reviewer, who likes to smoke cigars while listening to audiobooks, at least).
November 28, 2012
I feel terrible giving this book a negative review since I won an ARC in a First Reads giveaway, but it was honestly SUCH a disappointment. I entered to win because I was intrigued by the claims that Super Brain could help you be a happier and more relaxed person - yeah maybe if I understood what the hell it was talking about.
After the first 30 pages or so were completely over my head talking about neurons, synapses, and neuroplasticity, I decided to skip around to the more interesting chapters. I read the pages on anxiety, since I deal with a great amount on a daily basis and was hoping to learn how to focus my energy elsewhere and obsess less often. Nope. Though the chapter accurately described my crazy ("They repeat the same worries and actually think they are being helpful. The irritated reactions of family and friends don't end the delusion. If anything, the worrier steps up her worry because no one else is paying attention") it then supplies completely useless tips to solve the problem. The authors want me to think to myself "I'm doing it again. I feel bad when I worry. I need to stop at this moment. The future is unknown. Worrying about it is pointless. I'm doing myself no good." Uh... you think I don't think those things daily, Deepak?? As if I haven't already tried that??
The diagrams of the limbic system and the triune brain did nothing to help me understand this book, and the chapter entitled Making God Real made me stop reading. I just had enough and didn't complete all of the chapters. It obviously takes someone more spiritual and intelligent than I to enjoy this book. Sorry.
After the first 30 pages or so were completely over my head talking about neurons, synapses, and neuroplasticity, I decided to skip around to the more interesting chapters. I read the pages on anxiety, since I deal with a great amount on a daily basis and was hoping to learn how to focus my energy elsewhere and obsess less often. Nope. Though the chapter accurately described my crazy ("They repeat the same worries and actually think they are being helpful. The irritated reactions of family and friends don't end the delusion. If anything, the worrier steps up her worry because no one else is paying attention") it then supplies completely useless tips to solve the problem. The authors want me to think to myself "I'm doing it again. I feel bad when I worry. I need to stop at this moment. The future is unknown. Worrying about it is pointless. I'm doing myself no good." Uh... you think I don't think those things daily, Deepak?? As if I haven't already tried that??
The diagrams of the limbic system and the triune brain did nothing to help me understand this book, and the chapter entitled Making God Real made me stop reading. I just had enough and didn't complete all of the chapters. It obviously takes someone more spiritual and intelligent than I to enjoy this book. Sorry.
May 18, 2019
Bien, muy bien, aunque no era lo que me esperaba.
March 16, 2013
This is not a book about improving your brain. It's a self-help book with all the platitudes and verbal cheerleading of that genre. I couldn't stomach most of it.
February 3, 2013
This is one of the best books that I have read on the working of human brain. Book has made a huge difference in my life, especially the way I look at my life now with a meaning to it. Authors brilliantly explain how each one of look at the world differently and why we think that our imagination is reality whereas that may not be true in many cases.
The best part of the book is where author explains “why your brain does not represents your true you" i.e. you are not what your brain is, use your brain but do not let your brain use you. Further, authors gives suggestions of how mind can be used to control your brain, brain has immense power to learn new things, we limit our leanings by constantly telling our brain what it can or cannot do. You tell your brain all the time, and it listens to you.
Amazing work by authors, Deepak Chopra brilliantly mixes his Indian values with his scientific researches in US. I have become big fan of Deepak now; will make sure that I buy his every book.
Must read if you want to rediscover this world with your mind and brain.
The best part of the book is where author explains “why your brain does not represents your true you" i.e. you are not what your brain is, use your brain but do not let your brain use you. Further, authors gives suggestions of how mind can be used to control your brain, brain has immense power to learn new things, we limit our leanings by constantly telling our brain what it can or cannot do. You tell your brain all the time, and it listens to you.
Amazing work by authors, Deepak Chopra brilliantly mixes his Indian values with his scientific researches in US. I have become big fan of Deepak now; will make sure that I buy his every book.
Must read if you want to rediscover this world with your mind and brain.
February 16, 2013
A mish mash of earlier Chopra books with some neuroscience thrown in. I appreciated the physical stuff. Sometimes the abstract mindfulness, intuition, meditation mantras get tedious and too difficult to grasp. A little physicality mixed in with the philosophy is useful to me if nothing more than to give me a break/balance. Still, I disagreed with stuff said about pills vs talk therapy (sometimes fundamental chemistry issues simply cannot be helped with talking). Also, according to his listed criteria, I am not intuitive at all. Could be so. It just seemed his criteria were limiting. There seemed to be some interchange between the words "progress" and "evolution." Total disagreement there. As I was reading, sometimes I was thinking 1 star, sometimes 4 star. It is an okay book. If you are not into neuroscience just skip straight to part 3. There is still some quantum stuff which could overwhelm/baffle some people (it baffles scientists). Just read through it to get the general idea.
November 29, 2016
Έμπνευση, αφορμή, γνώση!
December 11, 2012
This book could have been great, if it had picked one of its many identities to be. Instead it comes across as a jumbled mess of recent neuroscience, self-help, and spirituality.
I was most interested in the neuroscience bits. I really would like to know how to expand my brain's capacity. I was enamored by the geniuses and polyglots described in the book. It was interesting to hear how these concepts connect to disease, depression, and healing.
The first problem I encountered is in the self-help layout of the book. The authors put everything into catchy numbered lists and patterns, only the content doesn't always fit into that structure, and it was annoying particularly in the audio where you don't see it as a list on a page.
The first third of the book still has quite a bit of cohesion. The last two thirds meander through descriptions of spirituality - arguing against atheism and speaking to the importance of God, which I just didn't understand in the context of the subject matter. It ended up feeling like Chopra and Tanzi wanted to cram everything into the book that they personally believed, just in case you never came across them in another place. It took away from the power of the science contained in the first few chapters, and included weak and strange analogies that did not really suffice to "prove" any points.
I was most interested in the neuroscience bits. I really would like to know how to expand my brain's capacity. I was enamored by the geniuses and polyglots described in the book. It was interesting to hear how these concepts connect to disease, depression, and healing.
The first problem I encountered is in the self-help layout of the book. The authors put everything into catchy numbered lists and patterns, only the content doesn't always fit into that structure, and it was annoying particularly in the audio where you don't see it as a list on a page.
The first third of the book still has quite a bit of cohesion. The last two thirds meander through descriptions of spirituality - arguing against atheism and speaking to the importance of God, which I just didn't understand in the context of the subject matter. It ended up feeling like Chopra and Tanzi wanted to cram everything into the book that they personally believed, just in case you never came across them in another place. It took away from the power of the science contained in the first few chapters, and included weak and strange analogies that did not really suffice to "prove" any points.
June 16, 2018
A let down, though debunking claims like "Brain cells can't be regenerated." Exciting title, but 80% of his ideas can be found in the intro chapters of any Brian Tracy book. Vedanta is rehashed, but Chopra's lovely words gloss over gaps in logic... like I ate poor cake iced with rich frosting :)
First some quotes, then one example of a glittery glitch :
-----------------------------------------------
“Without a new relationship, the brain cannot be asked to do new unexpected things.”
“What should be our norm for memory? The average person, or the exceptional one? Instead of saying the math prodigy has special genes or a special gift, ask another question: Did you train your brain to have a super-memory? There are training courses for that skill, and average people who take them can perform feats…”
“The brain contains stem cells that are capable of maturing into new brain cells throughout life.”
“Primitive reactions - fear, anger, jealousy, aggression - overrule the higher brain.”
“Thoughts create new neural growth.”
“One cannot remember what one has not learned.”
“By setting higher expectations, you enter a phase of higher functioning… Low expectations equals low results.”
“The brain is a process, not a thing. It is a verb, not a noun.”
“The brain likes to work coherently and methodically, even when it comes to spirituality.”
“The universe supports everyone’s evolution, but at the same time you can guide your own growth. Desire is the key…”
“Research has discovered a peculiar trait in crows. They recognize individual human faces, and will react when that same face appears a few days or even weeks later. But a trait that seems so human must have a very different use in the bird world, one we can only imagine since our nervous systems are tuned only to our reality…”
“The hard problem becomes much easier when we give consciousness a primary role instead of making it secondary to the brain.”
“Atoms and molecules aren’t things. They are mathematical descriptions of experience. Space and time are also only descriptions of experience. Your brain isn’t responsible for any of it, because your brain too is just an experience that your mind is having.”
BOLLYWOOD DIALOGUE DELIVERY:
----------------------------------
QUOTE : "Dharma is the ultimate path, because if evolution is supporting all of creation, it easily supports you: a single individual."
AFTERTHOUGHT : Woah! Evolution may drive creation, but it most certainly knocks off species along the way. Perhaps selective rather than supportive :)
.
First some quotes, then one example of a glittery glitch :
-----------------------------------------------
“Without a new relationship, the brain cannot be asked to do new unexpected things.”
“What should be our norm for memory? The average person, or the exceptional one? Instead of saying the math prodigy has special genes or a special gift, ask another question: Did you train your brain to have a super-memory? There are training courses for that skill, and average people who take them can perform feats…”
“The brain contains stem cells that are capable of maturing into new brain cells throughout life.”
“Primitive reactions - fear, anger, jealousy, aggression - overrule the higher brain.”
“Thoughts create new neural growth.”
“One cannot remember what one has not learned.”
“By setting higher expectations, you enter a phase of higher functioning… Low expectations equals low results.”
“The brain is a process, not a thing. It is a verb, not a noun.”
“The brain likes to work coherently and methodically, even when it comes to spirituality.”
“The universe supports everyone’s evolution, but at the same time you can guide your own growth. Desire is the key…”
“Research has discovered a peculiar trait in crows. They recognize individual human faces, and will react when that same face appears a few days or even weeks later. But a trait that seems so human must have a very different use in the bird world, one we can only imagine since our nervous systems are tuned only to our reality…”
“The hard problem becomes much easier when we give consciousness a primary role instead of making it secondary to the brain.”
“Atoms and molecules aren’t things. They are mathematical descriptions of experience. Space and time are also only descriptions of experience. Your brain isn’t responsible for any of it, because your brain too is just an experience that your mind is having.”
BOLLYWOOD DIALOGUE DELIVERY:
----------------------------------
QUOTE : "Dharma is the ultimate path, because if evolution is supporting all of creation, it easily supports you: a single individual."
AFTERTHOUGHT : Woah! Evolution may drive creation, but it most certainly knocks off species along the way. Perhaps selective rather than supportive :)
.
December 1, 2012
Wow. Fascinating and practical - my favourite combination!
I'm something of a geek so I'm already fascinated by the latest in neuroscience - but I loved how this book takes the reader on a journey through the science-based information which is pretty standard and agreed-upon.... and then takes us down the rabbit hole into some of the wilder debate around the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Unsurprisingly, while many scientists still cling to the notion that the brain creates our consciousness via chemical and electrical signals, these authors make the case superbly for the view that it's the other way around. Consciousness - the mind - has the capacity to physically alter (and therefore create anew) the brain, through the use of mindfulness.
Loved it!
I'm something of a geek so I'm already fascinated by the latest in neuroscience - but I loved how this book takes the reader on a journey through the science-based information which is pretty standard and agreed-upon.... and then takes us down the rabbit hole into some of the wilder debate around the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Unsurprisingly, while many scientists still cling to the notion that the brain creates our consciousness via chemical and electrical signals, these authors make the case superbly for the view that it's the other way around. Consciousness - the mind - has the capacity to physically alter (and therefore create anew) the brain, through the use of mindfulness.
Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2012
I won this book as part of Goodreads' first read program. While I didn't find anything groundbreaking in the book, it was still a good book to remind us how powerful our brains could be. The book hit its high note when talking about the separation of our mind and brain. Most of ingrained reactions stem from the brain dictating our response. But once we realize that, we can use our mind to overcome that natural reaction. This is most beneficial in overcoming fears, urges to overeat, depression, etc. For me, the book was at its weakest when it delved into spirituality or about people with abnormally strong mental abilities. For some, I'm sure this would be well received, but it's just not my style. At its core, this book just reinforces everything we have heard about our brains, how powerful it is and how important it is that we continue to use it to its maximum potential. While it's not an essential read, it is good as a reminder that we our in control of our mind and that when we take full control of it, we can do some amazing things
May 28, 2019
ترجمه فارسی روان این کتاب از مریم تقدیسی را مطالعه کردم. این کتاب محصول همفکری یک پزشک عصب شناس و یک روانشناس است که در واقع یکی از انگیزه های اصلی نوشتن آن نجات افرادی است که ممکن است به علت عدم آگاهی از کارکرد صحیح مغز خیلی زود دچار زوال و بیماری های شایع ناشی ازکهولت و از کارافتادکی مغز شوند
ازسی سالگی هر سال یک درصد پیر می شویم و فرصت زیادی نداریم برای تمرکز بر روی شبکه ای ازعادت های مثبت جهت کاهش سرعت، توقف، و یا حتی معکوس کردن این روند آرام و دائمی
به کسانی که خواهان یافتن نگرش جدید مطلوب و مثبتی در
زندگیشان هستند و راه حل های عملی متنوعی برای مواجهه با مرکز فرماندهی بدن خود، در چالش هایی چون ترس از تغییر، اضظراب دائمی، افسردگی و حتی تغییرسیکل عادات گوناگون جست و جو می کنند و همچنین آنهایی که به دستورالعمل های واقعی برای آزادسازی نیروی ذهن و اندیشه ی خود و بهره وریِ حداکثری ازمغز این ابزار ذهن علاقمندند، بسیار توصیه می شود
یکی از بهترین نگرش های کتاب که برایم بسیار دلنشین بود، اشاره به تصمیمات و انتخاب های هر فرد به عنوان نتیجه تعامل و همکاری متعادل احساسات - ذهن و منظق - نیروی شهود انسانی خواندن است و به هم خوردن این تعادل به هر شکلی عارضه است.
ازسی سالگی هر سال یک درصد پیر می شویم و فرصت زیادی نداریم برای تمرکز بر روی شبکه ای ازعادت های مثبت جهت کاهش سرعت، توقف، و یا حتی معکوس کردن این روند آرام و دائمی
به کسانی که خواهان یافتن نگرش جدید مطلوب و مثبتی در
زندگیشان هستند و راه حل های عملی متنوعی برای مواجهه با مرکز فرماندهی بدن خود، در چالش هایی چون ترس از تغییر، اضظراب دائمی، افسردگی و حتی تغییرسیکل عادات گوناگون جست و جو می کنند و همچنین آنهایی که به دستورالعمل های واقعی برای آزادسازی نیروی ذهن و اندیشه ی خود و بهره وریِ حداکثری ازمغز این ابزار ذهن علاقمندند، بسیار توصیه می شود
یکی از بهترین نگرش های کتاب که برایم بسیار دلنشین بود، اشاره به تصمیمات و انتخاب های هر فرد به عنوان نتیجه تعامل و همکاری متعادل احساسات - ذهن و منظق - نیروی شهود انسانی خواندن است و به هم خوردن این تعادل به هر شکلی عارضه است.
October 2, 2016
كتاب الدماغ الخارق من الكتب القوية التي أحدثت ضجة كبيرة كونه كتاب تم تأليفه من الدكتور ديباك شوبرا و الدكتور رودولف تانزي. فاخترنا في نادي المحاسبين الثقافي مناقشة هذا الكتاب الذي يتوفر باللغة العربية والانجليزية.
فقد وجدنا فرق كبير بين الكتاب باللغتين، فالكتاب الأساسي باللغة الإنجليزية حجمه أقل بكثير من كتاب الكتاب المترجم باللغة العربية ، كذلك لاحظنا اختلاف الأمثلة الموضحة في الكتابين ، ولكن ذلك لا يقلل من كمية المعلومات المتوفرة فب الكتاب.
شرح الكاتبين الدماغ وكبفية عمله من ناحية علمية وأثر الأعصاب في الصورة الذهنية للانسان، كذلك وضح أثر التأمل على الخلايا وطريقة تجديدها .
ويوضح الكتاب نقطة مهمة بالتشافي التأملي وهو العلم القادم الذي يتوجه له العالم اليوم، قسيأتينا يوم ونقول هناك طبيب متخصص بالتأمل يساعد عالتشافي قبل اللجوء الى الطبيب الجراحي والأدوية.
وأشير بأن هناك معلومات غابت عنا في الكتاب ولم تتوضح ، ومع هذا أنصح بقراءة الكتاب باللغة الانجليزية افضل.
February 6, 2018
If only I could upload a picture of my copy of Super Brain.. colored flags jutting from the pages of highlighted text, pen underlinings, and inked notes... then maybe I wouldn't need to write a review. But here I am.
This book moved me. A complex topic, written by arguably the best minds in neuroscience, was described in such an approachable way that I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a greater sense of awareness. Particularly intriguing and invigorating to me was the idea of consciousness/the mind vs the brain machine, which was touched on throughout the book and then hammered home in the last chapter. The consciousness argument was always my argument for the existence of God, though my words were a greasy fart next to this articulation.
There were only a few negative reactions I had to this book. First, I didn't love the organization. Though the content was always brilliant and I felt like I was having "aha!" moments on every page, the topics felt a bit scattered and so I had trouble integrating and keeping straight the larger discussion points. Next, it felt at times that some of the assertions made were untested hypotheses - especially in regard to using the mind to battle mild to moderate depression and anxiety. I'm confident there is a strong basis for their points and certainly not saying the approach was wrong, but I didn't like the black and white presentation of the solutions. Also, I didn't love their position on the "Intuitive Brain," especially when stating that our first impressions are usually correct and to trust snap judgments. Unless you're at level Buddha, that's just dangerous.
All in all, never have I had such a powerful reading experience. I have been carrying Super Brain around in my handbag bc I feel like I at any given moment I'd like to refresh and reflect upon the concepts.
This is one of my forever books, to be sure.
This book moved me. A complex topic, written by arguably the best minds in neuroscience, was described in such an approachable way that I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a greater sense of awareness. Particularly intriguing and invigorating to me was the idea of consciousness/the mind vs the brain machine, which was touched on throughout the book and then hammered home in the last chapter. The consciousness argument was always my argument for the existence of God, though my words were a greasy fart next to this articulation.
There were only a few negative reactions I had to this book. First, I didn't love the organization. Though the content was always brilliant and I felt like I was having "aha!" moments on every page, the topics felt a bit scattered and so I had trouble integrating and keeping straight the larger discussion points. Next, it felt at times that some of the assertions made were untested hypotheses - especially in regard to using the mind to battle mild to moderate depression and anxiety. I'm confident there is a strong basis for their points and certainly not saying the approach was wrong, but I didn't like the black and white presentation of the solutions. Also, I didn't love their position on the "Intuitive Brain," especially when stating that our first impressions are usually correct and to trust snap judgments. Unless you're at level Buddha, that's just dangerous.
All in all, never have I had such a powerful reading experience. I have been carrying Super Brain around in my handbag bc I feel like I at any given moment I'd like to refresh and reflect upon the concepts.
This is one of my forever books, to be sure.
September 1, 2013
This book is co-authored, and that's exactly what it feels like; schizophrenic. It covers a huge swath of topics related to the physical brain and consciousness, including disease prevention, overall well being, depression, weight loss, child rearing, and faith. And with so many topics it's unlikely that all will speak to you, but across the board, the book is just lazy. Dubious pseudoscience is referenced as a counter argument to innumerable scientific evidence; constantly. For example, a nonchalant statement is made implying that cholesterol levels are only marginally affected by diet (supposedly supported by a scientific study that they were too busy to discuss in the book), and are rather dictated by a mental state. Thats a major claim, and glossing over any evidence is irresponsible. I can't prove it, but based on the styles of the two epilogues of the book (one for each author), I suspect the problem is Chopra. I have an open mind, and not everything in the book was without merit; I found the section about varying your routines and avoiding becoming a 'creature of habit' for the sake of mental health to be very convincing. But the authors claim their goal is to promote the mind-brain connection, and if this is the best they can do, it's going to be a long road.
January 6, 2013
The idea of a super brain is not to have a cape streaming out of your ears. But literally anything is possible, so don't rule it out.
Deepak Chopra and Rudy Tanzi integrate the latest research on the brain and general science with the spiritual wisdom of the ages to propose how, through increased self-awareness and conscious intention, the brain can be taught to extend far beyond fulfilling the tasks of everyday life. In extremely accessible prose, the authors illustrate how consciousness controls the brain and how we can transform this relationship for health, happiness, and spiritual growth.
If this quasi-review were a book-jacket blurb, I would of course have to mention the myths concerning the brain and how Deepak and Rudy not only dispel them, but also demonstrate how we can reduce the risks of aging, and overcome such challenges as memory loss, depression, and anxiety. Helpful though that is, that level of commentary reduces the real message of the book: we have the power to transform our lives in the most profound ways.
I admit I'm a follower of Deepak and will revisit parts of this book for further contemplation and meditation. While I don't expect to one day have a cape streaming out of my ears, I'd be happy with wings.
Deepak Chopra and Rudy Tanzi integrate the latest research on the brain and general science with the spiritual wisdom of the ages to propose how, through increased self-awareness and conscious intention, the brain can be taught to extend far beyond fulfilling the tasks of everyday life. In extremely accessible prose, the authors illustrate how consciousness controls the brain and how we can transform this relationship for health, happiness, and spiritual growth.
If this quasi-review were a book-jacket blurb, I would of course have to mention the myths concerning the brain and how Deepak and Rudy not only dispel them, but also demonstrate how we can reduce the risks of aging, and overcome such challenges as memory loss, depression, and anxiety. Helpful though that is, that level of commentary reduces the real message of the book: we have the power to transform our lives in the most profound ways.
I admit I'm a follower of Deepak and will revisit parts of this book for further contemplation and meditation. While I don't expect to one day have a cape streaming out of my ears, I'd be happy with wings.
January 17, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Rudolph and Deepak do a great job providing scientific information about the processes in the brain while shedding much light on the importance of the mind. There is a lot of self-help kind of dialogue, but this could also be seen as a means to help you raise your own self-awareness. The way they describe their way of utilizing the brain, mind, and consciousness is both educational and inspiring. I recommend it to anybody as a new way to approach our understanding of the mind and its relation to the brain.
February 20, 2013
When I first received this book, I didn't expect it to be related to many aspects of our lives and health. It touches upon many subjects and there were tidbits of facts every now and then, which were nice to relate the topic to.
I thought the points provided in this book were also very helpful and accepting. It's grammar and word choice also make it a great book for people with not much medical terminology background.
I thought the points provided in this book were also very helpful and accepting. It's grammar and word choice also make it a great book for people with not much medical terminology background.
February 14, 2013
I like SCIENCE books-not self help books. And this was DEFINETLY a self-help. And even with that I didn't learn anything new. Yes, we know The Key is to be alert and present in your life every minute. And to actually THINK about your decisions instead of just reacting to a situation. Der. And this was my first Deepak book. Sigh, and probably my last. Fluffy, fluffy Deepak. Bad Deepak! Bad!
March 5, 2014
Great teacher
Deepak as always has the ability to take complex concepts and make them easy to understand. I love that he brings together the east and thewest, science and spirit. the book also takes ideals and breaks them down into chunks that can be addressed in one's life.
Deepak as always has the ability to take complex concepts and make them easy to understand. I love that he brings together the east and thewest, science and spirit. the book also takes ideals and breaks them down into chunks that can be addressed in one's life.
September 26, 2017
This book is supposed to be about HUMAN brains, but it is full of experiments on ANIMALS. When will these pseudo scientists ever learn? Another piece of rubbish from Deepak Chopra.
September 9, 2021
در توضیحات کتاب آورده شده بود که این کتاب با کمک "آخرین یافته های علم پزشکی و عصب شناسی" نوشته شده است. حال این که به جز فصول اول، می شه گفت صحبت های چوپرا اصولا در رابطه درمان های جایگزین هست. دریافت من از این کتاب این بود که نویسنده در تلاش برای توضیح و تشویق به درمان های جایگزین هست اما توضیحاتی علمی هم می ده که لزوما ارتباطی با حمایت از درمان های جایگزین نداره.
December 21, 2021
من خیلی جدی فکر کردم دارم یه کتاب علمی درباره ی مغز انسان مطالعه میکنم ولی رسما از این کتابای اسپیریچوال بود که میخوان به زور با استدلال خیلی خیلیییییی ضعیف از طریق علم به باور های مذهبی برسن و راستش واقعا از افرادی که ادعای داشتن دانش نورولوژی دارن انتظار نداشتم با همچین منطق ناقصی دنیا و انسان رو تحلیل کنن. حالا من خیلی سعی کردم این کتابو ادامه بدم و تا ته بخونم که بی انصافی نکرده باشم و متعصبانه برخورد نکنم ولی دیگه بیشتر از ۳۵ درصد نتونستم گوش کنم (خداروشکر آدیو بوک بود!)
تا اینجا استدلال ها در راستای نیاز های عاطفی انسان و تمایلش به بقا پس از مرگ نوشته شده بود و سعی کرده بود بگه ذهن و مغز از هم جدا هستن درحالی که با کمترین تغییری در ساختار مغز اون شخص به یه شخصیت کاملا جدیدی تبدیل میشه که حتی خانوادش هم نمیتونن به عنوان کسی که میشناختن بپذیرنش.
با کمی جا به جایی و فشار اومدن به بافت مغز یک پدر میتونه به فرزند ۳ ساله ی خودش تمایل جنسی پیدا کنه و پرخاشگر بشه درحالی که تا اون زمان هیچ درکی نداشته از اینکه چطور یه بزرگسال میتونه به بچه ها تمایل داشته باشه چه برسه به پدر اون کودک! و به نظرش چنین افرادی کثیف و حال بهم زن و شهوت ران بودن. با این وجود یک تومور کوچیک توی مغز اون رو هم به یکی از همین افراد تبدیل میکنه.
اگه روح وجود داشت این اتفاق هرگز نباید با یه تغییر فیزیکی کوچیک رخ میداد درحالی که ما تو مذهب به این باور هستیم که روح انسان جوهره ی وجودیش و یک چیز ثابته و برای همین هم پس از مرگ مورد قضاوت و مجازات قرار میگیره. حالا این کتاب هم داشت سعی میکرد از طریق یک سری نکات علمی به روح باوری و ارتباط انسان با خدا برسه و من واقعا برام سخت بود باور اینکه افرادی هستن که سال ها تو زمینه ی مغز به اصطلاح مطالعه و تحقیقات داشتن ولی هنوز از کنار چنین مسائل مهمی میگذرن که مجبور نشن با حقیقت عقایدشون و ترسشون از فناپذیر بودن انسان رو به رو بشن.
حالا شاید در ادامه ی کتاب توضیحی اومده باشه که نشون بده درک من از نوشتار اشتباه بوده ولی به شخصه حاضر نیستم دیگه وقت بذارم.
دو ستاره هم برای این دادم که بالاخره یک سری نکته هم ازش یاد گرفتم پس ۱۰۰٪ هم بی خاصیت نبوده ولی کتاب های خیلی مهم تر و بهتری هستن برای خوندن و وقت و عمر محدوده. پس بیشتر از این خودمو درگیرش نمیکنم. 🤷🏻♀️
.
.
Dropped this book after listening to 35% of it.
I thought it was a book based on science but it's literally a spiritual book that is using scientific research as a way to back up spiritual and religious claims!
,_, constant contradictions and TERRIBLE reasoning got me really frustrated.
تا اینجا استدلال ها در راستای نیاز های عاطفی انسان و تمایلش به بقا پس از مرگ نوشته شده بود و سعی کرده بود بگه ذهن و مغز از هم جدا هستن درحالی که با کمترین تغییری در ساختار مغز اون شخص به یه شخصیت کاملا جدیدی تبدیل میشه که حتی خانوادش هم نمیتونن به عنوان کسی که میشناختن بپذیرنش.
با کمی جا به جایی و فشار اومدن به بافت مغز یک پدر میتونه به فرزند ۳ ساله ی خودش تمایل جنسی پیدا کنه و پرخاشگر بشه درحالی که تا اون زمان هیچ درکی نداشته از اینکه چطور یه بزرگسال میتونه به بچه ها تمایل داشته باشه چه برسه به پدر اون کودک! و به نظرش چنین افرادی کثیف و حال بهم زن و شهوت ران بودن. با این وجود یک تومور کوچیک توی مغز اون رو هم به یکی از همین افراد تبدیل میکنه.
اگه روح وجود داشت این اتفاق هرگز نباید با یه تغییر فیزیکی کوچیک رخ میداد درحالی که ما تو مذهب به این باور هستیم که روح انسان جوهره ی وجودیش و یک چیز ثابته و برای همین هم پس از مرگ مورد قضاوت و مجازات قرار میگیره. حالا این کتاب هم داشت سعی میکرد از طریق یک سری نکات علمی به روح باوری و ارتباط انسان با خدا برسه و من واقعا برام سخت بود باور اینکه افرادی هستن که سال ها تو زمینه ی مغز به اصطلاح مطالعه و تحقیقات داشتن ولی هنوز از کنار چنین مسائل مهمی میگذرن که مجبور نشن با حقیقت عقایدشون و ترسشون از فناپذیر بودن انسان رو به رو بشن.
حالا شاید در ادامه ی کتاب توضیحی اومده باشه که نشون بده درک من از نوشتار اشتباه بوده ولی به شخصه حاضر نیستم دیگه وقت بذارم.
دو ستاره هم برای این دادم که بالاخره یک سری نکته هم ازش یاد گرفتم پس ۱۰۰٪ هم بی خاصیت نبوده ولی کتاب های خیلی مهم تر و بهتری هستن برای خوندن و وقت و عمر محدوده. پس بیشتر از این خودمو درگیرش نمیکنم. 🤷🏻♀️
.
.
Dropped this book after listening to 35% of it.
I thought it was a book based on science but it's literally a spiritual book that is using scientific research as a way to back up spiritual and religious claims!
,_, constant contradictions and TERRIBLE reasoning got me really frustrated.
March 22, 2013
This book starts well enough, but as others have noted descends into a typical self-help book. The basic message is to think positively and to keep your mind open to new things.
The chapter of weight loss is particularly bad. It basically says that most people can't achieve good bodies (Odd in a book about being "super") and that if you only eat when you are actually hungry you'll lose weight. I had to check the copyright date after reading that crap. Yep, 2012. Apparently all the information that dietary science has dug up about low blood sugar and glycemic index completely passed the authors by. It's surprising to think that they believe the brain can be super but the body should just settle for mediocre. But less surprising is reading this chapter along with the rest of the book. They seldom talk about how one goes about making oneself super, but instead just settle on how to make yourself good enough. I'd be less disappointed if the book hadn't oversold itself with its title.
The chapter of weight loss is particularly bad. It basically says that most people can't achieve good bodies (Odd in a book about being "super") and that if you only eat when you are actually hungry you'll lose weight. I had to check the copyright date after reading that crap. Yep, 2012. Apparently all the information that dietary science has dug up about low blood sugar and glycemic index completely passed the authors by. It's surprising to think that they believe the brain can be super but the body should just settle for mediocre. But less surprising is reading this chapter along with the rest of the book. They seldom talk about how one goes about making oneself super, but instead just settle on how to make yourself good enough. I'd be less disappointed if the book hadn't oversold itself with its title.
June 19, 2015
Some years back my son told me I needed a Nintendo DS and the Brain Age game because I 'was getting old and was starting to forget things'. I wondered if this book would be more brain games and puzzles, and it did refer to those kinds of exercises but it also covered so much more. Instead of being just brain focused, it emphasized mindfulness and awareness and how they shape the brain, even evolving it to transform one's world and reality. In addition to general well being, the book presented steps to attaining specific goals such as weight loss and self healing, and avoiding harmful outcomes, such as memory loss and anxiety. I found it to be well organized and clearly written with goals expressed as a process of transformation instead of set destinations.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 11, 2013
The book provides a lot of information about how the brain works and amazing stories about how people recovered from brain injuries. Then it covered various topics like anxiety, depression, over eating, God, and on and on. It was like listening to a series of sermons and the actions for you to do are you control your mind and you take small steps to go from a bad state to a good state. While the mind is powerful, the answer to every problem isn't simply to think positive.
The only takeaway I got from this book is that we shouldn't underestimate the ability of the brain. As we get older, we commonly use the phrases "having a senior moment" or "my mind isn't what it used to be." The brain is a muscle. We have to eat healthy, exercise, and use the brain constantly to keep in good shape.
The only takeaway I got from this book is that we shouldn't underestimate the ability of the brain. As we get older, we commonly use the phrases "having a senior moment" or "my mind isn't what it used to be." The brain is a muscle. We have to eat healthy, exercise, and use the brain constantly to keep in good shape.
May 18, 2013
I gave this 3 stars because I did learn some thing like "maturity is a choice." Hmmm. And it supplemented meditation practice a bit. But maybe I am not completely ready for the message as it lost me a bit or it seemed to repeat itself or it wasn't all that new. I'm not sure but ready some of the other reviews, I don't feel so odd with having expectations that - for whatever reason - were not quite met.
May 21, 2014
This was a "deep" (excuse the pun!) book by DEEPak Chopra, but a lot of the book is relevant and interesting and not ALL of it was difficult to comprehend. AN insight into how the brain works, and CAN be modified by our conscious self-aware minds. Good read!
January 14, 2023
The book was released in 2012, so all reasearch based talk was almost a decade back but deepak chopra was well in to his style. Our Mind control the brain and not vice versha and if we can control mind and consciously, we can be happier is the main crux of the book. 3 stars.
August 3, 2019
Amazing book😍😍😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews