nonfiction reading list

17Nov08

“I am doing this in honour of Kathy Acker.
I am doing this because it is good for my brain.
You must read a brilliant book called The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge and published in the UK by Penguin.
In effect, neuroscience is proving what contemplatives have known for centuries – that the brain can be re-wired, that it is not a computer made of meat – that we can change ourselves and our circumstances. This isn’t new-age ballyhoo; it’s brain facts, and well worth a look, even if all you want to do is feel better about getting older. The best thing for the brain is a steady supply of new challenges that demand complete focus. Then it has to jazz up. The worst thing for the brain is doing the same stuff all the time. Then it closes down and gets lazy. Most of the problems we associate with old age seem to be just problems of not using the brain in the way it is designed to be used.
So, motorcycle training is very good because it demands absolute concentration – if not, you die, and it involves mental and physical coordination. It is also slightly uncomfortable. As I have been saying for years (she said smugly) it is better to live with some discomfort – to put yourself out there, on the edge a little, not go for the easy options.
Looks like modern life is terminally bad because it is passive, depressing, repetitive, and heads always for ease and convenience, plus loads of pointless stress. BAD BAD BAD! Now neuroscience will tell you why.”

via Sex Geek