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The Master and His Emissary

The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World

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The Master and His Emissary

By: Iain McGilchrist
Narrated by: Dennis Kleinman
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About this listen

In a book of unprecedented scope Iain McGilchrist presents a fascinating exploration of the differences between the brain’s left and right hemispheres and how those differences have affected society, history and culture.

McGilchrist draws on a vast body of recent research in neuroscience and psychology to reveal that the difference is profound: the left hemisphere is detail oriented, while the right has greater breadth, flexibility and generosity.

McGilchrist then takes the listener on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from Aeschylus to Magritte.

©2010 Iain McGilchrist (P)2019 Tantor Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Inspiring Thought-Provoking Human Brain
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A highly enjoyable book that lays bear the conflicts of doing science on a brain when the brain is the one doing the science, and many other fascinating mysteries of being, in a clear and eloquent way.

Exceptional

A must read for anyone wanting to understand being

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Very deep and insightful. I painted the house in lockdown with it on audiobooks as I didn't believe I could read it slowly over days and keep the concentration on the subject as a whole. Odd part a little dull, otherwise exceptional book introducing why the brain does what, where it does it, and why. Very comprehensive.

Great book on the evolution of our brain

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An amazing book that will stay with me for my life.
Note on the narration (and possibly the complexity of the information) I had to listen on 0.8 speed as I found it too fast, not least the pauses between headings seemed to quickly blend into the content...

Excellent, with many ah-ha! Moments

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Definitely worth persevering through what is a long book that is somewhat epetitive at times.

Broad context across philosophy neuroscience medicine technology religion and medicine

Long but worth the effort

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A beautiful and important book. Sadly the narration lacks life, is full of mispronunciations and the emphasis often obscures the meaning. Regardless you should listen to it anyway!

Great book poorly read

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