It was overwhelming!, 20. März 2008

Since I am pretty interested in neurology, this book was an enrichment for me. He describes the circuities in the brain in a simple and understandable way, thus it is no requirement to have a great neurology knowledge. Of course, it is more enlightening when you know a lot about how your brain and your nervous system works. But as I have already mentioned, it can also be read by readers who are just interested in this subject. The writing style of V.S. Ramachandran is also very inviting and amusing.However, buy it and enjoy it.

      Inspiring, 17. Februar 2007

In "Phantoms in the Brain" the neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran and the science writer Sandra Blakeslee combine two very different issues in an amazing way: Philosophy from the far east and contemporary brain research. Eastern philosophy tells us that our self is just an illusion, while brain research suggests that we have already made a decision before we are aware of it. Thus, we would act fully deterministically. Although I rather believe in the arguments Roger Penrose had risen in his wonderful books "The Emperors New Mind" and "Shadows of the Mind" pointing out that there must be something indeterministic going on in our minds because of Goedel's theorem of incompleteness, "Phantoms" was very pleasant to read. There are many arguments I share, e.g. that a good part of our self is just a social illusion of how we like to be regarded by others. Although the authors are very speculative in several issues in which they are not experts (e.g. schizophrenia), their ideas are very stimulating and the volume is one of several popular science books I'm glad to having read.

       Closeness to Spirituality, 19. März 2000

Recent trends of neurology being close to spirituality as reflected in the works of Sir Charles Sherrington, Gray Walter and others finds a new perspective in this book. Ramachandran has hinted at this closeness at various places of his book and gives a clue that the day is not far when many spiritual problems of man can be found to have a deep relation with his neurological constitution.

Its refreshing to see a new light thrown on this subject. Ramachandran joins class with very few who endeavoured to join this quest. This book is a must for all who want to probe into the deeper truths of life.

       The best popular neurology book, 14. März 2000

I read this book at a clip of several hundred pages per day. It beats most fiction for excitement and provides the impetus to read more in neurology. Neurology is truly a science and this book asks the right questions about consciousness, perception, and mental "health." I have cleaned out the library shelves on neurology and only wish there were more books like this one. The section on body image is particularly interesting--could the technique described in this book be used to help treat eating disorders and the like? It also provides a fresh perspective on the much-discussed dual-brain theory. Enjoy.

       Challenge your image of self, 23. Februar 2000

This book was not only informative in a scientific sense, it was fascinating on a personal level. There are so many things about the brain, and hence the self, that remain mysterious. This book delves into some of the more puzzling aspects of the brain. One will come away with a child's sense of wonder at all of the new and thought provoking information contained within this book. I recommend it to anyone with scientific curiousity, or to those searching for the "self".