How Your Brain Works book cover

How Your Brain Works by New Scientist Summary

How Your Brain Works
New Scientist
3.91 (346 Reviews)
Science
Psychology
Education
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of How Your Brain Works

Explore the most complicated object in the universe - your brain. New Scientist's definitive guide reveals how technology lets us peer inside minds and potentially control them. What secrets of consciousness, emotions, and intelligence await inside your own head?

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Key takeaways

1

The Three-Pound Universe Inside Your Skull

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What if I told you that the most sophisticated object in the known universe weighs less than a bag of sugar and consumes about as much energy as a dim lightbulb? Your brain-this seemingly unremarkable pinkish blob-orchestrates everything from your heartbeat to your dreams, houses 86 billion neurons forming trillions of connections, and somehow transforms electrical impulses into the rich tapestry of human experience. It reads these words, recalls your childhood, plans your future, and creates the miracle of consciousness itself. Yet for most of human history, we dismissed it as mere blood-cooling apparatus. Understanding how this extraordinary organ works isn't just academic curiosity-it's the key to unlocking human potential, addressing mental illness, and perhaps even understanding what makes us uniquely human.

2

From Ancient Nerve Clusters to Modern Masterpiece

3

The Architecture of Thought

4

The Fragile Foundation of Who We Are

5

Intelligence, Emotions, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

6

The Grand Illusion of Consciousness

7

Your Brain's Operating Manual

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How Your Brain Works isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Science. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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Top 7 Insights from How Your Brain Works in a Nutshell

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
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