Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 2,558 ratings

Price: 20.44

Last update: 09-02-2024


About this item

Most of us have no idea what’s really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know - like the need for physical activity to get your brain working its best. How do we learn? What exactly do sleep and stress do to our brains? Why is multi-tasking a myth? Why is it so easy to forget - and so important to repeat new knowledge? Is it true that men and women have different brains? In the New York Times bestseller Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina, a molecular biologist, shares his lifelong interest in how the brain sciences might influence the way we teach our children and the way we work. In each chapter, he describes a brain rule - what scientists know for sure about how our brains work - and then offers transformative ideas for our daily lives. Medina’s fascinating stories and infectious sense of humor breathe life into brain science. You’ll learn why Michael Jordan was no good at baseball. You’ll peer over a surgeon’s shoulder as he proves that most of us have a Jennifer Aniston neuron. You’ll meet a boy who has an amazing memory for music but can’t tie his own shoes. You will discover how: Every brain is wired differently. Exercise improves cognition. We are designed to never stop learning and exploring. Memories are volatile. Sleep is powerfully linked with the ability to learn. Vision trumps all of the other senses. Stress changes the way we learn. In the end, you’ll understand how your brain really works - and how to get the most out of it.


Top reviews from the United States

Brandy Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars Unveiling the Marvels of the Mind: My Journey with "Brain Rules" by John Medina
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the inner workings of the brain with "Brain Rules" by John Medina. As someone utterly captivated by the mysteries of our gray matter, diving into this book felt like unlocking a treasure trove of knowledge and insights that I never knew I needed.

What truly sets "Brain Rules" apart is Medina's knack for making neuroscience not only comprehensible but downright captivating. With his engaging storytelling and relatable anecdotes, he transforms daunting scientific concepts into riveting narratives that you'll find yourself eagerly devouring, page after page. It's like having a fascinating conversation with a brilliant friend who happens to be a neuroscientist.

But beyond the sheer fascination, "Brain Rules" offers something even more valuable: practical wisdom that you can apply to your everyday life. Whether it's discovering the transformative power of exercise on cognition or understanding how stress impacts our ability to learn, Medina arms you with actionable insights that can truly make a difference. Suddenly, those sluggish mornings or moments of mental fog start to make sense, and you feel empowered to take charge of your cognitive well-being.

What I love most about "Brain Rules" is its heartfelt emphasis on the human element. Through Medina's anecdotes and reflections, you get a glimpse into the profound impact that understanding our brains can have on how we navigate the world around us. From fostering curiosity to nurturing emotional stability, these are not just academic pursuits but fundamental aspects of what it means to be human.

In the end, "Brain Rules" isn't just a book; it's a journey of self-discovery and wonder. It's about unlocking the potential of your mind, embracing your innate curiosity, and finding joy in the intricate dance of neurons firing. So, if you're ready to embark on a voyage of exploration into the depths of your own consciousness, I wholeheartedly recommend joining Dr. Medina's expedition through "Brain Rules." Your brain—and your soul—will thank you for it.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book - Worth the Time to Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022
Brain Rules by John Medina attempts to systematically define the limits of the human brain, thereby creating a foundation for understanding ourselves as well as our potential to learn, grow, and adapt. In the book’s twelve chapters, he guides us through twelve “rules,” each one scientifically based and backed with ample research. It’s true that some of his early chapters introduced ideas about the brain that were familiar: most notably that our brains evolved and are wired differently, and that stress and sleep deprivation negatively impact brain function. However, his insight on exercise, vision, memory, music, and gender provided plenty of insight to consider.

I recognize in Medina’s research and writing a willingness to accept distinctions and variations outside of science. For example, his comments on sleep as well as stress acknowledge outliers that defy patterns in science. How much sleep does each person need? It depends. How much stress produces behavioral and neurological changes? It depends. With each topic of consideration, he seems aware of the beauty of individuality, which makes each human unique. The fact that he preserves this wonder at how humanity functions is nice in a scientific paradigm.

Further, Medina concludes his book with a chapter on “Exploration,” a simply fantastic invitation to engage in the process of learning, reminding us of our own journey through his prose. The book concludes by reminding us of the necessity of curiosity. To be curious and to create environments that prioritize the brain (and its functions) should be the highest goal of educators and business leaders: a laudable goal, indeed.

I applaud Medina’s ability to make the neuroscience coherent and readable, as well as practical. Additionally, I appreciate the implications for both business and education, both spheres of influence that could benefit from reconsideration of modern practices and norms.

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