Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Liveright (2016), Edition: 1, 320 pages
Description
An "exploration of the human psyche that shows us how the very purpose of the mind changes throughout the day. Indeed, as Gelernter explains, when we are at our most alert, when reasoning and creating new memories is our main mental business, the mind is a computer-like machine that keeps emotion on a short leash and attention on our surroundings. As we gradually tire, however, and descend the 'mental spectrum,' reasoning comes unglued. Memory ranges more freely, the mind wanders, and daydreams grow more insistent. Self-awareness fades, reflection blinks out, and at last we are completely immersed in our own minds"--Dust jacket flap.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bobbieharv
I read this book because I had bought it for a friend who works in this field. I'd read several reviews, most notably in the Wall Street Journal. I mention this because this review captured the essence of the book, making me wonder if I should have just sent my friend the review. The book was
But the basic theorem, that "mind" is a spectrum of states from the most rational through associative thought through hypnagagy and then dreaming, and that therefore a mere machine that has a true "mind" can never be created, was quite fascinating.
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brilliant, of course, but also a bit tedious for me - it felt repetitive, and (even though I'm a voracious reader) the ubiquitous literary quotes were, to my mind, unnecessary and somewhat tedious.But the basic theorem, that "mind" is a spectrum of states from the most rational through associative thought through hypnagagy and then dreaming, and that therefore a mere machine that has a true "mind" can never be created, was quite fascinating.
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LibraryThing member TobinElliott
DNF, so no rating.
There was nothing really wrong with this book. It simply wasn't scratching my itch the way I thought it would, so I decided to set it aside to read something else. But I also don't think I'll return to it. Just wasn't quite what I thought it would be, is all.
There was nothing really wrong with this book. It simply wasn't scratching my itch the way I thought it would, so I decided to set it aside to read something else. But I also don't think I'll return to it. Just wasn't quite what I thought it would be, is all.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
320 p.; 6.5 inches
ISBN
0871403803 / 9780871403803
Local notes
FB Birthday inscription on fly-leaf. Book cites many literary works.