Richard Restak's The New Brain

The New Brain by Richard Restak is book generically discussing the human brain and its functional development. Restak is a neurosurgeon and popular science writer focuses on new technology for examining the physiology of the brain. He discusses things such as MRI and how it allows us to monitor and control a wide range of activities than was formerly possible before. It is an interesting read however I was not keen on it. To me personally reads more like a series of unconnected, popular media articles. It was in a sense short its potential. Throughout the book I found some interesting facts but many of Restak's suppositions were a bit weak in terms of interest. Restak's frequently draws possibly incorrect causal inferences from an order of events or statistics. Basically he states that because of one thing …show more content…
Restak asks the very common question of nature vs. nurture. The world’s most controversial debatable topic. "Are the brains of skilled musicians different as a result of their years of intense training, or did those differences exist prior to their taking up music?" One page later he concludes that the talents of "highly skilled musicians aren't inherited but result from many years of practice and performance." Saying that musical abilities aren't inherited based on one case of improvement where training takes place is a bit much. I think yes, in any case really, talents and skills are always developing its part of growth, however I do strongly believe in the idea of a natural ability and that some are just good at things because it can come natural for them. For example, though I did have years of practicing, I believe that I was a good softball player. I do not necessarily say that I’m good after years of practicing but also because of my natural love for the sport. The practice just benefited me because it allowed me to become a more diverse