Unthinkable

Synopsis

'Wonderfully clear, fluent and eye-opening' THE TIMES

'A stirring scientific journey, a celebration of human diversity and a call to rethink the "unthinkable"' NATURE

'An utterly fascinating romp around the nether regions of the human mind' BIG ISSUE


IMAGINE . . . getting lost in a one-room flat; seeing auras; never forgetting a moment; a permanent orchestra in your head; turning into a tiger; life as an out-of-body experience; feeling other people's pain; being convinced you are dead; becoming a different person overnight.

Our brains are far stranger than we think. We take it for granted that we can remember, feel emotion, navigate, empathise and understand the world around us, but how would our lives change if these abilities were dramatically enhanced - or disappeared overnight?

Award-winning science writer Helen Thomson has spent years travelling the world tracking down incredibly rare brain disorders. In Unthinkable she tells the stories of nine extraordinary people. From the man who thinks he's a tiger to the doctor who feels the pain of others just by looking at them, their experiences illustrate how the brain can shape our lives in unexpected and, in some cases, brilliant and alarming ways.

Delving into the rich histories of these conditions, exploring the very latest research and cutting-edge medical techniques, Thomson explains the workings of our consciousness, our emotions, our creativity and even the mechanisms that allow us to understand our own existence.

Story by remarkable story, Unthinkable takes us on an unforgettable journey through the human brain. Discover how to forge memories that never disappear, how to grow an alien limb and how to make better decisions. Learn how to hallucinate and how to make yourself happier in a split second. Find out how to avoid getting lost, how to see more of your reality, even how exactly you can confirm you are alive. Think the unthinkable.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Illusion of Control

* Summary: We often believe we have more control over our lives than we actually do. This illusion can lead to overconfidence and a lack of preparedness for unexpected events.
* Example: A CEO who assumes their company is recession-proof and fails to plan for a downturn.

Chapter 2: The Limits of Predictability

* Summary: While we can make predictions based on past data, the future is inherently uncertain. Trying to predict everything perfectly is futile and can lead to wasted effort.
* Example: A meteorologist who tries to predict the exact path of every hurricane, only to be surprised when they deviate from expectations.

Chapter 3: The Power of Resilience

* Summary: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It is a key trait for navigating the uncertainty and complexity of life.
* Example: A person who loses their job but quickly finds a new one, thanks to their adaptable nature and positive attitude.

Chapter 4: The Importance of Improvisation

* Summary: Unpredictability requires us to be flexible and adaptable. Improvisation allows us to think on our feet and find creative solutions in challenging situations.
* Example: A musician who switches instruments mid-performance when one breaks.

Chapter 5: The Value of Curiosity

* Summary: Curiosity fuels our ability to learn and adapt. By asking questions and exploring new possibilities, we expand our knowledge and resilience.
* Example: A researcher who investigates a new technology, leading to a breakthrough discovery.

Chapter 6: The Dangers of Conformity

* Summary: Conformity can stifle creativity and innovation. By breaking free from the crowd, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and ideas.
* Example: A student who challenges a traditional belief system, leading to a paradigm shift in their field.

Chapter 7: The Power of Serendipity

* Summary: Serendipity is the art of finding valuable things accidentally. It occurs when we are open to unexpected experiences and make connections between seemingly unrelated events.
* Example: A chemist who discovers penicillin by chance while working on a different project.

Chapter 8: The Importance of Collaboration

* Summary: Collaboration allows us to pool our knowledge, skills, and perspectives. By working together, we can overcome challenges and achieve more than we could alone.
* Example: A team of scientists from different disciplines working together to develop a cure for a deadly disease.

Chapter 9: The Value of Diversity

* Summary: Diversity fosters innovation and resilience. By embracing different viewpoints and experiences, we expand our collective intelligence and adaptability.
* Example: A company that hires a diverse workforce, leading to increased productivity and reduced risk of groupthink.

Chapter 10: The Power of Uncertainty

* Summary: Uncertainty is not something to be feared. It is a fundamental aspect of life that can lead to growth and transformation. By embracing the unknown, we open ourselves up to new possibilities.
* Example: An entrepreneur who launches a new business despite not knowing exactly how it will succeed.