Connections: The New Science of Emotion

It is difficult to describe this remarkable multi dimensional book by one of the pioneers of “ optogenetics”. Through a luminous prose he has crafted a unique work, deftly weaving compassionate descriptions of tragic neuropsychiatric case studies with cutting edge neuroscientific notions wrapped up with philosophical musings about the mysteries of the human mind. He asks questions about the nature of evil doing, of addiction, of self harm and free will. The lyrical poetry and profound insights that imbue the text, add aesthetic and philosophical dimensions to the complex scientific ideas he wishes to share. With rare emotional perspicacity for a man of science, he invites us to pore over the inner world of the mentally afflicted, in order to understand the cognitive dissonance and emotional upheaval they endure, while at the same time he speculates about the abnormal neurocircuitry in certain brain regions that cause such disorders.Optogenetic techniques are mind boggling in their applications. By transferring microbial opsin genes encoding light gated ion channels, delivered to various neurones, in order to convert light into electric energy. Laser light delivered through thin fiberoptics change the electric signs flowing through these modified brain cells thus altering emotions and behaviour. The other technology developed by the author is called hydrogel-tissue chemistry that allows the building of soft water polymers within cells and tissues transforming the opaque brain into a structure that facilitates the passage of light. Both techniques allow the observation of the brain intact. The techniques are still experimental and to my knowledge only used in animal experiments. They could be transferred soon to the realm of neuropsychiatry, though there is still a lot of work to identify the groups of neurones with their abnormal neuro circuits responsible for these various disorders. It is a pity that the author didn’t compare optogenetics to the other technique namely deep brain stimulation, through direct insertion of electrodes to control or modulate neurological activity in some brain regions. The technique was recently used to treat intractable depression and is already in use for controlling resistant epilepsy and abnormal movements disorders.To sum up an enthralling elegantly written text by a working clinician and Research neuroscientist, delving into the mysteries of the mind with concrete examples of abnormal human behaviour. This is a book that stimulates and delights. I suspect it won’t be too long before he earns a Nobel prize for his pioneering techniques.

An insightful, thought-provoking read, heightening awareness and understanding of peoples' challenges around me. At times gripping with real 'light bulb' moments. A book to reflect upon, return to and re-read.

Have this on Audiobook and was initially underwhelmed. Listening to it again and I am enjoying it more as first time it seemed to meander a bit too much.

It may be true that whatever reality turns out to be we live in a symbolic world subject to infinite interpretations depending on our purpose. Could optogenetics shine the light of understanding on how this works. A most stimulating informative and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

I found this book deeply enthralling and moving. As an experienced clinical psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor…. This is a book I will both treasure and pass on.Lyrical, pulling on so many areas of thought and knowledge, this is a book to dive into.

Found the prose and poetry labored at times. Struggled to get through some of the passages that seemed verbose and overly poetic. Enjoyed the research he shared (optogenetics) and his experiences as psychiatrist.

Connections: A Story of Human Feeling is a groundbreaking tour of the human mind, in which a renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist explores the biological and evolutionary origins of human emotions through poignant, and at times shocking, clinical stories. Karl Deisseroth has spent his life pursuing truths about the human mind, both as a practicing clinical psychiatrist and as a researcher who created the revolutionary field of optogenetics, which allows us to decipher the brain's inner workings using light. In Projections, he combines his groundbreaking access to the brain's inner circuitry with a deep empathy for his patients to examine what mental illness reveals about the mind and the origin of human feelings--how the broken can illuminate the unbroken. An internationally acclaimed professor of bioengineering and psychiatry at Stanford, Deisseroth's true passion is clinical psychiatry, and it is the stories of his patients that form the backbone of Projections. Through these case studies, he tells the larger story of how we can understand the physical and biological origins of human emotion in the brain.As such, he describes vividly how humans experience feelings both in the simple and ancient circuits of our brains and in the poignant moments of suffering in our daily lives. The stories of Deisseroth's patients are rich with humanity and shine an unprecedented light on the self and the ways in which it breaks down. A young woman with an eating disorder reveals how the mind can rebel against the brain's most primitive drives of hunger and thirst; while an older gentleman, smothered into silence by depression and dementia, illuminates how humans evolved to feel joy and its absence; and a lonely Uyghur woman far from home teaches the importance of rich social bonds. An illuminating and essential work, Projections transforms the way we understand the brain as a biological and as an emotional object. This a fascinating, accessible and lyrical book packed with intriguing information about how our feelings arise and the aspects that make up our emotions. It illuminates said emotions and mental illness through vivid and engaging case studies in order to hammer points home. Highly recommended.

I bought this book for Kindle and it appears to be the same as “Projections”, another book by the same author.Eu comprei esse livro para o Kindle e me parece ser igual ao livro “Projections”, um outro livro do mesmo autor.

An amazing book that delves deeply into the human condition. There are so many layers. The writing is magnificent. A rare sensitivity.So complex yet so simple and beautiful. Can be read by all.