Short description:

The book describes the scientific underpinnings of human behavior and values.Through the retelling of fascinating clinical stories of people with neurological conditions, this book explores the parts of the brain that allow humans to thrive as social and creative beings. 

Long description:

Mysteries of the Social Brain describes the scientific underpinnings of human behavior and values. Through the retelling of fascinating clinical stories of people with neurological conditions, this book explores the parts of the brain that allow humans to thrive as social and creative beings. The authors reveal the relevance of our brain circuits to our well?being?and the well?being of our societies?and show what happens when changes in our brain circuitry drive changes in empathy, altruism, moral beliefs, and creativity.

By integrating perspectives from neurology, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, the stories in this book offer novel insights into the inner workings of the social brain and reveal groundbreaking findings from work in frontotemporal dementia, emotion, and the science of human values. This book showcases the novel discovery that creativity can emerge when there is decline in the brain?s language systems, a finding that highlights the robust, yet underappreciated connections between science and art. Readers will learn about the biological basis of social behavior as well as simple steps that they can take to improve the functioning of their own social brains.

Miller and Sturm take us on an engaging dive into the field of behavioral neurology and neuroscience, exploring what we can learn from people with neurological conditions, and revealing the ways that neuroscience can change societies for the better. It will captivate general readers as well as clinicians and scientists who are interested in human social behavior, cognition, and emotion.

Like the best thrillers, Mysteries of the Social Brain is a true page-turner?taking us deep inside the tantalizing complexities of our remarkable brain and revealing how our neural circuitry makes us who we are. These are, yes, stories of great loss, but they also end up being testaments to the resiliency of the human spirit.

--Josh Kornbluth, Monologuist & Filmmaker

Mysteries of the Social Brain takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the complexities of human behavior and the brain. This book brilliantly illuminates how our brains shape empathy, fairness, creativity, and self-awareness. A masterful blend of science and storytelling, it offers deep insights into what makes us uniquely human. It is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the mind and the science behind our social nature. 

--Facundo Manes, MD, PhD, Neurologist, National Deputy of Argentina

Dr. Bruce Miller's profound passion, intrigue, and unwavering dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the human brain have not only transformed our understanding of neurological disorders but have also brought comfort to countless individuals and families worldwide, including mine. Previously, I viewed frontotemporal dementia through a lens of only tragedy and ugliness. Dr. Miller's work has reshaped my perspective, allowing me to take a step back to see that resilience, originality and sometimes brilliance can also co-exist within this complex diagnosis. His insights have opened new doors of possibility, inspiring hope, wonder and more compassion in the face of neurological challenges.

Mysteries of the Social Brain explores human behavior and creativity, comparing the functions of a healthy brain to one affected by disease. This understanding helps restore a sense of humanity to Dr. Miller?s patients?a humanity often diminished by society due to their disease. This is something only Dr. Miller could achieve.

--Emma Heming Willis, Frontotemporal Dementia Advocate

Fascinating! Patient stories enhanced with clinical notes bring the importance of the social brain to light. The neuroscience of social behavior?described through circuitry, structures, and related experiences?spotlights the transformative role the social brain has on individuals as well as on caregivers, family, friends, and the global community. I want to cultivate these neural networks within my own brain! This book gave me the understanding and tools to do it.

--Susan Schneider Williams, Artist and Advocate

Table of Contents:

Prologue. Introduction. Chapter 1. Anatomy of the Social Brain. Chapter 2. Fairness. Chapter 3. Empathy. Chapter 4. Respect. Chapter 5. Self-Awareness. Chapter 6. Openness. Chapter 7. Creativity. Chapter 8. Cultivating the Social Brain. Epilogue. Glossary.