Book Review: The Elephant in the Brain

Book Author: Kevin Simler, Robert Hanson

This book is a blast.

They talk about how evidence points towards the concious mind being a press secretary for the brain – a rationalization machine – rather than a driver. Why would that exist? To enable self-deception by the subconcious mind.

It lets you do what is in your best interests while believing you are doing it for the noble reasons you espouse. A hilarious, terrifying, and quieting perspective.

They make a compelling case.

They show how this sort of deception shows up in our instition. For example, our health system and most health systems are 80% (making that up) kiss the boo boo rather than actual care. You could say emotional treatment is a kind of care but if that was the value prop surely there are less expensive ways to get it!

Highly recommend, it might help you check yourself and reflect on whether your actions truly back up what you state your intentions to be.