An engaging introduction to the brain and the science behind human behavior.
A medical doctor offers a new paradigm for understanding human nature.
Just as physicists seek to unify the four fundamental forces of nature (strong, weak, electromagnetic, and gravity) into a singular theory, so too has Treviño-Peña, a medical doctor with research interests in brain physiology, formulated a unified theory of human behavior. In an extended analogy between the fundamental forces of physics and neuroscience, the author proposes four parallel human forces that interact to influence human behavior. The first, “affective force,” is tied to emotions; the author emphasizes that “humans are more passionate than they are rational.” Evolved out of a need to defend against potential threats, this force appraises incoming stimuli as “appetitive” (a positive stimuli one is instinctually drawn to) or “aversive” (a potential threat to be avoided). The second fundamental force, “cognitive force,” is tied to our ability to memorize, reason, and make sense of the conglomeration of knowledge we have accumulated over time. The book’s third force, “communicative force,” relates to humanity’s desire to build community, while the final “socio-environmental force” is connected to our “natural affinity to objects and living things.” This attraction could be social (such as friends), physical objects (from spoon collections to cars), or even abstract objects (from moral codes to racism). The author’s underlying purpose is twofold—he seeks to “simplify neuroscience,” specifically the amygdala, thalamus, cerebral cortex, and insular cortex, as well as to offer a scientifically informed self-help message so the reader “will start to reflect on the extremely powerful forces he or she possesses” to live healthier lives. Treviño-Peña has long embraced public health awareness campaigns, both in his private practice and in his nonprofit organization, the Social and Health Research Center. While the book’s science writing may be stilted at times, the author nevertheless excels at making the complexities of modern neuroscience both accessible and applicable to readers outside the medical profession and includes ample tables and diagrams.
An engaging introduction to the brain and the science behind human behavior.Pub Date: April 26, 2024
ISBN: 9798889823711
Page Count: 170
Publisher: Fulton Books
Review Posted Online: July 8, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A virtuoso performance and an ode to an undervalued medium created by two talented artists.
The veteran actor, comedian, and banjo player teams up with the acclaimed illustrator to create a unique book of cartoons that communicates their personalities.
Martin, also a prolific author, has always been intrigued by the cartoons strewn throughout the pages of the New Yorker. So when he was presented with the opportunity to work with Bliss, who has been a staff cartoonist at the magazine since 1997, he seized the moment. “The idea of a one-panel image with or without a caption mystified me,” he writes. “I felt like, yeah, sometimes I’m funny, but there are these other weird freaks who are actually funny.” Once the duo agreed to work together, they established their creative process, which consisted of working forward and backward: “Forwards was me conceiving of several cartoon images and captions, and Harry would select his favorites; backwards was Harry sending me sketched or fully drawn cartoons for dialogue or banners.” Sometimes, he writes, “the perfect joke occurs two seconds before deadline.” There are several cartoons depicting this method, including a humorous multipanel piece highlighting their first meeting called “They Meet,” in which Martin thinks to himself, “He’ll never be able to translate my delicate and finely honed droll notions.” In the next panel, Bliss thinks, “I’m sure he won’t understand that the comic art form is way more subtle than his blunt-force humor.” The team collaborated for a year and created 150 cartoons featuring an array of topics, “from dogs and cats to outer space and art museums.” A witty creation of a bovine family sitting down to a gourmet meal and one of Dumbo getting his comeuppance highlight the duo’s comedic talent. What also makes this project successful is the team’s keen understanding of human behavior as viewed through their unconventional comedic minds.
A virtuoso performance and an ode to an undervalued medium created by two talented artists.Pub Date: Nov. 17, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-26289-9
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Celadon Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
PERSPECTIVES
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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