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Tales from Both Sides of the Brain A Life in Neuroscience
Michael S. Gazzaniga
Ecco, first paperback edition, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-06-222885-7 |
This autobiography will be of great interest for young neuroscientists as it describes the life journey of one of the most influential neuroscientists of the last 50 years. Indeed, many potential readers might already be familiar with Gazzaniga’s pioneering work on split brain patients. Regardless of how much you know about the author, this account won’t disappoint as it reveals personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped him into the researcher we know professionally. It begins with the author’s college days (where he started dabbling in research), traverses his immensely productive academic career, and ends with his thoughts and perspectives on how the brain might produce a coherent conscious experience.
Gazzaniga’s life journey is more hectic than the average scientist’s so I caution that the reader might find him/herself exhausted after reading the book. Nevertheless there is enough here to entertain as well as educate. For one, the author has always managed to surround himself with influential scientists, artists and personalities, thus adding flavor to his adventures. Incidentally, Gazzaniga is so generous with his praise of these characters, that it makes me wonder whether 1) he has truly managed to only surround himself with outstanding people, 2) has actively overlooked the less savory characters in his life, or 3) is naturally polite and diplomatic. But all that aside, perhaps more importantly for young students, this autobiography clearly demonstrates the importance of active networking at the academic front and unwavering family support at the home front in order for a scientist to reach his/her full potential. That alone should offer enough food for thought for any student contemplating a career in research.
