Put simply, he claims that the two halves of the brain are used to engage with the world in two different, but essential, ways. In fact we can see that in the gross anatomy, but we’re also seeing it in the functions revealed through clinical experience (what changes for a person who loses the function of a certain part of the brain?), and through both neuroscience experiments and imaging work. He does make the claim that the two halves are NOT the same. Why is our cerebral cortex split into two halves with only a thin connection between the parts? Do the two halves do the same job? And if so, why have two halves to do the same job? This is no simplistic idea of “right brain versus left brain” however. The Master and His Emissary begins with a review of the science of the brain. Iain McGilchrist is trained in both the Arts and Science, having taught English at Oxford University and worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist. I haven’t rushed it, but I’m still a bit sad I’ve finished it. I’ve been busy underlining, making notes, looking up references and reflecting since I opened up this immense text. I can’t remember a time I felt so enthralled by a book as this one. I can’t remember a time I enjoyed a book more than this one. This is not only a brilliant and comprehensive work, not only utterly convincing and erudite, but it shines the bright light of understanding on so many aspects of life.
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