https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_wishful_thinking_heal_your_brain
At face value, the therapeutic promise of neuroplasticity that Doidge describes is astounding. Chapter by chapter, he explains how we can apply light or electricity from outside or manipulate thoughts on the inside to treat chronic diseases, the kind that have been incurable or typically require heavy pharmacological or surgical intervention. It’s the kind of book that seems like a bull’s eye for many Greater Good readers.
But skeptical readers looking for good evidence must hunt for it amidst the narrative. Like a magician practicing redirection, Doidge distracts the reader from rather thin descriptions of the neuroscience with long-winded anecdotes. It left me wishing for just a good summary of the evidence, pro and con.
Neuroplasticity is real and the idea that you can wish yourself to be better has anecdotal evidence. But as Dr. McCoy noted more than once, even in the 23rd century we still won't understand how the brain truly works.
ReplyDeleteand we don't know why it doesnt work - something Doidge omits from discussion
ReplyDeleteIt's something fascinating. All those hidden potentials that we can't see, map, control or even properly analyze. Mah rabu ma'asecha.
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