The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes the World

Our relentless drive to create makes us unique among living creatures. What is special about the human brain that enables us to innovate? Why dont cows choreograph dances? Why dont squirrels build elevators to their treetops? Why dont alligators invent speedboats?Weaving together the arts and sciences neuroscientist David Eagleman and composer Anthony Brandt explore the need for novelty the simulation of possible futures and the social components that drive the inventiveness of our species. Taking us on a tour of human creativity from Picasso to concept cars to umbrellas to lunar travel Brandt and Eagleman explore the cognitive software that generates new ideas and illuminate the key facets of a creative mentality. Through understanding our ability to innovate - our most profound mysterious and deeply human capacity - we can meet the challenge of remaking our constantly shifting world. Review The unaccountable jaw-dropping quality of genius -- GEOFF DYER ―ObserverMind-blowing revelations abound ―Financial TimesEntertaining and profound: page-turning neuroscience from a bit of a genius ―GuardianA lively exploration of the software our brains run in search of the motherlode of invention . . . Beautifully produced illustrated and written. [The Runaway Species] sweeps the reader through examples from engineering science product design music and the visual arts to trace the roots of creative thinking ―NatureA shining example of lucid and easy-to-grasp science writing ―IndependentA fun read by a smart person for smart people . . . It will attract a new generation to ponder their inner workings ―New ScientistPopular science at its best ―Boston GlobeAppealing and persuasive ―Wall Street JournalA beautifully illustrated deep dive into human creativity . . . This is a must-read for anyone with curiosity about the workings of the human mind ―WiredDavid Eagleman is a brilliant neuroscientist a bestselling author and a man of enormous discernment ―The Sunday TimesEssential and timely . . . a smart captivating book that will give you a prefrontal workout ―NatureThe posterboy of neuroscience with ideas that will stretch your mind ―ObserverThe rock star of neuroscience ―TelegraphEagleman has a talent for testing the untestable for taking seemingly sophomoric notions and using them to nail down the slippery stuff of consciousness ―New YorkerDavid Eagleman may be the best combination of scientist and fiction-writer alive -- STEWART BRANDDavid Eagleman is the kind of guy who really does make being a neuroscientist look like fun ―New York TimesApproaches creativity scientifically but sensitively feeling its roots without pulling them out ―EconomistEagleman provides an excellent overview of the workings of our most vital organ ―Sunday TimesBringing a storytellers articulate and fluid narrative to a scientists quest Eagleman dances across an incredible spectrum of issues ―Brainpickings Book Description A powerful exploration of human creativity from the international bestselling author of The Brain; the hottest thing in neuroscience - The Times About the Author David Eagleman PhD is a neuroscientist and internationally bestselling author. He teaches at Stanford University is the creator and host of the Emmy-nominated television seriesThe Brain and is the CEO of Neosensory a company that builds the next generation of neuroscience hardware. The author of seven other books he lives in Silicon Valley in California.Dr. Anthony Brandt is an internationally acclaimed composer and an Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Rice Universitys Shepherd School of Music. He is Artistic Director of the award-winning new music ensemble Musiqa which has performed free educational concerts for over 50000 students. He has co-authored two papers on music cognition and organized three international conference