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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Subliminal summary
How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior
31 mins
Brief summary
"Subliminal" by Leonard Mlodinow is a fascinating exploration of the unconscious mind and how it shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making. It challenges the notion of free will and highlights the role of biases and influences in our daily lives.
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Subliminal
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Key idea 1 of 14
Many theories tried to explain the unconscious mind but modern technology finally revealed its complexity.
For millennia, philosophers have speculated about the nature of the unconscious mind.
For example, in the 1700s Immanuel Kant proposed that our mind does not experience objective reality, but rather that it creates its own version.
Then, in 1900, Sigmund Freud postulated an interpretation of the unconscious mind that became very popular. Freud said that the unconscious is often unnatural and unhealthy due to our repression of incestual attraction and painful memories.
Yet this view didn’t stand up to scientific rigor as it was mythical, dream-like, irrational and, as a theory, highly unreliable.
As it was so hard to unlock the secrets of the unconscious mind, later research moved away to other areas. Many scientists began to argue that humans were like animals: complex yet predictable machines with brains like computers.
However, by the 1980s new research had re-ignited our interest in the unconscious. And at the same time new technology finally enabled us to map the brain’s organization and activity.
Technology called functional magnetic resonance imaging has allowed neuroscientists to scan the brain's blood flow changes and structure with 3D precision. From the activity of nerve cells and the oxygen consumption of research subjects performing tasks, mental processes can be linked to specific neural pathways.
With this information we can make great strides in explaining the unconscious.
We know of the brain’s three interdependent layers. The deepest and oldest is “reptilian” – responsible for tasks like breathing, eating and the fight-or-flight instinct. We share it with reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish.
Over this part sits the more sophisticated “old mammalian” or limbic system, responsible for unconscious social perception and behaviors.
Above this is the neocortex, which promotes goal-related actions and conscious thought. It also deals with the unconscious processes of rendering vision and precise motor movements, such as fingers and facial expressions. We humans have this part in abundance.
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What is Subliminal about?
Subliminal (2012) shows us as we are, under the bonnet. It’s about how the unconscious mind is in charge, working away like an efficient yet imperfect machine, while we go on with our lives unaware. The reader finds studies, examples and anecdotes about the peculiarities of the unconscious mind, such as the pitfalls of memory recall, choosing a mate, buying a stock or scheduling a project. These are mined from historical events, science experiments and the authors’ own experiences, as well as from his friends in the scientific community.
Subliminal Review
Subliminal (2012) by Leonard Mlodinow is a fascinating exploration of the hidden forces that shape our behavior and perception. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Uncovering the unconscious mind's influence on our everyday lives, it offers a fresh perspective and deepens our understanding of human behavior.
- By revealing the power of our subconscious, the book empowers readers to tap into their hidden potential and make positive changes.
- Through a blend of scientific research, real-life anecdotes, and thought-provoking examples, Subliminal captivates readers with its insights and keeps them engaged throughout.
Who should read Subliminal?
- Anyone aiming to improve their social skills or persuasiveness
- Anyone who always wanted to know the causes, benefits and flaws of the subliminal mind
- Anyone interested in neuroscience or social psychology
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Subliminal FAQs
What is the main message of Subliminal?
The main message of Subliminal is that our unconscious minds play a powerful role in guiding our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
How long does it take to read Subliminal?
The reading time for Subliminal varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Subliminal a good book? Is it worth reading?
Subliminal is a fascinating read that challenges our understanding of the mind. It offers eye-opening insights into the power of the subconscious. Worth reading!
Who is the author of Subliminal?
The author of Subliminal is Leonard Mlodinow.
What to read after Subliminal?
If you're wondering what to read next after Subliminal, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam
- Abundance by Deepak Chopra
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
- Super Brain by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi
- Psychological Types by Carl Jung
- Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
- The Brain Sell by David Lewis
- Unconscious Branding by Douglas van Praet
- How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz
- Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway