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Robert T. DeMoss - Brain Waves Through Time: 12 Principles for Understanding the Evolution of the Human Brain and Man's Behavior

Rarely do we know all there is to know about the underlying processes that influence our thinking, yet few of us question our thinking, and it is rare that we know when or where underlying premises came into existence. (p. 214)
You won't have to read anything more than what is contained on this page to figure out that I found Brain Waves Through Time to be a good book. Robert DeMoss is a psychologist who in this work has attempted to combine aspects of his professional experience with his readings of other scientific areas including brain research, anthropology, and human evolution. He weaves together topics that are normally kept separate. When he asked a professional expert in counseling psychology, 'how might complex emotional memories be stored in the brain?' and she responded with, 'how should I know?' he realized that a void existed between the two areas of scientific study. Not only did she not know the answer, but he didn't either and little has been done until recently to blend psychotherapy models together with physical brain research. His studies, although merely scratching the surface of what will likely prove to be an important area of research, are the foundation for Brain Waves Through Time.

Chapter One contains a good background discussion of the scientific method including the nature and purposes of theories. The book unfolds as DeMoss provides discussions that lead up to each of his "12 Principles". The principles involve brain evolution, the social environment in which the brain evolved, properties of our brains, development, learning, memory, emotions, and thinking. I found the coverage of the first half of the principles to be more interesting.

The second half of the book seems more "common sensical", however, many of the seemingly basic premises covered may germinate in the reader's mind for the first time upon reading. Thus, it is still an important read despite its non-earth shattering nature. Included in this section are many important ideas, lessons, and concepts for parents.

DeMoss points out several facts that are extremely useful to those seeking to improve themselves. For instance

we are far more likely to seek out evidence that supports what we already believe than to seek out or spot evidence that contradicts our beliefs. (p. 233)
Recognizing this is the first step we all must take if we are to create sounder philosophies and ways of looking at things that aren't immediately apparent in life.

The prose is clear and easy to read. Those with little or no science background should not be intimidated. DeMoss is an eloquent writer, and his word selection is excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by Brain Waves Through Time and you may be too.

Thinking about thinking is one of the best ways to spot errors in logic and generate alternative solutions. Focusing on our own thinking is also a means of improving it. Just as we can exercise our bodies, we can exercise our minds with good results. (p. 222)

Knowing that [our thinking is heavily biased within social settings] can increase our perceptiveness. Just knowing about various brain biases can improve our thinking... We can do a lot to counter our brains' built-in biases just by knowing those biases exist and deciding that countering them is important. (p. 224)

from the publisher:
In Brain Waves Through Time, Dr. Robert T. DeMoss takes us on a spellbinding journey through time and space to explore the age-old question: What makes humans unique? How have we reached our position of preeminence among all living plant and animal life, and what drove our ascent to this commanding place? How secure is our position? The answer revolves around the very essence of what makes us distinctly human--our brains.
"From the first page, I was hooked! Dr. DeMoss is a natural writer and storyteller. His personal stories and examples bring the book to life....Examines a subject that has been overlooked and misunderstood for too long. Dr. DeMoss is breaking new ground in exploring the evolution of the brain and changing human behavior. I recommend this book to everyone." -- Virginia L. Burgess, LISW, Ph.D.
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