Neuroscience is a vast body of reasearch which looks into how our brain works and how it relates to what we do and who we are. In the last decade and more, a lot of funding has been poured into this and there has been quite impressive progress in the field. Now even some “big” questions have been tackled and if you want to be up to date with how scientists think we “work” as humans, you should read into this. Here are some books I recommend:

1. The blank slate by Steven Pinker. This book caused great outrage in the US, because it basically explains that humans are not born as a blank and they don’t become who they become due to culture and education. Rather, Pinker says, the most part of who and what we are comes with our genes, and this refers not only to our physical appearance. The book is great to read even if you already agree with this view, as it gives you a good overview of a) the arguments and b) the implications for vestern culture

2. Synaptic Self by Joseph LeDoux. This is about who are we? from a neurological point of view. There really is nothing more to say, except fo you know who you are and what the difference between you and your brain is?

3. Looking for Spinoza by Antonio Damasio. A book about what we feel, why we feel and what to do with that. This is one of the best writers in the field of neuroscience and the book will really help you understand yourself and your feelings so much better. Also very interesting for those who are curious about cognitive behavioural therapy and obviously for Spinoza fans