Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World

The renowned psychiatrist, author, and thinker Iain McGilchrist explores the profound differences between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and their effects on society, history, and culture in his book "The Master and His Emissary". He argues that the left hemisphere is increasingly taking precedence in today's world, despite its inferior grasp of reality, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 616 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2019
Publisher: Yale University Press

The brain, a complex organ responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and actions, is divided into two hemispheres: the right and the left. These hemispheres are responsible for different functions and play a crucial role in our cognitive abilities. Understanding the differences between the right and left hemispheres is essential for comprehending how we think, feel, and behave.

The right hemisphere is associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness. It is known for its ability to process visual information, recognize patterns, and solve problems. The right hemisphere is also responsible for our emotional expression, including empathy and compassion.

On the other hand, the left hemisphere is associated with logic, reasoning, and language. It is known for its ability to process verbal information, analyze data, and remember facts. The left hemisphere is also responsible for our analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The difference between the right and left hemispheres is not just in their functions but also in their wiring. The right hemisphere is connected to the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere is connected to the right side. This connection is known as the corpus callosum, which allows information to be transferred between the two hemispheres.

The right and left hemispheres are also different in their processing speed. The right hemisphere is known for its slower processing speed, which is why it is often associated with creativity and intuition. The left hemisphere, on the other hand, is known for its faster processing speed, which is why it is often associated with logic and reasoning.

The difference between the right and left hemispheres can have significant effects on our behavior and personality. Individuals with a dominant right hemisphere may be more creative, intuitive, and spatial, while individuals with a dominant left hemisphere may be more logical, analytical, and verbal.

However, the dominance of one hemisphere over the other is not absolute. Both hemispheres are capable of performing a wide range of functions, and individuals may exhibit a mix of both hemispheric traits.

The difference between the right and left hemispheres has been studied extensively in neuroscience and psychology. Researchers have found that certain activities, such as music and art, are more associated with the right hemisphere, while others, such as math and science, are more associated with the left hemisphere.

The difference between the right and left hemispheres can also have implications for our health and well-being. Studies have shown that individuals with a dominant right hemisphere may be more susceptible to certain disorders, such as schizophrenia, while individuals with a dominant left hemisphere may be more susceptible to certain disorders, such as dyslexia.

In conclusion, the right and left hemispheres are two distinct parts of the brain that play a crucial role in our cognitive abilities and behavior. Understanding the differences between these hemispheres is essential for comprehending how we think, feel, and behave. The dominance of one hemisphere over the other is not absolute, and individuals may exhibit a mix of both hemispheric traits. The study of the right and left hemispheres has significant implications for neuroscience, psychology, and our understanding of human behavior.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 145 x 216 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300245929
Edition number: 2 Revised edition