“The Private Life Of The Brain” is a novel by a research neurologist at Oxford University and director of Britain’s Royal Institution Susan Greenfield. It can be described as a correspondence between how physiology and life experience are interconnected to define an individual. 

Greenfield begins the book with outlooks on the structure and anatomy of the human mind and an overview of neurotransmitters, children’s behavior, psychoactive drugs and neural growth. She distinguishes the physical workings of the brain, and amplifies the notion that designated areas of the brain are responsible for distinct functions or feelings –– alternately, we should analyze how discrete portions of the brain are unanimously working in constant effect. 

She also makes compelling claims about how peculiar environments during adolescents and adulthood create a “personalization of the brain.”

The book itself helps you understand the contentious agreement between nature vs nurture, and also provides an eye-opening background and understanding of brain physiology.

Greenfield creates an illuminating art piece, where she personally guides you with the restful brushstrokes of her words and ideas. This shifting between alternate ideas isn’t what makes the book so intricate, but rather showcases the intricacy and vulnerability of the human brain.

“It is in early childhood that experience has its most dramatic effects in determining our world view. Throughout life we constantly modify our outlook and expectations, shifting the furniture around in the room, purchasing new items, and throwing out the old.” Greenfield wrote.

Greenfield’s constant ideas, that consciousness isn’t created until certain associations in life are in place and while a child is immersed with emotions, they moderately dilute by a growth and concomitant of inner control. I strongly believe that the interaction of self and the outside world is the highlight of this novel. 

I believe Greenfield wanted to spread a masked note towards the average person. layperson. She wanted to help readers understand and be aware of the areas they submit themselves into because it will afflict your emotions and consciousness indefinitely.  

Although it contains technical detail and provides a sense of physiological acuity, this novel is an entrancing, ravishing and remarkable composite of ideas that will really make you think of how intricate the human mind is, and how easily consciousness can be altered.