Incognito
A deep dive into the uncharted waters of the subconscious mind.
Summary of 6 Key Points
Key Points
- The Conscious vs. the Unconscious
- Hidden Brain Functions
- Autopilot mode: The Power of Habits
- The Morality Within: Our Built-in Compass
- Brain’s Adaptability
- Neurological Disorders and their Effects
key point 1 of 6
The Conscious vs. the Unconscious
The book suggests that our consciousness and unconsciousness are two interrelated but distinct entities, each with its own unique attributes and roles. The conscious mind is described as the ‘you’ that emerges from your brain, the thoughts and feelings you actively experience and have control over. It is deliberate, capable of forming logical reasoning and decisions based on available information. The unconscious mind, however, controls the bulk of our mental processes, including our instincts, habits and automatic responses, largely unbeknownst to our conscious selves…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 6
Hidden Brain Functions
Our brain is a complex organ, having both conscious and unconscious parts. The conscious part of our brain lets us reason, interact, and make decisions based on our immediate awareness. On the other hand, the unconscious part, otherwise known as the ‘hidden’ part, is responsible for automatic processes and reactions. This hidden part of the brain can handle millions of tasks every second, guiding our responses and behaviors based on our sensory inputs and internal state automatically and largely without our conscious awareness…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 6
Autopilot mode: The Power of Habits
The power of habits, or autopilot mode, is an idea that explores how our brain can perform tasks almost automatically over time. When we do something repeatedly, our brain starts to recognize the pattern and initiates a process called chunking. This process enables the brain to reduce the cognitive load by organizing information into a more manageable form. In other words, the brain turns a complex sequence of actions into a simple routine. For instance, after driving a car for years, we do not consciously think about every tiny step involved, such as putting on the seat belt, turning on the engine, and checking the mirrors. It all happens automatically…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 6
The Morality Within: Our Built-in Compass
The human brain, according to ‘Incognito’, is equipped with a built-in compass – a moral compass. This inherent moral sense is based on the complex neural networks in our brains. It’s an automatic system, guiding our understanding of right and wrong, before any conscious decision-making takes place. It’s like a background process in a computer, always running, always influencing our actions, even when we’re not aware of it…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 6
Brain’s Adaptability
The human brain is noted for its incredible adaptability, often referred to as plasticity. This refers to the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to experience throughout an individual’s life. The concept of plasticity suggests that the brain is not a static organ but is constantly being reshaped by learning and experience, which can include everything from mastering a new language to recovering from brain injury…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 6
Neurological Disorders and their Effects
In ‘Incognito’, the author delves into the profound ways in which neurological disorders can drastically alter a person’s behavior, perceptions, and identity. Neurological disorders, as presented, are not just medical anomalies but gateways to understanding the intricate workings of the human brain. The author uses real-life case studies to illustrate how particular disorders, such as Tourette’s syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease, provide insight into the modular organization of the brain and how different brain circuits can influence behavior and cognition in very specific ways…Read&Listen More