The Believing Brain
From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies
How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths
Michael Shermer

Times Books/Henry Holt and Company
May 2011/ ISBN 978-0-8050-9125-0
Nonfiction/ Science
Amazon

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

Author Michael Shermer’s new book, The Believing Brain, is part science and part opinion. He examines the uniquely human belief system, and attempts to explain in plain English the science behind how our brains work. He devotes quite a bit of the book to his theory that beliefs come first and the reasons for them come later. I found this book to be a challenge to read because it can be rather dry. That said, I also didn’t want to put it down because I was learning a lot and examining my own beliefs.

Shermer puts a lot of credence in scientific studies and plainly states his own doubts, or even disbelief, about anything supernatural or otherworldly. His own beliefs seem to be strictly based on science as he interprets beliefs in God, ghosts, Politics, and Conspiracies as indicated in the subtitle of this book.

This is not an easy read, but it is worth the time and effort for those seeking to learn more about the brain and about their own belief system. -“The Believing Brain-” even offers the reader a lesson on how to test a conspiracy theory, using the 911 “truthers” as an example.

While this book won’t be for everyone, it is good for those who prefer to read nonfiction, and those with a science based education or work experience. It is for adult readers or mature teens simply because it is such a serious subject matter and tackles subjects that younger people shouldn’t have to concern themselves about. It is a tough read, but very intelligently written and per my own experience, it is best absorbed with just a chapter or two at a time. If you have an inquiring mind and want to learn more about the brain, this book is for you.