The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind

Michio Kaku

Feb 2014 · Sold by Anchor

About this ebook

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The renowned theoretical physicist and national bestselling author of The God Equation tackles the most fascinating and complex object in the known universe: the human brain.

“Compelling…Kaku thinks with great breadth, and the vistas he presents us are worth the trip.” —The New York Times Book Review

The Future of the Mind brings a topic that once belonged solely to the province of science fiction into a startling new reality. This scientific tour de force unveils the astonishing research being done in top laboratories around the world—all based on the latest advancements in neuroscience and physics—including recent experiments in telepathy, mind control, avatars, telekinesis, and recording memories and dreams. The Future of the Mind is an extraordinary, mind-boggling exploration of the frontiers of neuroscience. Dr. Kaku looks toward the day when we may achieve the ability to upload the human brain to a computer, neuron for neuron; project thoughts and emotions around the world on a brain-net; take a “smart pill” to enhance cognition; send our consciousness across the universe; and push the very limits of immortality.

Ratings and reviews

The book gives a fascinating insight into what our mind is in different terms; biological, physical, psychological, etc. It forces the readers to contemplate and ponder personal existential questions. I would have rated this 5 if I understood 50% of it. I highly recommend this book to readers that feel the need to unlock the mysteries of why our we came to be the most dominant species on Earth.

I've seen some of Michio Kaku's videos and he does seem to be a bit firm on his beliefs, but I think he he does a great job with his beliefs in this book. Michio talks in depth of all possible effects of what happens if the mind is decoded. All his views have some back-up information to why his views are so, whether weak or strong arguments. His pattern is as so: 1st, he talks about a concept that would be a great advancement towards understanding the human mind. Then he explains what we already have today, and for the most part, he explains how some concepts of decoding the brain have already been complete on animals. Third, he explains what the future is for this brain-science technology. I was disappointed with his definition of consciousness, though I admit it is very difficult to come with a definition. His definition of consciousness does not seem to explain human thought. What it looks like he did is take a specific feature of the human mind, and say that is consciousness. He does a great job giving information of the technology and the "how" of them. My favorite part was the chapter of reverse engineering the brain, as well as the concluding chapter. Great read!

I immensely enjoyed reading it. The breadth of topics covered is panoramic.It neatly interweaves physics, biology, AI, neuropsychology etc., into a coherent texture. It is simply 'unputdownable'. I would give it 4.5 out of 5. I only wish such e-books are made less expensive & for e-books Canadian $ and US $ are treated at par. Just a wishful thinking of mine! Tushar Sarkar. [A retired prof & an avid reader.]

About the author

MICHIO KAKU is a professor of physics at the City University of New York, cofounder of string field theory, and the author of several widely acclaimed science books, including Hyperspace, Beyond Einstein, Physics of the Impossible, and Physics of the Future. He is the science correspondent for CBS's This Morning and host of the radio programs Science Fantastic and Explorations in Science.