In 'Livewired', David Eagleman delves into the dynamic and adaptive nature of the human brain, highlighting its ability to reconfigure itself in response to environmental stimuli. The book covers a wide range of topics, including synesthesia, dreaming, and wearable neurotech devices that revolutionize how we think about the senses. Eagleman also introduces his concept of 'liveware' and discusses how the brain's adaptability can lead to remarkable feats, such as a blind person learning to 'see' with their tongue or a deaf person learning to 'hear' with their skin. The book is praised for its accessible and engaging writing style, making complex neuroscience accessible to a broad audience.
In this book, renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman delves into the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate its surprising mysteries. He explores various aspects such as why your foot can move before you are consciously aware of danger, the brain's role in decision-making, and the implications of unconscious processes on our understanding of free will and the justice system. The book covers a wide range of topics including brain damage, dating, drugs, beauty, infidelity, synesthesia, criminal law, artificial intelligence, and visual illusions, making it a thrilling subsurface exploration of the mind.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with neuroscientist, bestselling author, and PBS presenter Dr. David Eagleman. They discuss brain plasticity, how perception works, whether free will exists (and if it’s superordinate), how willingness to engage with higher entropy indicates sophistication of thought, and the preconditions for forming a Ulysses contract.
Dr. David Eagleman is a neuroscientist at Stanford University and an international bestselling author. He is co-founder of two venture-backed companies, Neosensory and BrainCheck, and he also directs the Center for Science and Law, a national nonprofit institute. He is best known for his work on sensory substitution, time perception, brain plasticity, synesthesia, and neurolaw. He is the writer and presenter of the international PBS series, “The Brain with David Eagleman,” and the author of the companion book, “The Brain: The Story of You.” He is also the writer and presenter of “The Creative Brain” on Netflix.
This episode was filmed on January 13th, 2025.
| Links |
For David Eagleman:
On X https://x.com/davideagleman
On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davideagleman/?hl=en
Website https://eagleman.com/
Read his most recent book: “Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain” https://a.co/d/cBY6tGx
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 
