AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean
Everything You Know About Phineas Gage Is Wrong
Jul 11, 2023
Phineas Gage's story challenges misconceptions as he demonstrates resiliency and overcomes trauma. The podcast explores his life in Chile, his declining health and behavioral changes, and his lasting impact on neuroscience and the understanding of the brain's connection to personality and self-identity.
19:27
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Phineas Gage's case challenges our understanding of the brain's ability to heal and adapt after a traumatic brain injury.
- Gage's life story has been distorted over time, and his personality changes may have been a result of his brain's healing and plasticity.
Deep dives
The Life-Changing Accident of Phineas Gage
Phineas Gage, a construction foreman in 1848, survived a traumatic brain injury when a 13-pound iron rod pierced his skull. Contrary to popular belief, Gage did not become a psychopath or criminal after the accident. Instead, he recovered and resumed a somewhat normal life, though his personality did change. His case, widely studied in neuroscience, challenges our understanding of the brain's ability to heal and adapt.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode