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{{infoboxinfobox1
|title=Proust Was a Neuroscientist
|author=Jonah Lehrer
|reviewer=George Care
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=256
|publisher=Canongate Books
|isbn=978-1847677853
|website=http://www.jonahlehrer.com/
|videocover=1847677851|amazonukaznuk=<amazonuk>1847677851</amazonuk>|amazonusaznus=<amazonus>1847677851</amazonus>
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'Proust was a Neuroscientist' teems with ideas and makes demands upon the reader tying together unfamiliar themes in a manner which finds a parallel in the author's treatment of the music of Stravinsky. Yet it is mostly very clear in its exposition of complex physiology, although a glossary might have been usefully employed for physiological structures. Lehrer writes from a tradition which includes William James, and of course his brother, the esteemed novelist Henry. Pluralism and pragmatism, Rorty and Wittgenstein are all positively appraised. Dissecting self-awareness, as in his chapter on Virginia Woolf has harrowing aspects, however, two factors make this a thoroughly engaging read; it's energetic pace and its provocative style. For instance, Lehrer doesn't mention that Woolf was a victim of child abuse and this will have deeply traumatised her lonely sense of herself. However, being moved to sometimes argue with an exposition does not make it any the less valuable experience.
There is a growing interest; it would seem in both Proust and in neuroscience. In Nicholas Carr's 'The Shadow landsShallows', he poses the question whether new internet technology etc. and how it actually changes the brain. Merzenich and Kandel have both emphasised the plasticity of the organ. As we get more adept at scanning and highlighting in the new media, we are also damaging our ability to read, concentrate and thoughtfully reflect. The implication for child development adds to such concerns, as Maryanne Wolf has pointed out in 'Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain'. This being an investigation into word poverty and dyslexia; learning literacy for which there seems to be little in built genetic planning. Hence, this short and accessible book of Jonah Lehrer is a valuable contribution to this debate and the fascinating discussion about how truth is variously constructed and validated in science and in literature.
Many thanks to the publishers, Canongate, for sending this copy to Bookbag.
[[How Pleasure Works: The New Science of Why We Like What We Like by Paul Bloom]]
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