The author speaks with authority when he describes the working of the mind. Many of the other books I've been reading recently had mentioned the author's experiments on the hemispheres in the brain and how the mind works. Often, a primary researcher is not gifted at explaining, but Gazzaniga is.In the book he does cite an official definition of consciousness that states that there are over 10000 scientific articles about consciousness and none of them add to our understanding. Who we are and what we are is just not easily understood, but this book does bring me closer to understanding.The book also delves around a little with quantum physics and evolution. As usual, when an expert in another field, in this case neuroscience, and writes well in his own field, he writes even better when talking about other fields.The book won't appeal to someone who wants absolute answers, because the understanding of the questions he is addressing are still fuzzy. Anyone, whose interest about neuroscience has been aroused and wants to know more about the right left brain will enjoy this well written book. I found that I was familiar with most of the material already from some writers I've been following (Jonathan Haidt, Stephen Pinker...) but if you aren't and are interested in moral psychology, neuroscience, or even moral philosophy, this book is worth your time.The book is solidly put together from recent research, although, as I think some other reviews have said, since it's an attempt to bring together a lot of disparate research, it does tend to have a "kitchen sink" quality about it. It's not too technical, although it's based in scientific work, so you've got to expect to be patient with yourself and make an effor to understand what you're reading -- if you aren't already facile with such texts.It's a rich topic. I think it's worth making that effort, if not with this book then with one of the many others out there at the moment.
Do You like book Who's In Charge? (2011)?
Heavy on neuroscience, fairly light on the free-will question, but learned some interesting things.
—Ramah
Didn't clarify on free will like I thought he would. Got right up to the edge and did not jump...
—taf29
I specially recommend chapter 5 from this book for the wanted discussion about free will.
—sammyfufu17