Whole Brain Living

The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life

By: Jill Bolte Taylor PhD

Narrated by: Jill Bolte Taylor PhD

The New York Times best-selling author of My Stroke of Insight blends neuroanatomy with psychology to show how we can short-circuit emotional reactivity and find our way to peace.

For half a century we have been trained to believe that our right brain hemisphere is our emotional brain, while our left brain houses our rational thinking. Now neuroscience shows that it's not that simple: in fact, our emotional limbic tissue is evenly divided between our two hemispheres. Consequently, each hemisphere has both an emotional brain and a thinking brain. In this groundbreaking new book, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor presents these four distinct modules of cells as four characters that make up who we are: Character 1, Left Thinking; Character 2, Left Emotion; Character 3, Right Emotion; and Character 4, Right Thinking.

Everything we think, feel, or do is dependent upon brain cells to perform that function. Since each of the Four Characters stems from specific groups of cells that feel unique inside of our body, they each display particular skills, feel specific emotions, or think distinctive thoughts. In Whole Brain Living, Dr. Taylor shows us how to get acquainted with our own Four Characters, observe how they show up in our daily life, and learn to identify and relate to them in others as well. And she introduces a practice called the Brain Huddle--a tool for bringing our Four Characters into conversation with one another so we can tap their respective strengths and choose which one to embody in any situation.

The more we become familiar with each of the characters in ourselves and others, the more power we gain over our thoughts, our feelings, our relationships, and our lives. Indeed, we discover that we have the power to choose who and how we want to be in every moment. And when our Four Characters work together and balance one another as a whole brain, we gain a radical new road map to deep inner peace. This audio product contains a PDF with supporting material, and the PDF is available to download.

Stick to the science, skip Part 3

I really loved learning about the different aspects of the brain. I find this information actionable, insightful and helpful. I have already begun to use this information in my daily life. This book has valuable information in Parts 1-2.

However, I did not like the illustrations regarding how different characters approach things like the beach and dieting and I especially cringed at the chapter on generational differences. All of these illustrations are filled with uninformed stereotypes, broad generalizations, and clear author bias which is the opposite of scientific. In trying to apply these brain science concepts to cultural situations I lost confidence in the author’s authority and scientific basis. I don’t know what the takeaway is supposed to be from Part 3. I would skip all of these chapters as I don’t know what the point is and I found the broad generalizations offensive.

As a millennial (although I thought I was Gen X) very little of these assumptions apply. At the same time, I identify with many parts of even later generations illustrated here. I am in my mid-40s and not a “kid.” I finished college without owning a computer, not using email or the internet, and hand writing my papers, which I typed up in the computer lab.

Nonetheless, I now work for an infosec software company and I can tell you the reason why tech companies don’t require BA/BS is because it’s the skills that matter, not the pedigree. A degree doesn’t qualify you for a job many people wind up in careers far from whatever they studied in their early 20s, but along the way they learn a lot of applicable skills!

Beautiful

The perfect blend of science and spirituality. I highly recommend this book, as it’s such a helpful guide to understanding our thoughts and emotions. “We are feeling creatures who think.” My favorite line from this book! Thanks to Helen, Abby, Pig Pen and Queen Toad for your insightful contributions!

Happy in KY

Love this book! Fascinating description of 4 brain characters and how they interact with each other, with other people, and in various situations. Really enjoyed seeing how these characters influenced generations over the past 100 years. Tremendous insights gained plus guidance for incorporating into daily life.

life changing revelation

very happy with the insights Jill provides. understanding and embracing the contents of this book give the tools to live a better life and positively effect the world around you

Healing your brain

Thought-provoking, inspirational, and requiring Several readings to fully understand Particularly if one has experience brain injury. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.