In "The Mental Life of Modernism," Samuel Jay Keyser embarks on a groundbreaking exploration of the seismic shifts that redefined the essence of poetry, music, and painting at the dawn of the twentieth century. With scholarly precision and captivating prose, Keyser presents a compelling thesis: the radical transformations characteristic of Modernism stem not from the cultural upheavals traditionally cited, but from a profound cognitive evolution. Through a meticulous analysis, Keyser illustrates how the abandonment of rhyme and meter in poetry, the departure from tonal centrality in music, and the rejection of faithful representation in painting mirror the cognitive leap that propelled the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century. This book not only challenges conventional narratives that attribute Modernism to technological and psychoanalytical developments but also invites us to reconsider the roots of artistic innovation through the lens of cognitive science. Keyser delves deep into the notion that the stylistic innovations marking Modernism signify a departure from a "natural aesthetic" governed by universally acknowledged rules, towards a realm where creation is driven by "general intelligence" rather than innate predisposition. As artists ventured into uncharted territories, leaving behind the shared language of traditional forms, they initiated a cognitive shift that compelled audiences to adapt, engaging with art in fundamentally new ways. "The Mental Life of Modernism" is a riveting journey into the minds of artists at the forefront of this transformation, offering readers a novel understanding of Modernism as a reflection of the brain's limitless potential to redefine its perceptions and expressions. This work is an essential read for anyone seeking to unravel the complex interplay between cognitive processes and artistic innovation at one of the most pivotal moments in the history of art.