The Wisdom Paradox
The Wisdom Paradox
Elkhonon Goldberg
Nassim Taleb
I am now spoiled; I need more essays by opinionated, original,and intellectual, contemporary scientists. - Nassim Taleb
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The Wisdom Paradox

The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older

Elkhonon Goldberg
By
Elkhonon Goldberg
3.9
232
ratings on Goodreads

In the enlightening exploration "The Wisdom Paradox," Elkhonon Goldberg, a world-renowned neuropsychologist, offers a fresh and optimistic perspective on the aging brain. Challenging the common fears of mental decline, Goldberg presents compelling evidence that while certain cognitive abilities may wane with age, the mind simultaneously flourishes in its capacity for wisdom. This intriguing paradox reveals that aging does not diminish the mind's power but rather, enhances its ability to draw upon a lifetime of knowledge and experience for swift and effective decision-making. Through a blend of neurobiological insights and historical anecdotes, Goldberg unravels the complex evolution of the brain as it navigates the passage of time, emphasizing the increasing value of generic memory over singular memory in the cultivation of wisdom. Goldberg's narrative delves deeply into the mechanics of memory, distinguishing between the singular memory of specific facts and the generic memory of broad patterns. As we age, our reliance shifts from the declining singular memory to the robust and unaffected generic memory, a repository of patterns and experiences that empower us to solve problems with an ease and speed that eludes our younger selves. "The Wisdom Paradox" not only demystifies the neurobiology behind this shift but also celebrates the late-life achievements of artists and leaders who reached the pinnacle of their wisdom in their later years. Goldberg's work is a testament to the brain's remarkable adaptability and the unexpected gifts of aging, offering a hopeful and empowering vision of the mind's potential as we grow older.

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Released
2005
1 Jan
Length
292
Pages

1

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I am now spoiled; I need more essays by opinionated, original,and intellectual, contemporary scientists. - Nassim Taleb
— Elkhonon Goldberg, The Wisdom Paradox

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