Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

Price: $31.00 - $17.99
(as of Jan 18, 2025 04:20:55 UTC – Details)



NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A life-altering journey through the science of neuroaesthetics, which offers proof for how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the arts—and how this knowledge can improve our health, enable us to flourish, and build stronger communities.

“This book blew my mind!”—Angela Duckworth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit

A BLOOMBERG BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • Finalist for the Inc. Non-Obvious Book Award and the Porchlight Business Book Award

What is art? Many of us think of the arts as entertainment—a luxury of some kind. In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross show how activities from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture, and more are essential to our lives.

We’re on the verge of a cultural shift in which the arts can deliver potent, accessible, and proven solutions for the well-being of everyone. Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. They expand our understanding of how playing music builds cognitive skills and enhances learning; the vibrations of a tuning fork create sound waves to counteract stress; virtual reality can provide cutting-edge therapeutic benefit; and interactive exhibits dissolve the boundaries between art and viewers, engaging all of our senses and strengthening memory. Doctors have even been prescribing museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and many other physical and mental health concerns.

Your Brain on Art is a portal into this new understanding about how the arts and aesthetics can help us transform traditional medicine, build healthier communities, and mend an aching planet.

Featuring conversations with artists such as David Byrne, Renée Fleming, and evolutionary biologist E. O. Wilson, Your Brain on Art is an authoritative guide to neuroaesthetics. The book weaves a tapestry of breakthrough research, insights from multidisciplinary pioneers, and compelling stories from people who are using the arts to enhance their lives.

From the Publisher

Seth Godin says a groundbreaking book on the science behind humanity, joy, and creativity.Seth Godin says a groundbreaking book on the science behind humanity, joy, and creativity.

Charles Duhigg says will change how you think about the creative world—both around and within you  Charles Duhigg says will change how you think about the creative world—both around and within you

Angela Duckworth says this book blew my mind. Angela Duckworth says this book blew my mind.

Richard Louv says mind-bendingRichard Louv says mind-bending

David Byrne says proof that art, especially art in community, is transformative beyond measureDavid Byrne says proof that art, especially art in community, is transformative beyond measure

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House (March 21, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593449231
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593449233
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.37 x 1.04 x 9.42 inches

Customers say

Customers find the book’s research informative and meaningful. They describe it as a brilliant, understandable review of the neuroscience behind artistic and aesthetic feelings. The book explores the value of art for the brain, body, and soul, and how it improves wellness. Readers praise the writing style as well-written, easy to read, and science-based. They appreciate the author’s ability to connect with others and build community through storytelling. Overall, customers describe the book as an engaging, fun read with compelling stories.

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