The Man Who Tasted Shapes

The Man Who Tasted Shapes

Richard E. Cytowic

Publisher: Bradford BookFormat: Paperback

In 1980, Richard Cytowic was having dinner at a friend's house, when hishost exclaimed, "Oh, dear, there aren't enough points on the chicken." With thatcasual comment began Cytowic's journey into the condition known as synesthesia.Theten people in one million who are synesthetes are born into a world where onesensation (such as sound) conjures up one or more others (such as taste or color).Although scientists have known about synesthesia for two hundred years, until nowthe condition has remained a mystery. Extensive experiments with more than fortysynesthetes led Richard Cytowic to an explanation of synesthesia—and to a newconception of the organization of the mind, one that emphasized the primacy ofemotion over reason.Because there were not enough points on chicken served at adinner almost two decades ago, Cytowic came to explore a deeper reality that hebelieves exists in all individuals, but usually below the surface of awareness. Inthis medical detective adventure, he reveals the brain to be an active explorer, notjust a passive receiver, and offers a new view of what it means to be human—a viewthat turns upside down conventional ideas about reason, emotion, and who we are.*Not for sale in the United Kingdom and Eire

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