Talking Heads

By: Shane O'Mara

Published by Penguin Random House, 2024-08

<p><b>From neurons to nations, <i>Talking Heads</i> is a stunning survey of the science of human connection and communication.</b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>'Delightfully well-written'</b><i>IRISH TIMES</i><br> <br> <b>'Intriguing ... Makes for an enjoyable read'</b> <i>NEW SCIENTIST</i><br> <br> <b>'Full of good stories'</b> <i>TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT</i><br> <br> <br> <br> Talking to each other is a primal behavior. It's a key part of what makes us human. Yet the science of human connection has largely remained a mystery. Only recently have scientific advances allowed us to peer into the purpose of conversations and uncover their extraordinary impact.<br> <br> <br> <br> In this groundbreaking book, the first of its kind written by a leading neuroscientist, Professor Shane O'Mara expertly reveals how talking affects all our lives. What does it mean that we mostly think, and speak, in five-minute bubbles around the present moment? Is the fact that we instinctively trust what others say empowering or a hindrance? And how do our very nations begin as conversations?<br> <br> V Moving from the personal to the social and ultimately towards an urgent and radical new perspective on the defining phenomenon of our times, populist nationalism, <i>Talking Heads</i> is the story of how conversation shapes us and constructs our worlds - and how, together, we can talk our way into a better tomorrow.</p>