Social: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Social containing key details about the book.
What is Social About?
"Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect" by Matthew D. Lieberman is a book that explores the science of social connections and the impact of social connections on our lives.
Social presents the discoveries that the young discipline of 'social cognitive neuroscience' has been exploring and fellow researchers have made. Using fMRI scanning and a range of other techniques, they have been able to see that the brain responds to social pain and pleasure the same way as physical pain and pleasure; and that unbeknown to ourselves, we are constantly 'mind reading' other people so that we can fit in with them.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Social
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* Our brains are wired for social connections: The author argues that our brains are designed to be social, and that social connections play a crucial role in our well-being and survival.
* Social connections impact our physical health: The author claims that social connections can have a positive impact on our physical health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and increasing life expectancy.
* Social connections impact our mental health: The author argues that social connections play a key role in regulating our emotions and mental health, and can protect against depression, anxiety, and stress.
* Social connections impact our cognitive abilities: The author claims that social connections can improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention, and can also slow down cognitive decline as we age.
* Social rejection has a negative impact on our well-being: The author argues that social rejection can have a negative impact on our well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.
* Technology and social media can impact social connections: The author claims that technology and social media can have both positive and negative impacts on social connections, and can either enhance or undermine our sense of connection and belonging.
* Overall, "Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect" provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of social connections in our lives and the impact that social connections can have on our well-being. The author provides practical tips and recommendations for building and maintaining strong social connections, and for fostering a sense of community and belonging in our lives.
Who is the author of Social?
Matthew Dylan Lieberman is a Professor and Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab Director at UCLA Department of Psychology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences.
Book details
- Print length: 382 pages
- Genre: Psychology, Nonfiction, Science
What are the chapters in Social?
Chapter 1 Who are we?
Chapter 2 The brain's passion
Chapter 3 Broken hearts and broken legs
Chapter 4 Fairness tastes like chocolate
Chapter 5 Mental magic tricks
Chapter 6 Mirror mirror
Chapter 7 Peaks and valleys
Chapter 8 Trojan horse selves
Chapter 9 Panoptic self-control
Chapter 10 Living with a social brain
Chapter 11 The business of social brains
Chapter 12 Educating the social brain
What is a good quote from Social?
Top Quote: “It’s hard to find meaning in what we do if at some level it doesn’t help someone else or make someone happier.” (Meaning) - Social Quotes, Matthew D. Lieberman
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “We are an intensely social species. Everyone knows that. But, from that basic truth, Matthew Lieberman mines a mother lode of insights that are both unexpected and genuinely worth using to better our lives.” — Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
