U.S. author & inventor
Digital computers, built with circuits a million times faster than the neurons in the brain, are still pathetically dumb in many ways. The reason for this is a basic difference in their organization: The mind has a parallel organization with hundreds of specialized processing modules simultaneously active. Since it is self-organizing, the mind is continuously adapting, modifying, and customizing its structure to deal with the individual's unique environment and challenges. If an additional need arises, a new special-purpose module will spontaneously organize to fill the gap. A never-ending evolutionary process keeps polishing the organization to fit the tasks at hand.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
Beyond the Conscious Mind: Unlocking the Secrets of the Self
Our own attitudes always seem OK because we use an attitude to judge itself. No matter how much misery our attitudes cause, we will always defend them.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
The Attitude Factor
The real way to live a long life is not by being a frightened and cautious victim but by living boldly and accepting the idea of taking reasonable risks.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
The Attitude Factor
If you believe in extrasensory perception, a call from a friend after you have thought about her is a confirmation of your powers. Such an experience feels truly amazing, but remember, the mind is very creative in finding patterns and connections; the mystical experiences that do click are the only ones we will notice and remember, while millions of other possible coincidences are ignored and forgotten.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
Beyond the Conscious Mind: Unlocking the Secrets of the Self
The mind uses considerable creativity in constructing a reality for us that makes sense.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
Beyond the Conscious Mind: Unlocking the Secrets of the Self
The same self-reinforcing tendency that perpetuates an attitude can also magnify attitude changes--particularly in the negative direction. A single bad experience can frighten you so that you get a negative feeling each time you encounter anything related to the cause of the bad experience.
THOMAS R. BLAKESLEE
The Attitude Factor