Scatterbrain

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 Forgetting: Why You Won't Remember the Contents of This Book-Thereby Retaining the Most Important Information

Chapter 2 Learning: Why We Are Bad at Rote Learning, but Better at Understanding the World

Chapter 3 Memory: Why a False Memory Is Better Than None at All

Chapter 4 Blackout: Why We Choke under Pressure and the Secret Formula for Fending off Stage Fright

Chapter 5 Time: Why We Always Misjudge It-Thereby Forging Valuable Memories

Chapter 6 Boredom: Why We Have Trouble Switching Ourselves off-and How Daydreams Evoke the Muse

Chapter 7 Distraction: Why We Are so Flighty and Which Distractions Can Lead to More Creativity

Chapter 8 Mathematics: Why the Brain Calculates Best without Numbers

Chapter 9 Decisions: Why We Risk Too Much-and yet Still Choose Wisely

Chapter 10 Selection: Why Choosing Is Akin to Torture-Though We Still Manage to Select the Right Option

Chapter 11 Pigeonholing: How Prejudices Can Help Us, How They Can Harm Us-and How to Avoid Stereotypical Pitfalls

Chapter 12 Motivation: How Our Inner Critic Limits Us-and How We Can Inspire Others

Chapter 13 Creativity: Why We Can't Be Innovative at the Push of a Button-and yet We Always Have New Thoughts

Chapter 14 Perfectionism: Why We Need Mistakes in Order to Improve

Henning Beck received his PhD in neuroscience from the Graduate School of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, and holds an international diploma in Project Management from the University of California Berkeley. He is a frequent lecturer, workshop leader, science slam speaker, and consultant on topics such as neuroscience and creativity.

"Illuminating, and a joy to read, [Scatterbrain] offers, in comparison to other recent neuroscience titles, a refreshingly accessible and relatable take on the brain's inner workings that should appeal to both science buffs and casual readers."
-Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Scatterbrain is the perfect explanation for one's great achievements and an excellent excuse for those frequent mishaps."
-The Psychologist

"There are so many fascinating nuggets of information in this book... All in all, a romp of a read."
-Human Givens Journal

"Being scatterbrained has long been seen as a disadvantage, but as a neuroscientist, Henning Beck knows better. His engaging book will convince you that forgetting helps you remember and distractions can make you more creative."
-Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of TED's WorkLife podcast

"Beck is definitely a scientist of the people and his approach ensures that all readers can glean something intriguing from this book's pages."
-Booklist

"For anyone who has ever momentarily blanked on a name, choked under pressure, or kicked themselves for making a 'careless' mistake, you may now forgive yourself. With this insightful and accessible book, Beck humorously sledgehammers the notion that our brains are infallible."
-Zach Schonbrun, author of The Performance Cortex

"In an era of continuous self-optimization, Scatterbrain by German neuroscientist Dr. Henning Beck offers novel insights on our often self-defeating pursuit of perfection, and provides a roadmap to more creative thinking and better decision-making to realize one's full potential. A must-read!"
-Sandra Navidi, Founder and CEO of BeyondGlobal and author of $uperHubs