We often believe we are in control of our actions, but the brain makes decisions well before we consciously realize them. Conscious control is more of a post-rationalization. 	“Our brains decide for us, then tell us what they decided.”

The Illusion of Conscious Control

Zombie systems refer to automated brain functions that occur without conscious awareness, like heart regulation or digestion. These systems keep us alive without us having to think about it. 	“Much of what keeps you functioning is entirely invisible to your awareness.”

The Concept of “Zombie Systems”

Our sense of self is deeply tied to brain function. Brain injuries or disorders can dramatically alter a person’s personality, raising questions about the nature of identity. 	“What you call ‘you’ is a shifting amalgamation of brain processes.”

The Complex Relationship Between Brain & Identity

Perception is not a direct reflection of reality but a brain-generated model based on sensory input. The brain fills in gaps, sometimes distorting what we see, hear, or feel. 	“We don’t see reality as it is; we see an edited version that our brain constructs.”

The Neuroscience of Perception

The brain is a complex organ with processes that run automatically, often bypassing conscious input. These mechanisms influence everything from breathing to problem-solving. 	“We are not consciously aware of the majority of what our brain does.”

The Brain’s Hidden Mechanisms

Our brain processes data and makes decisions subconsciously before the information reaches our conscious mind. This process makes our reactions faster but less reasoned. 	“Your brain has already made its decision before you realize it.”

Decision-making at the Subconscious Level

Different parts of the brain control different functions, creating mental compartmentalization. This means various mental activities can run simultaneously, often without us noticing. 	“Your brain is like a team of rivals, with different modules competing for control.”

The Brain’s Compartmentalization

Our brains are riddled with biases that shape our thinking, perceptions, and decisions. These cognitive shortcuts often lead to irrational behavior or flawed judgments. 	“Our brains aren’t wired for objectivity; they are wired for survival.”

Cognitive Biases & Their Impact

While we like to believe we are in full control of our choices, much of our decision-making is influenced by subconscious factors, limiting the extent of our free will. 	“Free will is a bit of a misnomer—it’s more like ‘free won’t,’ the ability to veto.”

The Limitations of Free Will

Eagleman discusses how understanding the brain can influence criminal justice, rehabilitation, and societal structures. If people’s actions are shaped by unconscious processes, how should responsibility be assigned? 	“When we better understand the brain, we can reshape law and society to be more just.”

Implications for Law & Society

There is a looming chasm between what your brain knows and what your mind is capable of accessing.

Intuition often feels like a “gut reaction,” but it’s based on subconscious pattern recognition. While it can be useful, intuition can also lead to errors in judgment, especially in unfamiliar situations. 	“Intuition is a double-edged sword—powerful, but prone to error.”

The Fallibility of Human Intuition

Memory is unreliable and often reconstructive, meaning we actively rewrite our past experiences. This explains why two people can recall the same event differently. 	“Memory isn’t a perfect recording but a re-edit every time we recall it.”

Memory & Its Faulty Nature

Our brains are like icebergs—most of what happens is below the surface. The unconscious mind is responsible for many actions, thoughts, and behaviors, operating without our conscious awareness. 	“The conscious mind is like a stowaway on a transatlantic steamship, taking credit for the journey.”

The Role of the Unconscious Mind

Much of our daily life operates on autopilot. Repetitive actions like walking, driving, and even certain thought patterns are handled by well-established neural pathways. 	“You can drive a car without thinking about the act of driving.”

How We’re Wired for Automaticity

Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter that drives pleasure, reward, and reinforcement. It plays a major role in addiction, motivation, and the pursuit of goals. 	“Dopamine pushes you toward what your brain perceives as rewards, sometimes at your own expense.”

The Role of Dopamine in Behavior

9.	Dopamine Drives: Motivation and addiction stem from dopamine pathways.	10.	Free Will Limited: Much of our control is influenced by subconscious forces.	11.	Identity and Brain: Brain function deeply impacts self and personality.	12.	Social Implications: Brain science can reshape law and societal structures.

The brain constantly balances the logical, reasoning part with instinctual drives, often leading to internal conflicts. This tension can manifest in decisions driven by both rationality and emotion. 	“We are creatures of both logic and instinct, with a tug-of-war constantly occurring.”

The Battle Between Reason & Instinct

1.	Unconscious Power: Most brain functions operate beneath awareness.	2.	Automaticity: Many daily actions happen on autopilot.	3.	Decisions Pre-Made: The brain decides before conscious awareness kicks in.	4.	Bias-Driven: Cognitive biases shape perception and decisions.	5.	Memory is Faulty: Memory is reconstructive, not a perfect recording.	6.	Zombie Systems: Automated processes keep us alive without effort.	7.	Distorted Reality: Our perception is a brain-constructed model.	8.	Gut Reactions: Intuition can mislead in unfamiliar situations.

Discover how your brain’s hidden mechanisms control your thoughts, actions, and decisions.

If the conscious mind—the part you consider to be you—is just the tip of the iceberg, what is the rest doing?   In this sparkling and provocative new book, the renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate surprising mysteries: Why can your foot move halfway to the brake pedal before you become consciously aware of danger ahead? Why do you hear your name being mentioned in a conversation that you didn’t think you were listening to? What do Ulysses and the credit crunch have in common? Why did Thomas Edison electrocute an elephant in 1916? Why are people whose names begin with J more likely to marry other people whose names begin with J? Why is it so difficult to keep a secret? And how is it possible to get angry at yourself—who, exactly, is mad at whom?   Taking in brain damage, plane spotting, dating, drugs, beauty, infidelity, synesthesia, criminal law, artificial intelligence, and visual illusions, Incognito is a thrilling subsurface exploration of the mind and all its contradictions.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

marketingandsales

Marketing & Sales

books

Books

product

Product & Design

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

David Eagleman is an internationally bestselling author, a TED speaker, and a Guggenheim Fellow. He teaches neuroscience at Stanford University and is CEO of a neurotech startup, Neosensory. At night he writes. His books have been translated into 33 languages.

DAVID EAGLEMAN

Similar ideas

A healthy mind keeps a good grip on fear

MINDSET OF SUCCESS

Knowing what to do is easy