The Owner's Manual for the Brain (4th Edition)

the importance of maintaining one’s general good health: eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle, getting sufficient sleep, having maximum exposure to natural sunlight and fresh air, having at least one intimate, satisfying relationship, being a lifelong learner, minimizing the stress in your life, making progress toward a meaningful goal(s), being of service to others, developing your spiritual (or meditative, quiet) self, and having employment that builds on your strengths.

Few minds wear out; more rust out.”

—Christian Nestell Bovee

Peter has opened the gate for this edition, and his research associate, Cole Hager, has guided me sensitively through the process. Thanks, team!

gratitude to my agents, Ray Bard of Austin, Texas, and Melissa Chinchillo of Fletcher and Company, New York, for placing this fourth edition in the lap of Peter Hubbard, executive editor at William Morrow.

I have relied on a research team to help me prepare this edition: Dr. Pam Ey, senior research coordinator; Dr. Mark Ardis, medical research advisor; and Ms. Monica Vergara, education research advisor.

For example, don’t just go to a “motivation” workshop; find out whose theories or work the session is based on

The book is designed to be something of an encyclopedia or resource book of application ideas

You will gain insights into improving your personal effectiveness without having to wade through the tedium of academic detail

research-and-development professionals.

this book is for people who want to use their heads.