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On Being Certain: Believing You Are Right Even When You're Not Hardcover – February 5, 2008

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 268 ratings

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You recognize when you know something for certain, right? You "know" the sky is blue, or that the traffic light had turned green, or where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001--you know these things, well, because you just do.

In On Being Certain, neurologist Robert Burton challenges the notions of how we think about what we know. He shows that the feeling of certainty we have when we "know" something comes from sources beyond our control and knowledge. In fact, certainty is a mental sensation, rather than evidence of fact. Because this "feeling of knowing" seems like confirmation of knowledge, we tend to think of it as a product of reason. But an increasing body of evidence suggests that feelings such as certainty stem from primitive areas of the brain, and are independent of active, conscious reflection and reasoning. The feeling of knowing happens to us; we cannot make it happen.

Bringing together cutting edge neuroscience, experimental data, and fascinating anecdotes, Robert Burton explores the inconsistent and sometimes paradoxical relationship between our thoughts and what we actually know. Provocative and groundbreaking, On Being Certain, will challenge what you know (or think you know) about the mind, knowledge, and reason.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"On Being Certain challenges our understanding of the very nature of thought and provokes readers to ask what Burton calls “the most basic of questions”: How do we know what we know?”--Scientific American Mind

“In his brilliant new book, Burton systematically and convincingly shows that certainty is a mental state, a feeling like anger or pride that can help guide us, but that doesn't dependably reflect objective truth… In the polarizing atmosphere of the 2008 election, On Being Certain ought to be required reading for every candidate -- and for every citizen.”--ForbesLife

“What do we do when we recognize that a false certainty feels the same as certainty about the sky being blue? A lesser guide might get bogged down in nail-biting doubts about the limits of knowledge. Yet Burton not only makes clear the fascinating beauty of this tangled terrain, he also brings us out the other side with a clearer sense of how to navigate. It's a lovely piece of work; I'm all but certain you'll like it. “--David Dobbs, author of Reef Madness; Charles Darwin, Alexander Agassiz, and the Meaning of Coral

“Burton has a great talent for combining wit and insight in a way both palatable and profound.”--Johanna Shapiro PhD, professor of Family Medicine at UC Irvine School of Medicine

“A new way of looking at knowledge that merits close reading by scientists and general readers alike.”--Kirkus

“This could be one of the most important books of the year. With so much riding on ‘certainty,’ and so little known about how people actually reach a state of certainty about anything, some plain speaking from a knowledgeable neuroscientist is called for. If Gladwell's Blink was fascinating but largely anecdotal, Burton's book drills down to the real science behind snap judgments and other decision-making.”-- Howard Rheingold, futurist and author of Smart Mobs

“A fascinating read. Burton’s engaging prose takes us into the deepest corners of our subconscious, making us question our most solid contentions. Nobody who reads this book will walk away from it and say ‘I know this for sure’ ever again.”--Sylvia Pagán Westphal, science reporter, The Wall Street Journal

“Burton provides a compelling and though-provoking case that we should be more skeptical about our beliefs. Along the way, he also provides a novel perspective on many lines of research that should be of interest to readers who are looking for a broad introduction to the cognitive sciences.”--Seed Magazine

From the Back Cover

You recognize when you know something for certain, right? You "know" the sky is blue, or that the traffic light had turned green, or where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001--you know these things, well, because you just do.

In On Being Certain, neurologist Robert Burton challenges the notions of how we think about what we know. He shows that the feeling of certainty we have when we "know" something comes from sources beyond our control and knowledge. In fact, certainty is a mental sensation, rather than evidence of fact. Because this "feeling of knowing" seems like confirmation of knowledge, we tend to think of it as a product of reason. But an increasing body of evidence suggests that feelings such as certainty stem from primitive areas of the brain, and are independent of active, conscious reflection and reasoning. The feeling of knowing happens to us; we cannot make it happen.

Bringing together cutting edge neuroscience, experimental data, and fascinating anecdotes, Robert Burton explores the inconsistent and sometimes paradoxical relationship between our thoughts and what we actually know. Provocative and groundbreaking, On Being Certain, will challenge what you know (or think you know) about the mind, knowledge, and reason.

ROBERT BURTON, M.D. graduated from Yale University and University of California at San Francisco medical school, where he also completed his neurology residency. At age 33, he was appointed chief of the Division of Neurology at Mt. Zion-UCSF Hospital, where he subsequently became Associate Chief of the Department of Neurosciences. His non-neurology writing career includes three critically acclaimed novels. He lives in Sausalito, California. Visit his website at http://www.rburton.com/

“What do we do when we recognize that a false certainty feels the same as certainty about the sky being blue? A lesser guide might get bogged down in nail-biting doubts about the limits of knowledge. Yet Burton not only makes clear the fascinating beauty of this tangled terrain, he also brings us out the other side with a clearer sense of how to navigate. It's a lovely piece of work; I'm all but certain you'll like it. “

--David Dobbs, author of Reef Madness; Charles Darwin, Alexander Agassiz, and the Meaning of Coral

“Burton has a great talent for combining wit and insight in a way both palatable and profound.”

--Johanna Shapiro PhD, professor of Family Medicine at UC Irvine School of Medicine

“A new way of looking at knowledge that merits close reading by scientists and general readers alike.”

--Kirkus

“This could be one of the most important books of the year. With so much riding on ‘certainty,’ and so little known about how people actually reach a state of certainty about anything, some plain speaking from a knowledgeable neuroscientist is called for. If Gladwell's Blink was fascinating but largely anecdotal, Burton's book drills down to the real science behind snap judgments and other decision-making.”

-- Howard Rheingold, futurist and author of Smart Mobs

“A fascinating read. Burton’s engaging prose takes us into the deepest corners of our subconscious, making us question our most solid contentions. Nobody who reads this book will walk away from it and say ‘I know this for sure’ ever again.”

--Sylvia Pagán Westphal, science reporter, The Wall Street Journal

“Burton provides a compelling and though-provoking case that we should be more skeptical about our beliefs. Along the way, he also provides a novel perspective on many lines of research that should be of interest to readers who are looking for a broad introduction to the cognitive sciences.”

--Seed Magazine

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press; First Edition (February 5, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312359209
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312359201
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.15 x 0.99 x 8.13 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 268 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
268 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and well-written. They describe it as an interesting read with a thoughtful case. The author is good at explaining difficult concepts in plain English without dumbing them down. Readers appreciate the narrative, approachable writing style. However, opinions differ on the credibility of the book's main thesis and emotional nature of certainty. Some find the book provides strong evidence for the emotional nature of certainty, while others feel there are too many anecdotal examples and personal stories that make the case hard to follow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

36 customers mention "Insight"32 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's insights and find it informative. They appreciate the powerful ideas and broad implications of the thesis. The author does a great job of pulling together diverse topics that support his main point. The conclusions seem intellectually sound and interesting.

"...be true are NOT founded on reason or objectivity, but on a complex neurological process that works itself out largely outside our conscious awareness..." Read more

"...The second half of the book is a solid analysis of the factual content laid out in the first half, and provides some startling insights into what it..." Read more

"...In all, the book offers some fascinating insights as to how our brains and minds work and an astute reader can learn much from it." Read more

"...Burton uses very creative analogies, practical examples, and reader-friendly illustrations to convey the intricacies of what he is describing, and..." Read more

32 customers mention "Readability"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. They say it's well worth reading and provides powerful insights into how the brain functions and perceives the world. The personal tone at times makes the book enjoyable for readers.

"...Is the content interesting and well-supported? Yes, there are interesting ideas and (perhaps more importantly) the bringing together of ideas I'd..." Read more

"...knowledge that we have with regard to brain function and perception to good end...." Read more

"...(Strangers to Ourselves), I found Burton's book On Being Certain a riveting read...." Read more

"...Really, this is a quite interesting book with an interesting case that simply takes the author too many pages to make...." Read more

29 customers mention "Written content"21 positive8 negative

Customers find the book's content clear and easy to understand. They appreciate the author's clear explanations in plain English without dumbing down the material. The basic thesis is good, and the writing style is narrative and contemplative. Reader-friendly illustrations and practical examples help convey the concepts clearly. Overall, readers describe the book as an engaging read that is great for discussion with others interested in psychology, logic, or philosophy.

"...His writing is narrative, approachable and contemplative...." Read more

"...Is it well-written? Yes, this is a very fluently written book. Is the content interesting and well-supported?..." Read more

"...In his defense, the book was written for a more general audience and some background that might have been omitted might justify his positions...." Read more

"...problem, from a literary standpoit, is that the author takes a very long time to get to his point, beginning many chapters with something like: "I..." Read more

7 customers mention "Credibility"4 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the book's credibility. Some find it convincing, arguing that certainty is unintentional and the brain generates it. Others feel the examples are too numerous, the storytelling is less compelling, and the story-telling lacks ah-ha moments.

"...as he painstakingly builds a case about how and why the brain generates certainty...." Read more

"...too long to tell his stories, and I have found the story-telling to be a little less compelling that i would have liked." Read more

"...the heart of this book is that the feelings of knowing, correctness, conviction, and certainty aren't deliberate conclusions and conscious choices...." Read more

"...A lot of personal stories. Not too many ah ha moments." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2009
    Dr. Burton's book is one of the most extraordinary and valuable I've read. The depth and breadth of commentary it has generated by other readers is testament that you cannot read this book without having strong reactions, both intellectual and emotional.

    Dr. Burton, as alleged by other reviewers, neither "attacks science" nor argues that his is the last word on the neurobiology of certainty. Indeed, his postulation of a "hidden layer" (similar to Freud's "subconscious") and its machinations, while "believable," is still part of the great unknown of neuroscience.

    This is a book that invites the reader to challenge the author and him/herself about our judgments and beliefs. Some things, as the color of the sky, can be known with a high level of certainty; others, as whether an embryo is human, and when, not only cannot be known with objective, rational certainty, but may not be knowable in the sense that they can be proved using scientific methods. Although most of the judgments and values that become part of our "hard-wiring" (whether genetic or acquired) fall into the category of the unknown, unknowable, not-yet-known, or just plain inaccurate, we nevertheless "know" them to be true. Prayer cured my cancer. Politicians cannot be trusted. Organic foods are healthier. God wants me to kill infidels. Businesspeople are crooks. Your mother hates me.

    The essence of the argument: 1 - beliefs that we "just know" to be true are based (Burton persuasively argues but cannot yet prove, based on the current state of scientific knowledge) on a mental sensory function (NOT emotion) that the brain's "hidden layer" uses to determine when it has enough information to reach a conclusion; 2 - that however ardently we defend these conclusions to ourselves or others, these things we know to be true are NOT founded on reason or objectivity, but on a complex neurological process that works itself out largely outside our conscious awareness; and 3 - these things that we "just know" to be true persist even in the face of compelling contrary evidence. Our faulty memories are just the tip of the iceberg.

    Dr. Burton is a clinical neurologist, not a research scientist, and clearly a student of philosophy. His writing is narrative, approachable and contemplative. This book, he reveals late in the text, started out as a personal journal of discovery, and the final product reflects a disciplined intellect wrestling with a highly-personal and weighty question: how can I trust what I believe to be true? In light of how little we truly know about what Nobel laureate Gerald Edelman calls "the most complicated material object in the known universe," Dr. Barton's essay is a compelling contribution to our understanding of ourselves and our fellow, fallible mortals.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2009
    When I judge a non-fiction book, I look for three things:

    Is it well-written? Yes, this is a very fluently written book.

    Is the content interesting and well-supported? Yes, there are interesting ideas and (perhaps more importantly) the bringing together of ideas I'd read about elsewhere and examining the light and shadows they shed on one another.

    And finally, does the book change the way I view the world in some substantial way? In this case, I'll have to say, yes, sort of. In other words, the author has put into more concise terms ideas and notions I'd picked up other places (Steven Pinker, among others), and drawn a couple conclusions I hadn't reached, but with which I basically agree.

    Based on the answers to these three questions, I'd like to give this book 4 1/2 stars because the change to my world view was more a matter of bringing some stuff into focus than a matter of opening a new window. However, it's closer to 5 stars than 4, so I'm going with 5.

    I found it was very important to read the early part of the book carefully, even though it was largely setting up the arguments of the second half. In that part of the book, we meet people who experience a disconnect between what they "know to be true" and what logic and empirical observation tells them. For instance, the woman who can see that her heart is beating yet believes she is dead. And the man who knows and understands and accepts all the evidence of evolution, but chooses to be a creationist because he believes that to be true. And the man who agrees that the evidence is that the furniture in his room is the same as it ever was, but lacks the ability to know it is the same, and so believes it must be different. Some of these examples go by very quickly, and then are referred to later.

    The second half of the book is a solid analysis of the factual content laid out in the first half, and provides some startling insights into what it means to be certain of something (and also, what it does not mean). I suspect that this book will gradually change how I experience certainty in my own life, but I also suspect that will take some time. It's entirely possible that I will think this is a fully 5-star book a year from now, or that I will wish I had given it only 4 stars. All I know is that I am not certain how that will play out.

    In the meantime, it's a good book with lots of food for thought in it. Recommended as a fairly light non-fiction read.
    21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • javier
    3.0 out of 5 stars Contenido algo anticuado
    Reviewed in Spain on September 4, 2024
    Ha habido numerosos avances en la investigación acerca de la metacognición que no los recoge el libro. Está bien, pero desfasado.
  • The_price_of_bottled_water
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book deserves to be more widely known
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2021
    Very good book by a neurologist, on the sensation of certainty. I think I'll have to re-read in 6 months time to absorb all the messages, because contains main interesting insights and ideas.
  • Kindle-Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ich bin sicher: ein empfehlenswertes Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on April 27, 2012
    Robert Burton geht in seinem Buch einer nur scheinbar banalen Frage nach: Wie wissen wir was wir wissen oder besser: das wir etwas wissen? Ausgehend von der mentalen Befindlichkeit die jeder kennt, wenn etwas ihm Bekanntes ins Bewusstsein gerät, geht Burton dem Phänomen nach.

    Seine Überlegungen macht er an einleuchtenden Beispielen fest. Dabei wird klar: das Gefühl etwas zu wissen ist etwas, das von spezifischen Hirnregionen erzeugt wird. Es unterliegt keiner bewussten Kontrolle und ist deshalb etwas, dass wir nicht selbst erzeugen können oder einfach wieder verschwinden lassen können.

    Diese emotionale Einfärbung von Bewusstseinsinhalten (bekannt/ unbekannt, wissen/nicht wissen) ist elementarer Bestandteil unser Erfahrungswelt und wird vom Bewusstsein benötigt um über die eigenen Gedanken Klarheit zu erlangen, wie andere elementare Gefühle (Angst, Schmerz, Wut), ausgelöst über die Sinnesorgane durch äußere Faktoren, es ermöglichen, auf die Umwelt zu reagieren bzw. den Körper zu kontrollieren.

    Wie viele mentale bzw. sensorische Erlebnisse ist auch das Gefühl "Ich weiß es" für Fehler anfällig. Wer wäre sich einer Sache, einer Erinnerung nicht schon einmal absolut sicher gewesen, um dann durch die objektiven Fakten widerlegt zu werden.
    Was solche schönen Erkenntnisse wie: - "I am sure" is a mental sensation, not a testable conclusion - für Folgen für unser Denken, die Art wie wir Entscheidungen treffen hat, aber auch wie sie im Zusammenhang mit Glauben und Rationalität stehen, wird von Burton sauber hergeleitet.

    Die Erkenntnis, dass der überwältigende Teil unsere Impulse, Überlegungen, Handlungen und Entscheidungen unbewusst verläuft und nur ein geringer Anteil das Bewusstsein erreicht, leitet Burton wunderbar aus den vorliegenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen ab.
    Warum das sinnvoll für uns ist, aber auch welche Fallstricke in unserem Denken und Erleben das hat wird nach und nach erläutert. Das Entscheidungen die wir durch Intuition oder "aus dem Bauch heraus" treffen nichts Geheimnisvolles oder gar esoterisches anhaftet und auch keiner besonderen Art von Intelligenz oder anders gearteten Arbeitsweise des Gehirns erfordern, beschreibt der Neurologe anschaulich und überzeugend.

    Ein gut verständlich geschriebenes Buch, das klar strukturiert dem emotionalen Erleben unseres Denkens auf den Grund geht. Durchaus humorvoll, mit überzeugenden Beispielen versehen ist Burtons Buch ein außerordentlich lesbares Sachbuch das aus der Masse populärwissenschaftlicher Veröffentlichungen herausragt.
  • Eric Lawton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Certainty is chemistry
    Reviewed in Canada on November 1, 2008
    This book was full of 'ah ha' moments. Things which, once thought about, are surprising and important, but which in some ways are so obvious that they literally go without saying. So it is that being certain about something (or doubtful, for that matter) is akin to an emotional response to a belief - which in the end is a matter of brain chemistry. Although we sometimes become certain of something because we have weighed all the evidence, it can also be so just because we believed it for a long time, or heard from someone we trusted at the time or even just because we have a chemical imbalance in the brain (the lunatic who believes she is Napoleon). This is a scientific investigation of the nature of certainty, taking in neuroscience, evolution and literature. The book itself is literate and easily readable, although I found myself stopping and thinking every few sentences because of the implications and associations of each paragraph. This book is well worth reading two or three times.
  • Sreenithi
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth for the price
    Reviewed in India on January 9, 2022
    Price is very much high for the low quality book. Not worth it
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    Sreenithi
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth for the price
    Reviewed in India on January 9, 2022
    Price is very much high for the low quality book. Not worth it
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