Dee Joy Coulter has done a tremendous service in writing this very readable and helpful book that will I am sure will be enjoyed by both scientists and regular folks. Original Mind presents an overview of human development In a rich, authentic, and useful way. The author harvests knowledge from the cutting edges of neurology and human development as well as from her own extensive hands-on experience as an educator to give us a thoroughly fascinating and useful map of the way nature and nurture each contribute to the development of the human brain, stage by stage, from birth through old age.
WOW! I feel as if I have a much clear picture of what it means to be a human being now: the potentials and the challenges and the process of natural maturation. I also have a deeper than ever appreciation of the importance of creating nurturing environments for children and young adults at every stage so that they will have a real chance to develop into fully happy, functional adults.
I came away with deep compassion for those individuals whose brain development needs were not met at various stages of their lives and the hardships that this has caused them. (very common in our world)
There are also many straight forward, simple strategies that one can undertake in order to bring more creativity, joy, clarity of thought, and emotional balance into their own life. I personally found it quite helpful to be able to see so many of my own limitations through the lens of normal skill development. And then to be presented with strategies to simply improve the skills that were somewhat lacking.
I wish everyone involved in education would read this book. Including politicians who write laws regarding the health, education, and treatment of children. Our science has come so far now that we have a much, much better understanding of how the brain develops and what is needed to support it. Dr. Coulter shows us this in abundance. As a society, we would do well to make this knowledge wide spread and to apply it in order to have a happier and healthier world.
When I finished Original Mind I was so convinced that this was a monumentally important book for anyone involved in self development that I actually took the time to read the whole thing out loud to a blind friend. WHEW! That was a project. But worth it. My friend is just thrilled. Which definitely says something about the book because I am not a great reader. (Personal note to Dr. Coulter: PLEASE make a professional audio version for those of us whose only time to read is in the car!)
Which reminds me that Dr. Coulter has a great 1 hour interview/podcast (free) at Soundstrue.com. If you are considering purchasing this book there is probably no better way to get a good feel for the material than to listen to that interview. It is splendid.
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