Talking Heads, Shane OMara
Talking Heads, Shane OMara
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Talking Heads
The New Science of How Conversation Shapes Our Worlds

Author: Shane O'Mara

Narrator: Shane O'Mara

Unabridged: 7 hr 38 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/03/2023


Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

Language and talking is part of what makes us human. It forms the basis of all our lives.

Every day we speak to ourselves and to each other, about ourselves and about others. Whether ruminating on a past event alone or gossiping with a group of friends, we move through life in a state of near-constant chatter - even during those moments we profess to wanting nothing more than some peace and quiet.

So, why do we do it, and what purpose does talking serve? In this paean to conversation, neuroscientist Shane O'Mara encourages us to marvel at our brains distinct mechanisms for communicating. In the process, he reveals how our unique ability to remember and, critically, our instinct to share memories fashions the world as we know it: a complex social world born out of thoughts and feelings, modified by the stories we tell about ourselves and others, divided by constructed borders and shared cultures, and propelled forward by our longing for a better, alternative tomorrow.

Talking Heads is a deep dive into the science of how we talk, why we speak to each other, and what happens when we do. From neurons to nations, this is the story of how conversation shapes us and builds the world around us.

©2023 Shane O'Mara (P)2023 Penguin Audio

About Shane O'Mara

Shane O'Mara is professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin. He is also the author of Why Torture Doesn't Work and A Brain for Business-A Brain for Life. He lives in Dublin, Ireland.


Reviews

Goodreads review by The Inquisitive Biologist on March 08, 2024

Talking Heads defends the intriguing thesis that human conversation is a powerful yet underappreciated force that shapes many aspects of our lives. Read my full review at [URL not allowed]......more

Goodreads review by Gordon on December 19, 2024

A good excuse to work through US political discourse, but not a great read if you're drawn in by the big ideas......more


Quotes

Delightfully well-written, accessible, surprisingly reflecting ... and humorous Niamh Jiménez, Irish Times

Surprising... intriguing... enjoyable New Scientist

In this time of digital disconnection, Talking Heads is a reminder of the enduring power of face-to-face interactions and conversations. It is a thoughtful book that might make you watch what you say Irish Independent

Talking Heads ... is mostly interested in big-picture questions: how intact memory supports our sociality and binds us into collective beings who share collective memories. ... The point O'Mara is most keen to make in his book is that entities such as nations 'begin as conversations'... O'Mara is an entertaining guide, full of good stories Times Literary Supplement

O'Mara delves deeply into the ways we use conversations to create our cultures and build entire nations ... There's a lot in it that resonates Irish Times

Fascinating … The author’s lucid exploration of how we communicate stretches from neurons to nations [and] strikes an informed, accessible tone ... Talking Heads is seasoned with intriguing facts Sunday Business Post

An invaluable perspective. Talking Heads is a fascinating account of a highly complex field, and Shane O'Mara does a grand job of explaining it clearly David Crystal, author of Let's Talk

O'Mara is particularly good in expanding his theme from the minutely personal to the global ... [This is] a book that's accessible to all as well as a fascinating read Connaught Telegraph

Verily enjoyable Trinity News

This is a very important book because it drills down into how we shape realities through conversation and dialogue, including identity, filtering down into bedrock convictions that can result in wars The Quad - Oxford University Alumni Review