Are you managing your brain? Or is your brain managing you?
If you value self-knowledge and inner peace, sooner or later you will face the profound role that the radically different perspectives of your left- and right-brain hemispheres play in your daily decisions. In most people, one brain perspective usually dominates. For example, the “holistic, compassionate” right brain seems to rule in women. The “analytical, dualistic” left brain is operative in most men. And this fact alone causes no end of daily conflict and confusion! Further, our deadlocked political system arises from the fact that Democrats tend to be right brain and inclusive, while Republicans are predominantly left brain and individualistic.
In this acclaimed book, independent philosopher James Olson explores how distortions and even destructive polarizations can occur––in politics, culture, and our relationships—–when one brain hemisphere is dominated by the other. But what if our goal is to gain the cooperation of others and live in peace? The answer, Olson shows, is that each of us must learn to consciously integrate the contrasting views of the world provided by each brain hemisphere.
Based on 20 years of research, The Whole-Brain Path to Peace reveals that we have the freedom to adjust our perceptions—and harmonize our relationships—by shifting our brain perspectives at will, as each occasion demands.
MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK
This unique book considers a number of important questions:
• What is the role of the brain in creating conflict and war? Exploring the drug war and the military-industrial-congressional complex—as well as conflicts involving gay rights, abortion, religion, and other issues—the author contrasts the holistic right brain’s views with those of the dualistic left brain.
• What are the real reasons for America’s drug war? In a chapter devoted to the war on drugs from a whole-brain perspective, the author examines government and corporate motivations for promoting and sustaining this disastrous program, and clearly explains why the exclusively left-brain-dominant approach is a failure.
• What is the source of the political polarization that is tearing America apart? Olson’s analysis begins with the understanding that political conservatives tend to focus on individual concerns, reflecting their left-brain values, while liberal individuals lean heavily toward collective needs, reflecting right-brain views of political realities.
A whole-brain perspective allows us to see the complementary nature of the two sides, and thus help to resolve many conflicts and achieve greater balance. The unfolding of this process of integration reveals a path to peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Olson is an independent philosopher and integrative thinker. His studies at universities in the U.S. and Europe have included business, art, world religion, yoga, psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.
PRAISE FOR WHOLE-BRAIN PATH TO PEACE
“The author’s years of preparation and study are evident in this multilayered, thought-provoking book.”
—Sheldon Russell, author of The Insane Train
“In this timely work, Olson [shows] that merging the functions of both sides of the brain is the path to creating a more productive and happier life.”
—New Age Retailer
“An intriguing dissection of both sides of many debates.”
—Midwest Book Review
If you value self-knowledge and inner peace, sooner or later you will face the profound role that the radically different perspectives of your left- and right-brain hemispheres play in your daily decisions. In most people, one brain perspective usually dominates. For example, the “holistic, compassionate” right brain seems to rule in women. The “analytical, dualistic” left brain is operative in most men. And this fact alone causes no end of daily conflict and confusion! Further, our deadlocked political system arises from the fact that Democrats tend to be right brain and inclusive, while Republicans are predominantly left brain and individualistic.
In this acclaimed book, independent philosopher James Olson explores how distortions and even destructive polarizations can occur––in politics, culture, and our relationships—–when one brain hemisphere is dominated by the other. But what if our goal is to gain the cooperation of others and live in peace? The answer, Olson shows, is that each of us must learn to consciously integrate the contrasting views of the world provided by each brain hemisphere.
Based on 20 years of research, The Whole-Brain Path to Peace reveals that we have the freedom to adjust our perceptions—and harmonize our relationships—by shifting our brain perspectives at will, as each occasion demands.
MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK
This unique book considers a number of important questions:
• What is the role of the brain in creating conflict and war? Exploring the drug war and the military-industrial-congressional complex—as well as conflicts involving gay rights, abortion, religion, and other issues—the author contrasts the holistic right brain’s views with those of the dualistic left brain.
• What are the real reasons for America’s drug war? In a chapter devoted to the war on drugs from a whole-brain perspective, the author examines government and corporate motivations for promoting and sustaining this disastrous program, and clearly explains why the exclusively left-brain-dominant approach is a failure.
• What is the source of the political polarization that is tearing America apart? Olson’s analysis begins with the understanding that political conservatives tend to focus on individual concerns, reflecting their left-brain values, while liberal individuals lean heavily toward collective needs, reflecting right-brain views of political realities.
A whole-brain perspective allows us to see the complementary nature of the two sides, and thus help to resolve many conflicts and achieve greater balance. The unfolding of this process of integration reveals a path to peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Olson is an independent philosopher and integrative thinker. His studies at universities in the U.S. and Europe have included business, art, world religion, yoga, psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.
PRAISE FOR WHOLE-BRAIN PATH TO PEACE
“The author’s years of preparation and study are evident in this multilayered, thought-provoking book.”
—Sheldon Russell, author of The Insane Train
“In this timely work, Olson [shows] that merging the functions of both sides of the brain is the path to creating a more productive and happier life.”
—New Age Retailer
“An intriguing dissection of both sides of many debates.”
—Midwest Book Review
