1 hr 48 min

#674: Neuroscientist David Eagleman — Exploring Consciousness, Sensory Augmentation, The Lazy Susan Method of Extraordinary Productivity, Dreaming, Improving Hearing with a Wristband, Synesthesia, Stretching Time with Novelty, Lessons from Titans of S The Tim Ferriss Show

    • Entrepreneurship

Brought to you by Vuori comfortable and durable performance apparel, Athletic Greens’s AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, and AeroPress 3-in-1 coffee press for delicious brews.

David Eagleman (@davideagleman) is a neuroscientist, New York Times bestselling author, TED speaker, and Guggenheim Fellow. He is the writer and presenter of the Emmy-nominated series The Brain on PBS, as well as the podcast Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman. In Palo Alto, California, he teaches at Stanford University, runs a startup neurotech company called Neosensory, and directs the Center for Science and Law. Dr. Eagleman also runs a film and television production company, Cognito Entertainment, to bring scientific themes (fiction and nonfiction) to the screen. He is the author of eight books, including the international bestsellers Sum, Incognito, and his newest book, Livewired.

Please enjoy!

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This episode is brought to you by Vuori Clothing! Vuori is a new and fresh perspective on performance apparel, perfect if you are sick and tired of traditional, old workout gear. Everything is designed for maximum comfort and versatility so that you look and feel as good in everyday life as you do working out. Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at VuoriClothing.com/Tim. Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you’ll also enjoy free shipping on any US orders over $75 and free returns.

*

This episode is also brought to you by AeroPress! If you haven’t tried coffee made with an AeroPress, you’re in for a treat. With more than 45,000 five-star reviews and customers in more than 60 countries, it might be the highest-rated coffee maker on the planet. As I wrote in The 4-Hour Chef: “This is, bar none, my favorite brewing method.” And now, exclusively for you, get free shipping and 15% off the new Crystal Clear Aeropress at AeroPress.com/Tim.

*

This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG1 further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. 

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and 5 free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

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[07:10] Mnemonists and synesthetes.

[12:13] Creating new senses.

[17:39] Practical applications in practice.

[24:36] Five years from now.

[28:26] The curious resilience and vulnerability of memory.

[32:25] Testing the accuracy of memory.

[34:50] Meeting Francis Crick.

[36:25] The dangerous lumberjack.

[39:43] Dream projects.

[41:23] Exploring consciousness.

[44:38] Dreaming and brain plasticity.

[54:13] Influences.

[57:23] Why neuroscience?

[1:00:22] Sum: An extended failure that became a wild success.

[1:05:36] The Don Vaughn method.

[1:07:02] Recommended reading.

[1:08:50] Hypothesis testing.

[1:09:40] Lazy Susan advice.

[1:11:18] A week in the life of David.

[1:16:28] Livewired.

[1:20:48] Assumptions ripe for challenging.

[1:25:34] Possibilianism.

[1:27:35] David’s billboard.

[1:30:28] Empire of the Invisible.

[1:32:11] Learning from AI.

[1:34:42] Perception of time.

[1:39:47] Idiotheses.

[1:40:59] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.

Brought to you by Vuori comfortable and durable performance apparel, Athletic Greens’s AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, and AeroPress 3-in-1 coffee press for delicious brews.

David Eagleman (@davideagleman) is a neuroscientist, New York Times bestselling author, TED speaker, and Guggenheim Fellow. He is the writer and presenter of the Emmy-nominated series The Brain on PBS, as well as the podcast Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman. In Palo Alto, California, he teaches at Stanford University, runs a startup neurotech company called Neosensory, and directs the Center for Science and Law. Dr. Eagleman also runs a film and television production company, Cognito Entertainment, to bring scientific themes (fiction and nonfiction) to the screen. He is the author of eight books, including the international bestsellers Sum, Incognito, and his newest book, Livewired.

Please enjoy!

*

This episode is brought to you by Vuori Clothing! Vuori is a new and fresh perspective on performance apparel, perfect if you are sick and tired of traditional, old workout gear. Everything is designed for maximum comfort and versatility so that you look and feel as good in everyday life as you do working out. Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at VuoriClothing.com/Tim. Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you’ll also enjoy free shipping on any US orders over $75 and free returns.

*

This episode is also brought to you by AeroPress! If you haven’t tried coffee made with an AeroPress, you’re in for a treat. With more than 45,000 five-star reviews and customers in more than 60 countries, it might be the highest-rated coffee maker on the planet. As I wrote in The 4-Hour Chef: “This is, bar none, my favorite brewing method.” And now, exclusively for you, get free shipping and 15% off the new Crystal Clear Aeropress at AeroPress.com/Tim.

*

This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG1 further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. 

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and 5 free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

*

[07:10] Mnemonists and synesthetes.

[12:13] Creating new senses.

[17:39] Practical applications in practice.

[24:36] Five years from now.

[28:26] The curious resilience and vulnerability of memory.

[32:25] Testing the accuracy of memory.

[34:50] Meeting Francis Crick.

[36:25] The dangerous lumberjack.

[39:43] Dream projects.

[41:23] Exploring consciousness.

[44:38] Dreaming and brain plasticity.

[54:13] Influences.

[57:23] Why neuroscience?

[1:00:22] Sum: An extended failure that became a wild success.

[1:05:36] The Don Vaughn method.

[1:07:02] Recommended reading.

[1:08:50] Hypothesis testing.

[1:09:40] Lazy Susan advice.

[1:11:18] A week in the life of David.

[1:16:28] Livewired.

[1:20:48] Assumptions ripe for challenging.

[1:25:34] Possibilianism.

[1:27:35] David’s billboard.

[1:30:28] Empire of the Invisible.

[1:32:11] Learning from AI.

[1:34:42] Perception of time.

[1:39:47] Idiotheses.

[1:40:59] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.

1 hr 48 min

More by Tim Ferriss