Mind Myths: How Pop Science Gets Your Brain Wrong

“A timely reminder that we are not just our brains. Arm yourself against the forces of misinformation by reading this book!”—Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain

Challenge everything you think you know about your brain. Expose the myths. Embrace the complexity. Transform your understanding of human nature and behavior.

Modern culture bombards us with seductive brain myths—from the "left-brain/right-brain" fallacy to dopamine being the "happiness hormone." These oversimplified explanations promise easy answers to complex human behaviors, yet they fundamentally misrepresent how our minds actually work. Mind Myths exposes the dangerous gap between genuine neuroscience and the reductive myths that shape our understanding of addiction, pain, personality, and mental health.

This groundbreaking exploration reveals how centuries of scientific progress have been distorted by commercial interests and cultural biases. Through compelling case studies and rigorous analysis, the book dismantles popular misconceptions about brain imaging, personality tests, and pharmaceutical solutions while examining how social media algorithms exploit our psychological vulnerabilities. From the historical roots of phrenology to contemporary debates about psychedelic therapy, each chapter challenges readers to think beyond simplistic brain-based explanations.

Readers will gain the critical thinking tools needed to navigate an era of neuroscientific misinformation. By understanding how context, culture, and environment shape our mental lives, you'll develop a more sophisticated appreciation for human complexity. This isn't just about debunking myths—it's about reclaiming agency over your own mind and making informed decisions about your mental health, relationships, and personal development in an age of neurohype.

Albert Moukheiber holds a doctorate in neuroscience and is a clinical psychologist. His work has been adapted into documentaries and translated into twelve languages. He lives in Paris, France.

Pablo Strauss grew up in British Columbia and has lived in Quebec City for two decades. His twenty translations from Quebec and France include a wide range of contemporary fiction and nonfiction.