A General Theory of Love
by Thomas;Amini, Fari;Lannon, Richard Lewis
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Book Reviews of A General Theory of Love
Book Review: Informative and very well written
Summary: 5 Stars
I started off this book with a lot of scepticism, believing that science is really overreaching in the areas of brain physiology and chemistry.
However, the authors have put together a compelling and informative read which provides a thorough explanation of why our emotional life is not subject to rationality. I would call myself a reformed rationalist having lived long enough to know that a rational life is not a happy, that I need to relate better to other people and that love and compassion need to be deliberately cultivated.
The authors write with authority, panache and compassion. They demonstrate a level of overall education and culture that I have not often seen in the work of American authors and it is a nice change.
Book Review: numerous fallacies
Summary: 1 Stars
Somehow the authors manage to supply numerous factual inaccuracies from a number of fields. Badly misrepresents ethology (mammals are loving, family-oriented -- does not indicate that the paradigmatic mammal relationship is only mother-juvenile, ending abruptly at amturity, w/ no father in sight, & sociality in herds, etc.; psychology and attachment theory (distorts Winnicott's complex relationship with Bowlby, by misused, out-of-context quote; Freud's neutrality theory (which the authors describe as advocating "coldness"), and on and on. Finally, the authors conclude that Americans are too materialistic. Shocking. On the whole, a shallow, inaccurate, and surprisingly mean-spirited treatment of the topic.Book Review: Eye-opening and enthralling
Summary: 5 Stars
My friend bought me this fantastic book for my birthday. I have to say, I haven't been able to put it down. It's an amazing review on our world today and the interactions of our cultural ideals with our mammalian needs, which despite our best efforts, have not changed with time. It is essential read for a new parent, an established adult, anyone struggling with human interactions (don't we all, sometimes?), or anyone hungry for a fantastically written book that will illuminate your view of yourself and the people around you. Everything is based on studies and research, and is written honestly and to the point. Not intimidating in scientific jargon, but written in visual and stimulating prose. Highly recommended.Book Review: Love Explained
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a medical doctor, I was excited to read A Theory of Love by three M.D.s! This book gives a great overview of development of our brain related to our very early environment and contact with other humans and does so in a very non-pretentious fashion. The importance of providing a loving environment for our children is shown in terms of neuroanatomical development and while it may be somewhat over the heads of some non-medical readers, it is no more so than the movie"What the Bleep Do We Know?" I think this book is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in the psychological makeup of ourselves and fellow beings. It will help everyone to have a better understanding of ...this Thing Called Love.Book Review: Excellent interpretation of the science of love
Summary: 5 Stars
What I hate most about reading about an author's love philosophy is that usually it's full of mushy gushy stories about destiny and true love. This book is completely different. It may seem a bit dry in comparison, but what it lacks in storytelling it makes up for in scientific scrutiny of the human mind and our brain's capacity for love. I read this book several years ago, and what still stands out in my mind was the contrast between the brain of a chicken and the brain of a dog (or maybe it was a cat). A chicken's brain doesn't have the physical capacity for love and you can see that in their eyes. But when you look into the eyes of your pup isn't that love looking back at you?