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A General Theory of Love

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( 4,858 ratings, 563 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A General Theory of Love explores the science of human emotions by combining insights from psychology, neuroscience, and literature. The authors examine the nature of love, how it shapes our brains, influences our behaviours, and affects our lives, highlighting the interplay between biology and romantic connections. The book delves into the importance of emotional learning, attachment, and the healing power of love in human relationships.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in understanding the science behind human emotions and relationships. It blends psychology, neuroscience and evolutionary biology to explore the complexities of love and connection, offering profound insights into what makes us feel and act the way we do.

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Debunking Freudian theory, the authors of this groundbreaking analysis of the biological underpinnings of love offer a new paradigm for understanding the human "heart", redefining family ties, community, and romance in the process. Reprint. 25,000 first printing.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A General Theory of Love delves deeply into the intricate and multifaceted nature of human emotion, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of love and its undeniable significance in our well-being. Authored by three distinguished psychiatrists, Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, and Richard Lannon, this profound work bridges the gap between the enduring wisdom of poets, philosophers, and artists, and contemporary scientific discoveries about the human brain and its primal functions.

In this original and lucid exploration, the authors reveal that our nervous systems are not self-contained entities. From the very beginning of our lives, our brains form connections with those we are closest to, creating a silent, synchronous dance that profoundly influences the very architecture of our minds. These interactions mould our lasting emotional tendencies and play a crucial role in shaping our identities.

A General Theory of Love eloquently illustrates how relationships work, the critical impact that parents have on their children’s development, and the transformative power of psychotherapy. It also addresses the alarming ways in which our society often disregards these essential emotional principles, leading to detrimental effects on collective emotional health. By weaving together a rich tapestry of narrative and scientific insight, this book offers a compelling and passionate argument that will forever alter your perception of human intimacy.

As you journey through the pages, you will find a thought-provoking and engaging examination of how deeply interconnected we are, both emotionally and neurologically, emphasizing that the bonds we form with others are fundamental to our emotional and mental well-being. This pioneering work is not just an academic treatise, but an eloquent reminder of the profound roles love and connection play in shaping our very essence as human beings.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A General Theory of Love has been praised for its insightful exploration of the science of human emotions, blending scientific precision with literary grace. Reviewers find it bold and eminently readable, convincingly linking love and biology. The book is noted for placing love alongside other scientific disciplines and is compared to works by Oliver Sacks and Lewis Thomas. It has been commended for its elegant prose and the compelling argument for a culture that understands the heart's ways.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780375709227

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 January 2001

Country: United States

Imprint: Vintage Books

Illustration: 50 ILLUSTRATIONS

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 261g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Thomas Lewis, M.D. is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, and a former associate director of the Affective Disorders Program there. Dr. Lewis currently divides his time between writing, private practice, and teaching at the UCSF medical school. He lives in Sausalito, California. Fari Amini, M.D. is a professor of psychiatry at the UCSF School of Medicine. Born and raised in Iran, he graduated from medical school at UCSF and has served on the faculty there for thirty-three years. Dr. Amini is married, has six children, and lives in Ross, California. Richard Lannon, M.D. is an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCSF School of Medicine. In 1980, Dr. Lannon founded the Affective Disorders Program at UCSF, a pioneering effort to integrate psychological concepts with the emerging biology of the brain. Dr. Lannon is married and the father of two; he lives in Greenbrae, California.

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