Includes a new Afterword by the Author

What accounts for our remarkable ability to get inside another person's head--to know what he or she is thinking and feeling? Marco Iacoboni, a leading neuroscientist, explains the groundbreaking research into mirror neurons, the "smart cells" in our brain that allow us to understand others. From imitation to morality, from political affiliations to consumer choices, mirror neurons are relevant to myriad aspects of social cognition. Mirroring People is the first book for the general reader on this revolutionary new science.

Praise

"Want to learn what mirror neurons have to do with Super Bowl commercials, violent video games, autism, addiction, and even free will? This is your book."--Discover magazine

"Explaining how mirror neurons might change our notion of free will, act as neural precursors to language, and shed light on human empathy, Iacoboni nimbly takes us through the experiments that led to these findings."--Seed magazine

"Pioneer researcher Iacoboni balances technical detail with engaging historical perspective, humor, and idealism."--Library Journal

"To read this marvelously accessible book is to share Iacoboni's enthusiasm.... A book full of wonder and promise."--Booklist

About the Author(s)

Marco Iacoboni

MARCO IACOBONI's research has been covered by newspapers around the country, and he has appeared on ABC Good Morning America, the CBS Early Show, and NPR Morning Edition, among other TV and radio programs.

photo: Jennifer Roper