The power of positive thinking

When I first bought this book I already knew that the brain is “plastic” and that it can change and adapt to some extent. But reading The Brain That Changes Itself was a revelation. It made me realize how recent this knowledge actually is.

In fact, until the 1960s–1970s, the brain was widely believed to be a fixed machine: if a part wasn’t working, there was no way to repair it. That rigid view was deeply rooted in neuroscience for decades. Then, in the late 20th century, research began to reveal the opposite: the brain CAN reorganize and reshape itself.
Norman Doidge, the author of the book, calls this turning point the “neuroplastic revolution“.

In this book, Doidge, a psychiatrist and writer, brings these discoveries to life through fascinating real stories. He describes patients with severe neurological conditions—many told there was “no hope”—who managed to recover functions and reorganize their brains without surgery or heavy medication. These examples showcase the extraordinary adaptability of the human brain which is for example the case of blind people who often develop an extraordinary sense of hearing thanks to the so called “neuroplasticity”.

However, neuroplasticity—defined as the brain’s ability to form new connections and reorganize itself—is not only related to injuries or disorders. It also happens every time we have new experiences, and it is the reason we can keep learning and improving throughout life.

What struck me most is that beyond the science, the book is deeply motivational. It shows that if people with serious neurological disorders could regain abilities through perseverance, training, and the right mindset, then all of us can harness the power of neuroplasticity in our own lives.

However, not everything is roses and flowers.
There are two important points (in my opinion) to keep in mind:

1) Not all neurological disorders respond the same way
Every neurological disorder is different, and so is every brain. Some conditions are more severe than others. Still, I believe much more could be and should be done to use neuroplastic approaches instead of relying too heavily on medication. Drugs can help, of course, but they also bring side effects and risks such as tolerance and reduced effectiveness over time.

2) If positive thinking shapes the brain, so does negative thinking.
Neuroplasticity works both ways. It has been shown that positive thoughts and training can strengthen synaptic connections, enhance neural network efficiency, and promote the release of beneficial neurochemicals such as dopamine and serotonin leading to a better way to face life.
On the other hand, negative thinking also leaves its mark, altering brain structure and function (and leading, if prolonged over time, to serious addiction and neurological disorders).

Resources:

Doidge, Norman (2007) The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science