Matthew D. Lieberman was trained at Harvard University and is a professor in the Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the founding editor of the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. In 2007, the American Psychological Association awarded him the Distinguished Scientific Award for an Early Career Contribution to Psychology, an award given to one social psychologist every two years. He is one of the foremost authorities in the world on the study of Social Neuroscience.
“We are an intensely social species. Everyone knows
that. But, from that basic truth, Matthew Lieberman mines a
mother lode of insights that are both unexpected and genuinely
worth using to better our lives.” -Robert B. Cialdini, author
of Influence
"Absolutely fascinating — necessary, even." -Brain Pickings
“Compelling evidence is emerging that shows that, more than money
or other extrinsic incentives, the human brain gets a hefty reward
by forging connections with others. That evidence, much of it
uncovered by Lieberman, a pioneer of social cognitive neuroscience,
is presented in a collegial manner in this often-surprising
account… With the details from study after study, many of them
based on imaging scans that examine activity in certain parts of
the brain, Lieberman’s book is perfect for Malcolm Gladwell fans
who want to delve much deeper into the biology behind our social
abilities. The investigations reveal the impressive social
abilities we hold, often unappreciated but noticeable when lacking
in others, and so ingrained they may influence our very sense of
self.” –Booklist
“Social reveals that our brains are made for connecting, not only
for thinking. Matt Lieberman, a pioneering expert in social
neuroscience, explains why fairness tastes like chocolate, why
heartache can hurt more than a headache, and how we can use this
knowledge to improve our lives at home, school, and work.” -Adam
Grant, Wharton professor and bestselling author of Give and
Take
"Social is the book I've been waiting for: a brilliant and
beautiful exploration of how and why we are wired together, by one
of the field's most prescient pioneers." -Daniel Gilbert,
professor, Harvard University, bestselling author of Stumbling On
Happiness
“Social is as full of surprising twists and insights as a Dan Brown
novel (and as fun to read, too). Social unmasks the
secret to our success as a species - our fundamentally social
nature - and explains the origins, brain bases, and everyday
applicability of our social superpowers.” -Kevin Ochsner,
professor, Columbia University
"One of the most compelling and engaging books about how human
beings really work that I've ever read. It literally changed how I
see the world." -David Rock, director, NeuroLeadership Institute,
author of Your Brain at Work
“At last, a book that really does put the social into social
neuroscience, and, more importantly, does it in a way that
layman and scientist alike can read with pleasure.” -Robin Dunbar,
Professor, University of Oxford
"Vivid stories and cutting-edge neuroscience come together to
explain just how connected we really are. Lieberman's prose
is fluid, and his ideas fascinating, making Social a must-read
pleasure for anyone who cares about the human condition and
the science that reveals us as social beings." – Susan Fiske,
Professor, Princeton University
“This fascinating, beautifully written book brings the exciting
research on our social nature and the brain to life” – Shelley
Taylor, distinguished professor, UCLA, author of The Tending
Instinct
"Humans are exquisitely social. This is a beautifully written and
compelling account of how and why this is the case, written by one
of the world’s leading authorities on the social brain. Matthew
Lieberman covers multiple areas of cutting edge research, including
studies of primate social groups, the psychology of human love and
friendship, and the brain basis of empathy and altruism. This
captivating book will enthrall a very wide audience, from the
general reader who has no previous knowledge of the brain to
students and academics in the field of cognitive neuroscience and
social psychology." - Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Professor,
University College of London
"A highly engaging read from one of the pioneers of the emerging
field of social cognitive neuroscience. By reviewing what has
recently been discovered about unique human talents, such as
self-control, mindreading, empathy, Lieberman presents a compelling
case that the human brain is wired to be social. Highly
recommended for its accessible introduction to social neuroscience
as well as its practical lessons for living more satisfying lives."
-Todd Heatherton, Lincoln Filene Professor, Dartmouth College
"In this engaging book, Mathew Lieberman, one of the leaders and
pioneers in social neuroscience, shows how and why our brains
are wired to connect, how that influences what we think, feel, and
do, and makes it clear why it matters." -Walter Mischel, Niven
Professor of Humane Letters in Psychology, Columbia University
"The scientific field that became cognitive neuroscience began in
the 19th century, strangely enough, with discoveries on the human
brain's language processing. Not long after, however, the
isolated case of Phineas Gage tumbled onto the scene and announced,
more than a century in advance, what would become social
neuroscience. In “Social”, Matthew Lieberman, one of the
leaders of this now-established effort, provides a thoughtful and
lively review of recent findings and of the implications for this
important area of inquiry." -Antonio Damasio, USC professor
and author of Descartes’ Error and Self Comes to Mind
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