The Hand

How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture

Frank R. Wilson

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"The Hand" by Frank R. Wilson is a captivating exploration of the human hand's complex significance and the profound impact it has on our evolution, creativity, and intellect. Wilson, a neurologist and artist, delves into the intertwined elements of biology, psychology, and artistry to uncover the mesmerizing story of this remarkable limb.

Wilson argues that the hand, with its intricate blend of dexterity and sensitivity, has played a crucial role throughout human history. Our ability to manipulate objects with precision has enabled the development of tools, language, and even abstract thinking. It is through our hands that we have shaped the world around us and transmitted our cultural heritage. Wilson's research highlights the pivotal role of the hand in cultural and scientific advancements.

In addition, Wilson examines the connection between the brain and the hand, unraveling the complex sensory and motor processes that govern hand movements. He explores the unique capabilities of the hand, from delicate fine motor skills to the power and strength of grip, shedding light on the remarkable coordination between mind and hand in executing intricate tasks.

"The Hand" also delves into the experiences of individuals who have suffered hand impairments and the astonishing adaptability of the brain. Wilson's compassionate and insightful examination of these cases reveals the extraordinary ways in which people can overcome adversity and relearn essential tasks, demonstrating the hand's incredible capacity for flexibility and resilience.

With its thought-provoking exploration of the hand's multifaceted role in shaping human evolution, language, and creativity, "The Hand" appeals to readers interested in neuroscience, anthropology, and the arts. Wilson's expertise in both science and art leads to a rich and thought-provoking examination of this unique appendage, ultimately illuminating the magnificence and significance of one of our most extraordinary features.

Explore More Books

See All
The Information
Moab Is My Washpot
Impro
Life 3.0
In the Company of Giants
The Black Book of Communism
Foundations
Steal Like an Artist
Only the Paranoid Survive
I, Robot
XKCD
Democracy: The God That Failed
Violence and Social Orders
Plan B 3.0
A Few Lessons from Sherlock Holmes
Natural
Team of Rivals
The Big Ship and Little Digger
Stalin's War
A Life Decoded
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
The Rise And Fall Of American Growth
Lord of Light
Thinking In Systems
Sailing Alone Around The World
Virtual Economies
Roger Ailes: Off Camera
Hackers & Painters
Dealing with Darwin
The Tyrrany of Guilt
The Power Of Productivity
World War 3.0
Lateral Thinking
The Measure of Reality
What Works on Wall Street
Trade-Off
Excession
Irresistible
Last Chance to See
Origins of Political Order
Generations
Proof of Corruption
The Weather Makers
The Robert Collier Letter Book
Golden Gates
Where The Wild Things Are
Getting to Yes
Value-added Measures in Education
The Opium of the Intellectuals
Who Moved My Cheese?
Personal Knowledge
I Love Capitalism
Superforecasting
The Order of Time
The Story of Civilization: Caesar and Christ
Bet With the Best
The Great Wave
Consciousness
The Subtle Knife
Undaunted Courage
Invariances
The Snow Leopard
The Book of Five Rings
The Hunt for Red October
The Third Pillar
The Civil Rights Era
The Little Liar
The Elements of Style
Models of My Life
The Road
The Fourth Turning is Here
The Song Machine
Monsoon
The Social Photo
T
The Cost Disease
The Opposing Shore
Wanting
Gödel, Escher, Bach
Hornblower Saga
Pattern Recognition
Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons
The Magic Of Reality
The Gift
Why America Is Not a New Rome
Reboot
Rational Ritual
Race and Culture
Planta Sapiens
Unstoppable Prosperity
The Dao of Capital
How The Internet Happened
The Ascent of Money
Rational Expectations
Nine Pints
I Heard God Laughing
A Great Leap Forward?
Globalization and its Discontents
The Master Plan
Mindstorms