"Iconoclast" is that true rarity: a book I start recommending to friends before I have even finished reading it.Berns uses his background in neuroscience to first show the physiological differences in brain structure between iconoclasts (original thinkers, if you will) and those who tend to "go with the crowd." Citations include controlled studies, MRI data, etc. Once he demonstrates the differences, he share examples of iconoclastic thought in everything from hamburgers to aerospace.The main focus, though, is how to train your brain away from the fear-based mentality that prevents you from exercising your full potential in everything from public speaking to science. The applications for this technique are broad, in everything from education to business.As one who has never been afraid to speak my mind, I could not understand those who went along "with the gang" even when they disagreed. Thanks to Berns' book, I have a far greater understanding.
