28: Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg: A 50-Year Journey of Neuroscience

Future Skills

Elkhonon Goldberg, Ph.D., is an author, scientist, educator, and clinician, internationally renowned for his clinical work, research, writings and teaching in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. He is a Clinical Professor of Neurology at New York University School of Medicine. Diplomate of The American Board of Professional Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology and Director of Luria Neuroscience Institute. A student and close associate of the great neuropsychologist Alexandr Luria, Elkhonon Goldberg has continued and advanced his scientific and clinical tradition. He has written three books about his research of the brain: The Wisdom Paradox (about cognitive aging), The New Executive Brain (about executive functions and decision making), and Creativity (the future of innovation).

This episode is heavy in the history of neuroscience.

The first 20 minutes we talk about his background. And his mentor Alexander Luria. And how he escaped Russia during soviet union.... by taking a bold risk and spending 6 months as a hospital orderly-- mopping floors.

After that we talk about neuroscience and his three books, and where he thinks the field goes in the future, and whether he thinks it’s possible to model the human brain and create a General AI.

Then for something completely different: The story of how he first got his idea about the 2 brain hemispheres -- while drinking beer with 2 pediatric doctors. And his acquaintance with Nassim Taleb and his friendship with Oliver Sacks.

Finally, he tells us which Future Skill he recommends and what we can do to live more Wakeful lives.

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