Emotional Ignorance: Misadventures in the Science of Emotion (Paperback) - Dean Burnett

After losing his dad, a neuroscientist goes on a journey of discovery into where our emotions come from, what purpose they serve, and why they make us feel the way they do.

Recommended by the New Scientist.

'Brilliant.' Stylist

'Thoughtful and thought-provoking - you need to read this book' Gina Rippon

'An affecting and illuminating book for anyone who has feelings, and who wants to know why.' Katie Mack

Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to Covid-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope - for science.

In Emotional Ignorance, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals:

- why we would ever follow our gut;
- whether things really were better in the old days;
- why doomscrolling is so addictive;
- and how sad music can make us happier.

Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are.

Readers love Emotional Ignorance:

'Intriguing, illuminating and thought-provoking.'

'A fascinating exploration of our emotions and how they enhance all of our lives (and why it doesn't always feel that way).'

'A scientific book about emotions that causes emotions. A wonder indeed.'

About the Author

Dean Burnett is a neuroscientist, blogger, sometimes-comedian and author. He lives in Cardiff, and is currently an honorary research fellow at the Cardiff University Psychology School. His previous books, The Idiot Brain and The Happy Brain, were international bestsellers published in over twenty-five countries. His Guardian articles have been read over sixteen million times and he currently writes the 'Brain Yapping' blog for the Cosmic Shambles network.