About David Eagleman

Perception and Time

David Eagleman's fascination with the brain began with a childhood fall from a roof, where his brain stretched 0.6 seconds into an apparent eternity, sparking lifelong research into time perception.[1][4][5] He argues perception is an illusion constructed by the brain, not a direct reflection of reality, with time feeling slower in high-adrenaline moments due to increased neural processing.[1][4][15]

Brain Plasticity and Livewiring

The brain is 'livewired,' constantly rewiring itself through plasticity to adapt to new inputs, enabling sensory substitution where one sense (e.g., touch) substitutes for another (e.g., vision or hearing).[1][9][13] Eagleman demonstrates this with the VEST, a haptic vest that translates sounds or data into torso vibrations, allowing users to 'feel' new sensory worlds.[9][13]

Creativity and the Brain

Creativity emerges from the brain's absorption and remixing of inputs via three core algorithms: absorption, recombination, and deliberate practice, not as a rare gift.[3][18] Writer's block stems from neural stuckness, fixable by pre-commitment strategies like Ulysses contracts to enforce completion.[3]

Sensory Substitution and Human Augmentation

Eagleman founded Neosensory to develop wearables like Buzz, expanding human senses beyond the traditional five, with applications for deaf users feeling sound or broader data streams.[9][11][13] He envisions unlocking sixth or seventh senses through brain plasticity.[1]

AI, Technology, and the Future Brain

Eagleman explores downloading consciousness into computers (silicon immortality), AI's impact on creativity and brains, and human augmentation for diplomacy.[10][17] He warns of protecting brains in the AI age while leveraging tech for enhanced perception.[3][7]

Neurolaw and Society

Through neurolaw, Eagleman applies neuroscience to justice, quantifying prosecutorial systems and costs of inaction.[12][16] He connects neuroscience to public life, including effects of online habits on the brain.[7][20]

Entrepreneurship and Creator Economy

As a technologist and entrepreneur, Eagleman builds products like Neosensory and shares insights on psychology for sales, marketing, and human nature.[1][4][14]