The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World

Actions have consequences--and the ability to learn from them revolutionized life on earth. While it's easy enough to see that consequences are important (where would we be without positive reinforcement?), few have heard there's a science of consequences, with principles that affect us every day. Despite their variety, consequences appear to follow a common set of scientific principles and share some similar effects in the brain--such as the "pleasure centers." Indeed, learning from consequences predictably restructures the brain and even activates genes. Applications are everywhere--parenting, working, learning, helping fight prejudice, free addicts of their habits, and treat depression. Enriching the lives of pets and zoo animals too. Ultimately, this science helps us address our biggest societal challenges. Ten years in the making, The Science of Consequences takes an interdisciplinary approach to show how something so deceptively simple can help make sense of so much.