Intelligence has long been considered the essence of genius. For centuries, we've grappled with the meaning of intelligence and the best way to measure it. We now know that intelligence is not fixed and each of us can increase intellectual capacity. Over the last few decades, advances in neuroscience have illuminated fascinating and compelling research about that three-pound wrinkly mass between the ears. Scientists can peek inside the brain to observe how it processes sensory information, manages memories, responds to emotions, and creates the mental models we have of the world around us. From blinking to pushing the grocery cart to having an "AHA" moment in the shower, everything we do every moment of the day is powered by the amazing brain. Why are gritty people better able to navigate through uncertainty? Why do we make irrational decisions when we're tired? Why are optimists more successful than pessimists? How can failure and mistakes make us smarter? What is the optimal state of consciousness? Why does rejection hurt so much? Why does laughter feel so good? Dr. Hughes delivers the answers to these questions and more as she explains in "plain speak" how the brain works and how to make it work better for a smarter, healthier, happier you!