DECODING AQ - Adaptability For The Future Of Work With Ross Thornley

Decoding AQ with Ross Thornley Feat. George Paxinos - Neuroscience

Ross Thornley + Special Guests Episode 116

Welcome back to DECODING AQ, where we delve into the minds of the most groundbreaking thinkers of our time! Today, I'm incredibly excited to introduce a guest whose contributions to neuroscience have shaped our understanding of the brain like no other. He has identified and named more brain areas than anyone in history. Hold onto your seats as we welcome the phenomenal George Paxinos (Paxsinos)- Professor of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Australia and The University of New South Wales!

George, alongside Charles Watson, authored 'The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates.' With a staggering 73,000 citations across its 7 editions, this masterpiece stands as the most cited work in neuroscience. For three decades, it ranked as the third most cited book in all of science, a testament to its monumental impact.

He's also the author of an astonishing 59 books delving into the intricacies of the human brain and that of experimental animals. In 2021, he ventured into a new realm with his first novel, 'A River Divided,' a captivating eco-fiction story exploring the classic nature versus nurture debate.

So, get ready for an enlightening conversation as we explore the remarkable mind and journey of George Paxinos!

Ross and George talk about his book, the Goldie Locks zone, brain size, JFK's brain, animal brains,  reorientation of religion, science and culture. Illusions, the soul, brain differences, Greek Mythology - Sisyphus, stories to help understanding, facing dilemmas, emotion over facts, climate change and misinformation. The pair also discuss how art is never finished, challenges, the environment, nature, frontal lobe damage,  human impact, sustainable society, destroying the planet, AI, human endeavour, growth, evolution, religion, eliminating life on earth, polarisation, humanity, tribalism, education, gene therapy, undiscovered talents,  human happiness and loving thy neighbour.

Timecodes:

  • 01:03 George's background
  • 03:20 The human brain solving it's own problems
  • 06:31 Brain limitations and evolution
  • 10:26 Switching our brains in the future
  • 15:58 Travels which have shaped George and practical steps to help humanity
  • 24:36 Neuroscience transforming behaviour
  • 29:14 Creating things to understanding ourselves better
  • 32:36 Understanding of the brain and free will
  • 38:51 Identifying key parts of the brain
  • 41:30 Fostering adaptable behaviour and break cycles that no longer work
  • 46:26 The last time George did something for the first time
  • 49:54 Things we can do


Connect with George:

LinkedIn
Website
Twitter
Emil: g.paxinos@neura.edu.au

Connect with Ross: