Alchemy of the Mind

An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain is a unique work of literary nonfiction by Diane Ackerman. First published in 2004, the book aims to illuminate the mysteries of the human mind by bridging the gap between science and art. The book received an overwhelmingly positive reception from critical reviewers and readers alike. An international bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction, Ackerman, best known for her award-winning book, The Zookeeper’s Wife, has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize many times. Critics applaud Ackerman’s unusual talent for writing nonfiction using literary, poetic prose that appeals to a wide audience.

An Alchemy of Mind is a celebration of the brain and all it makes possible. The book both explores the scientific origins of the brain and how it evolved over time, and the ecstatic feelings and emotions that our minds allow us to feel. Just as the brain is an organ with scientific functions, it is also miraculous, creative, illogical, and awe-inspiring; Ackerman aims to capture this complexity in her writing.

In the first section, “Miracle Waters: Evolution,” Ackerman describes how the human brain evolved from its unsophisticated origins to the complex creation that it is now. She reflects on how the brain is as complex as an entire universe and yet we take it for granted. We think we know a lot about neuroscience, but the reality is that we know virtually nothing about the brain. Even Ackerman can only scratch the surface of how the human brain evolved.



Ackerman explains that the brain’s key skill is reflection. From the moment our brains form, we are constantly processing information and reflecting on the world around us. This seemingly endless stream of consciousness makes us unique because no one else processes the world quite as we do. On the other hand, since every human interacts with the world using his or her brain, it is the one process we have in common.

Section 2, “Sweet Dreams of Reason: The Physical Brain,” looks at the brain’s various components and how they all interact with each other. These interactions make it possible for us to process the world and everything in it. It is also thanks to these interactions and the various neural processes that the brain considers its own existence. We are always looking for meaning in the world around us, and our brain physically encourages us to reflect on our own place in the universe.

In Section 3, “Pavilions of Desire: Memory,” Ackerman considers how the brain chooses what to remember and what to discard. She argues that the emotional impact of an event affects whether the brain retains it or not. The brain can “alter” memories to make them more appealing, and it can shield us from traumatic memories that we are not ready to make sense of yet. The brain’s ability to edit memories is why, in some cases, we remember an event completely differently from someone else who also experienced it.



“Never a Dull Torment: The Self, and Other Fictions,” looks at how the brain forms its own sense of self. Ackerman examines various factors that can influence our self-identity, including brain damage and mental illness. She considers whether men and women really do think differently and whether we are a product of our experiences or if we are simply born a certain way. In other words, she examines the long-standing “mind over nurture” argument.

In “The World is Breaking Someone Else’s Heart (Emotions),” Ackerman reflects on how the brain handles emotions. She worries that the brain is not designed for the chronic stress and anxiety that the modern world causes so many of us to endure. On the other hand, she accepts that some brains are naturally more inclined to see the positive in every situation rather than the negative. Some people are simply born optimists.

“The Color of Saying: Language” looks at how the human brain processes language and how it communicates with itself. Ackerman considers how the brain chooses which words to use when we express ourselves to other people and how we handle different languages. She also explores our fascination with metaphors, believing that we are fascinated with metaphorical quotes because they help our brains organize experiences. Furthermore, these metaphors are another way for us to find common ground with the people around us, which enriches our human experience.



The final section, “The Wilderness Within: The World We Share” considers whether we are the only conscious animals in the world. There are theories about how much other animals understand and process, but so far, we still know very little about how similar our minds truly are. Ackerman ends the section by reflecting on the beauty of the human brain and how we should celebrate it more often, because it is a truly miraculous thing.