Book review: Iconoclast

Gregory Berns in a neuroscientist dealing with the new field of euroeconomics – trying to figure out the economic implications of decisionmaking as we learn more and more about how the brain works. A unique idea, hard work, lots of talent – yes, that can yield good leadership in a certain field of endeavor. Berns makes the argument, however, that the wiring of brain has as least as much to do with break through people from Walk Disney to Henry Ford to Steve Jobs. Iconoclasts think diferent, therefore they act differently, willing to stick out their necks, take risks and have faith in their ideas despite the pressure to think ”normally” around them. It takes not just a certain kind of person, but a certain kind of brain to become an icon. Berns explains and gives examples. The book is a good blend between technical informaiton on neuroscience and concrete examples.