I’m through six chapters (about one-third) of Up From Dragons and it is one of the most difficult non-mathematical books I’ve ever come across. By this, I don’t mean that it is not well-written, or even unclear. On the contrary, it is very well-written and quite clear. But I find myself at the limit of my comprehension when dealing with the deep internal functioning of the human brain, with all of the gammas and the various waves and synchronizations, to say nothing of the complex brain anatomy.

But it is completely fascinating and I find myself asking all sorts of questions, and although it is difficult subject matter, an understanding is beginning to form out there in the haze just beyond my reach. I’ve never had this experience with a book before, the intellectual equivalent of getting the shit kicked out of you and coming back for more.