Science & Technology / Psychology & Cognitive Studies / Cognitive Psychology & Neuroscience

You Are Your Synapses: The Neuroscience of Identity (Joseph LeDoux)

Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are

Joseph LeDoux

Who are you? According to neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux, the answer lies in the microscopic connections between your brain cells—your synapses. In his groundbreaking book 'The Synaptic Self,' LeDoux argues that your personality, memories, and even your sense of self are not abstract concepts but physical patterns of neural wiring. This video breaks down how genes and experiences shape your brain's circuitry, why emotions like fear bypass your conscious control, and what this means for mental health. Discover why your past truly lives in your synapses, and how understanding this can change how you see yourself.