The brain has an attentional mode called the "mind wandering mode" that was only recently identified. This is when thoughts move seamlessly from one to another, often to unrelated thoughts, without you controlling where they go. This brain state acts… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
Activities that promote mind-wandering, such as reading literature, going for a walk, exercising, or listening to music, are hugely restorative. — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
What music is better able to do than language is to represent the complexity of human emotional states. — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
Procrastination comes in two types. Some of us procrastinate in order to pursue restful activities - spending time in bed, watching TV - while… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
In a country that was still racially segregated and prejudiced, music was among the first domains in which African-Americans thrived alongside whites. — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
Because our ancestors lived in social groups that changed slowly, because they encountered the same people throughout their lives, they could keep almost every… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
Because you've been exposed to Western tonal music, you know after a certain chord sequence what the next possibilities are. Your brain has compiled… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
People who organize their time in a way that allows them to focus are not only going to get more done, but they'll be… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
I have never seen a proton or electron spinning around it. I have never actually seen a chromosome. I trust that they exist because… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
If you're studying from a book and trying to listen in on a conversation at the same time, those are two separate projects, each… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
President Trump, when challenged on facts, says that many people feel the way he does. But feelings should not take the place of reason… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
Our species uses music and dance to express various feelings: love, joy, comfort, ceremony, knowledge, and friendship. And each one is distinct and widely… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
The first forms of writing emerged not for art, literature, or love, not for spiritual or liturgical purposes, but for business--all literature could be… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
When you're at work, be fully at work. And let your leisure time be what it's meant to be - restorative and fun. — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
The obvious rule of efficiency is you don't want to spend more time organizing than it's worth. — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
When it comes to snowing people, one effective technique is to get a whole bunch of verifiable facts right and then add one or… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
The human brain long ago evolved a mechanism for rewarding us when we encountered new information: a little shot of dopamine in the brain… — Daniel Levitin Copy Share Image
