oliver sacks the man who mistook his wife

The Twins were fascinated by numbers, while José was animated by drawing. Rebecca was drawn to theatre, just as Martin found comfort in music. In Part Four, titled “The World of the Simple”, the writer argues that judging mentally challenged patients by normal standards unfairly relegates them into positions of inferiority, when in fact they have unexpected gifts and talents, through which they can find a way to connect with and experience the real world. I am most touched by the writer’s appreciation of the unorthodox abilities and behaviour of his patients, even though they are often misunderstood or looked down on by society at large. While this is a harsh and saddening reality, Sacks’ respect for his patients as fellow humans and his dogged efforts to bring out the best in them is profoundly admirable. The prospect of recovery is often slight one can only hope for treatment and improvement, but can offer no cure.

This specialty involves many unknowns, with perplexing and intractable mysteries that remain to be solved. It takes exceptional empathy and understanding to be able to communicate with these patients, who are often impaired in one way or another. Neurology is where science and art intersect it is where scientific advancements are often inadequate to fully comprehend the notion of humanity. In fact, it has reinforced my belief that medicine is not simply a science, but also an art. Through reading this book, I have come to see neurology as a complex and mystifying field. With remarkable eloquence and flair, Oliver Sacks brings his patients to life they become real, living beings with whom we can connect and imagine in our mind’s eye. This book is deeply moving-it unveils many of the hidden stories behind hospital doors that portray patients as distinctly human, instead of mere case histories. What do these terms mean to you? To me, they meant nothing until Oliver Sacks brought them to life, captivating me with the intricate, complex and confounding world of neurology. These stories transport us into a myriad worlds they invite us to see the universe from different lenses, some utterly magical, some downright bizarre, and some mysteriously inexplicable. Showcasing a collection of extraordinary tales from the frontlines of neurology, The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat features individuals struggling with memory loss and recognition problems, those no longer able to feel their limbs, those suffering from consistent tics and convulsions, and those who see and hear strange things. With artful and poetic language, Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist, tells the stories of his patients, transforming them from mere case histories into vivid, living human beings before our eyes.

Oliver sacks the man who mistook his wife