Human Potential

An interesting academic study exploring techniques used to enhance human performance. The introduction explains the scope of the book with the emergence of the concept of human potential in the work of Abraham Maslow, the desire to enhance human performance and the need to measure this up against evidence. Vernon usefully debunks the myth that we use only 10% of our brain and constructs a rubric whereby techniques are classified according to whether they are traditional or contemporary, active or passive. The first part explores passive techniques such as hypnosis, sleep learning, subliminal training and audiovisual entrainment; the second deals with meditation, mnemonics, speed reading, biofeedback, neurofeedback and mental imagery practice. In each case the technique and procedure are described along with the results of various studies. He then draws a measured conclusion, assessing the extent to which claims for effectiveness are justified. More often than not, practitioners are inclined to overplay these claims. For instance, results in speed reading showed that comprehension drops sharply beyond 600 words per minute, although it is relatively easy to enhance reading speed from 300 to 600 words per minute while retaining comprehension.