Cover of Being You

Book · 2021 · Science

Being You

A New Science of Consciousness

by Anil Seth · Recommended by 1 person on 2 podcasts

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2
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There were several books on consciousness I like, but the one I want to recommend is Being You by Anil Seth. He's an English neuroscientist, and it's a book about the self, and he treats the self as a perception.
Michael Pollan · The Book Review · May 2026 Listen at 1:27:28

Why people recommend it

Being You by Anil Seth is an illuminating exploration of consciousness and the self written by an English neuroscientist. Michael Pollan recommended the book on multiple podcast episodes, including editions of The Book Review and The Ezra Klein Show. During these discussions, Pollan praised it as a standout text among literature on consciousness, noting that the author treats the self as a perception rather than a fixed internal entity. Pollan highlighted the book as a prime recommendation for readers wanting to understand the complex biological and neurological underpinnings of subjective human experience. The discussions underscore how Anil Seth translates difficult scientific concepts into accessible insights for general audiences intrigued by the mysteries of the human mind. Listeners are encouraged to explore the book to gain a deeper appreciation of how the brain constructs reality and how human consciousness shapes our daily interactions with the world around us. Through these enthusiastic endorsements, the book has cemented its reputation as a modern essential for anyone seeking a scientifically grounded yet deeply philosophical journey into the architecture of the human self.

Every mention

2 counted mentions · 3 passing or ad reads below
Michael Pollan There were several books on consciousness I like, but the one I want to recommend is Being You by Anil Seth… 2
Recommended
“There were several books on consciousness I like, but the one I want to recommend is Being You by Anil Seth. He's an English neuroscientist, and it's a book about the self, and he treats the self as a perception.”
Recommended
“Lastly, there was a book about conscience. There were several books on consciousness I liked, but the one I want to recommend is "Being You" by Anil Seth. He’s an English neuroscientist, and it’s a book about the self, and he treats the self as a perception.”

Also mentioned in the same episodes

Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
Passing
“PhD in computer science and artificial intelligence a writer and author whose most recent book being you was published in 2021”
Plugged
“we talk about it the book is called being you like it's it's what's that got to do with Consciousness”
Plugged
“we talk about it 163 04:53 the book is called being you like it's 164 04:58 it's what's that got to do with Consciousness”

Portraits from Wikimedia Commons: Michael Pollan, Michael_Pollan_at_Yale_1.jpg: Ragesoss derivative work: Gobonobo (talk) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).