Book · 2021 · Science
The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness
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And he's written a really interesting book called The Hidden Spring. And his theory is that consciousness arises when you can't automate things.
Michael Pollan · The Book Review · May 2026 Listen at 32:35 Where and when it comes up
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Why people recommend it
The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness by Mark Solms is a neuroscience book that argues consciousness originates in the brainstem rather than the cortex and arises specifically from felt uncertainty when tasks cannot be automated. Michael Pollan discussed Solms's work across multiple podcast appearances, including The Book Review, The Ezra Klein Show, and the Big Technology Podcast. Pollan highlighted the neuroscientist's theories to explain the origins of consciousness and explore how the brain reacts when routine processes fail. Through these discussions, Pollan brought attention to Solms's compelling case that subjective awareness begins much deeper in the subcortical structures of the brain than many researchers had previously assumed.
Every mention
Michael Pollan And he's written a really interesting book called The Hidden Spring. And his theory is that consciousness a… 3
“And he's written a really interesting book called The Hidden Spring. And his theory is that consciousness arises when you can't automate things.”
“And he’s written a really interesting book called "The Hidden Spring" And his theory is that consciousness arises when you can’t automate things.”
“And Solms wrote a really interesting book called uh The Hidden Spring. Uh and he makes the case that consciousness begins in the brainstem, not in the cortex as people had previously thought.”
