If you loved
Altered Traits
Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson · Book · 2017
You appreciate how Altered Traits bridges the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and the practical pursuit of human optimization.
Films on the same thread
Limitless
Neil Burger · Film · 2011
Like the brain-training focus of Altered Traits, this film explores the intoxicating promise of cognitive enhancement and the complex moral cost of pushing your mental limits beyond natural boundaries.
Don't Look Up
Adam McKay · Film · 2021
While Altered Traits validates the power of focused mindfulness, this satire provides a necessary, sobering counterpoint by highlighting the consequences when society collectively ignores objective, evidence-based scientific warnings.
The Specials
Éric Toledano · Film · 2019
This film mirrors the human-centric compassion found in Altered Traits, proving that deep, structured dedication to others produces tangible, transformative results for both the caregivers and the community.
She Said
Maria Schrader · Film · 2022
Just as Altered Traits uses data to dismantle myths about meditation, this investigative drama demonstrates the power of rigorous, journalistic truth-seeking to shift cultural norms and dismantle long-standing systemic abuses.
Series on the same thread
Headspace Guide to Meditation
Series · 2021
If you valued the actionable applications of mindfulness in Altered Traits, this series offers an accessible, practical extension by translating those neurological concepts into daily, guided meditation routines.
How to Change Your Mind
Michael Pollan · Series · 2022
This docuseries shares the scientific curiosity of Altered Traits, inviting you to examine the history and therapeutic potential of altered states of consciousness through a lens of objective research.
Masters of Sex
Michelle Ashford · Series · 2013
Much like the pioneering spirit in Altered Traits, this drama chronicles the friction between groundbreaking scientific research on human behavior and the rigid societal expectations of its time.
Daisy Jones & the Six
Michael H. Weber · Series · 2023
This exploration of creative partnership echoes the psychological depth in Altered Traits, documenting how internal mental states and personal discipline influence the trajectory of high-stakes, collaborative human achievements.
Podcasts on the same thread
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris · Podcast · 2026
This podcast continues the intellectual rigor of Altered Traits, providing a forum for neuroscientific discourse that challenges your perspective on ethics, consciousness, and the mechanics of the human mind.
Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media · Podcast · 2026
If the brain-based research in Altered Traits fascinated you, this podcast provides an essential ongoing deep dive into the latest neurobiological findings that shape our understanding of human performance.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What does Altered Traits reveal about the scientific benefits of meditation?
Altered Traits presents new research from Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson demonstrating the specific effects meditation has on the brain. The book clarifies the scientific reality of mindfulness practices, moving beyond popular trends to show how these techniques actually influence cognitive function and mental well-being.
Is Altered Traits based on recent scientific research?
Yes, Altered Traits is based on twenty years of cutting-edge research conducted by authors Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson. The book examines how meditation and mindfulness impact the brain, providing a factual look at what these practices can truly accomplish for the human mind.
Who are the authors of Altered Traits?
Altered Traits was written by New York Times bestselling authors Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson. Both authors are recognized as giants in their field, specializing in the research of meditation and its measurable effects on the brain as detailed throughout the book.
Does Altered Traits address the common misconceptions about mindfulness?
Altered Traits addresses how mindfulness has become an overused solution for various personal issues. The book provides a critical analysis of current meditation trends, using scientific research to distinguish between popular claims and the actual, proven benefits that meditation provides for the brain.