The Rise of Superman

Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance
by Steven Kotler

This improbably entitled book is deceiving.   Its real topic is the science of how extreme sports engage participants and provide rare personal satisfaction.  Drawing on a decade of research and first hand reporting of the outstanding performers in adventure sports, the author probes how and why these activities become so compelling, and the neural impacts they have on participants.

The underlying concept of much of the book is Csikszentmihalyi's notion of "flow".  This is a rare condition achieved through challenging but absorbing conditions.  Investigating changes in the brain during this state, the book explains the concept of "transient hyperfrontality" in which the distinctions between time and place become blurred. 

The book explains the conditions in which human performance is improved, and the ways in which this promotes personal happiness and satisfaction.  It will be of interest to all wanting to understand  why some people become so devoted- even addicted - to risky activities.  And why this provides the foundation for happiness that passive activities cannot match. 

Does it have an implication for education?  It certainly explains the circumstances in which people can be inspired to constantly strive to achieve ever higher performance.  It clearly correlates some of these qualities to wider success criteria in life.  It doesn't, however, address the issue of whether this personal satisfaction is achievable by all participants, or whether it is always destined to be a minority attraction. 

This book belongs with others that use the discoveries of brain science made possible by the emergence of fMRI brain scanning.  This enables improved understanding of why people behave as they do, and the neural reward centres that are activated by certain activities.  Ultimately, this science will inform the design of educational experiences and lead to a much closer understanding of activities and their impact at a neural level.  This book in another brick in that wall