John T. Bruer, Ph.D., has been President of the James S. McDonnell Foundation in St. Louis since 1986. He also works as a consultant on educational issues for the national media, including The New York Times Magazine. He is author of Schools for Thought: A Science of Learning in the Classroom. Dr. Bruer lives in St. Louis with his wife and two sons.
Charles A. Nelson University of Minnesota John Bruer does a
masterful job in making accessible what truly is and is not known
about early brain development. In light of the current hype of
making "superbabies" and building better brains, Bruer's book
couldn't be more timely or important.
Howard Gardner Harvard University, author of "Frames of Mind: The
Theory of Multiple Intelligences" John Bruer convincingly debunks
current hype about brain research and learning. His careful
discussion and eminently sensible conclusions should shame those
who propose grandiose policies or issue dire warnings on the basis
of scanty or ambiguous data.
Jerome Kagan Harvard University, author of "Nature of the Child"
John Bruer combines a clear, gracefully written critique of the
science cited to support the myth of infant determinism with a
depth of wisdom that parents should be able to use every day.
Jonathan R. Cole Provost and Dean of Faculties, Columbia University
A brilliant, must-read book for anyone interested in the
relationship between science, journalism, and public policy.
Judith Rich Harris author of "The Nurture Assumption" A myth is
still a myth, whether it has its roots in folklore or neuroscience.
In this fascinating book with a very important message, John Bruer
traces the myth of "zero to three" to its sources, reveals the
flimsiness of its foundations, and shows how the purveyors of the
myth, intending to do good instead do harm. Every parent of a young
child should read it, rejoice, and relax.
Robert J. Sternberg IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale
University This outstanding book is essential reading not only
because it tells the truth about what neuroscience currently tells
us, but also because it shows how even well-intentioned scholars
confuse what they want with what actually is true. A true
tour-de-force.
Steven Pinker Director, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, MIT,
author of "The Language Instinct" and "How the Mind Works" John
Bruer offers a voice of sanity, common sense, and genuine expertise
to counter the latest fad from the witch doctors of child
development. Nothing is more important than understanding the
growth of children's minds, and Bruer insightfully reviews the
state of the art with admirable clarity, balance, intelligence, and
humor. This is an indispensable book for parents, professionals,
and anyone else who is interested in the fate of our children.
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