A neuroscientist reveals how no two people think or imagine the same way, and what the surprising differences in our mental worlds can teach us about ourselves and one another

The way each person interprets and models reality is remarkably different. Some see vivid mental images when they close their eyes and can play entire conversations back like a recording. Others experience only blankness or silence. Uncovering your own mental quirks can take some detective work; the only way to find out what it’s like to be you is to ask someone else what it’s like to be them.

Neuroscientist Patrick House reveals the surprising potential variations of our individual imaginations. He explores the many ways our unique processing of the world shapes who we are and what we like. Conditions like anendophasia (a lack of an inner voice) and aphantasia (a lack of mental imagery) demonstrate just how much our mental experiences can differ, impacting everything from our chosen professions and romantic lives to our basic communication preferences.

Subjective Realities offers us a new way to connect with others and understand how we relate to the world. In this elegant and concise book, House argues that there’s tangible value in taking the time to discover the nitty-gritty details of other minds, and our own.