118 Quotes by Daniel Levitin

Critical thinking is not something you do once with an issue and then drop it. It requires that we update our knowledge as new information comes in. Time spent evaluating claims is not just time well spent. It should be considered part of an implicit bargain we've all made.

Because you've been exposed to Western tonal music, you know after a certain chord sequence what the next possibilities are. Your brain has compiled a statistical map of which ones are most likely and least likely. If the song keeps hitting the most likely notes, you'll get bored, and if it's always the least likely ones, you'll get irritated.

When you're at work, be fully at work. And let your leisure time be what it's meant to be - restorative and fun.

The obvious rule of efficiency is you don't want to spend more time organizing than it's worth.

Some people like very predictable melodies, and others prefer the less likely notes.

There's an ancient connection between movement and music. Most languages don't make a distinction between the words 'music' and 'dance.' And we can see that in the brain. When people are lying perfectly still but listening to music, the neurons in the motor cortex are firing.

What music is better able to do than language is to represent the complexity of human emotional states.

Procrastination comes in two types. Some of us procrastinate in order to pursue restful activities - spending time in bed, watching TV - while others delay difficult or unpleasant tasks in favor of those that are more fun.

I became a cognitive psychologist because I met a bunch of teachers I really liked.