wife or hat?

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is perhaps the best title for a non-fiction book about neurology, ever. But what do I know, I'm more of a fiction reader.

Oliver Sacks is the man behind the voice of neurological wisdom for the radio show and podcast RadioLab. Or he was until his untimely death a few years ago from cancer. I miss his voice, and his thoughtful approach to working with folks who deal daily with the challenges of a mind that doesn't operate within (what we'd call) standard parameters. Sacks was called upon to explain complex neurological issues, and how the mind works for the folks at RadioLab, because of his ability to explain complex things in easy to understand terms. He demystifies the sciences of the mind with a subtle wit and a believe in humanity that is foremost in his thinking. His patients are first and always, just people who need help.

Sacks lays out his theses with well written, often charming characterizations of a series of patients, their challenges, and their triumphs; rare though they may be. Its clear in his writing that Sachs is much more interested in how his patients think about and deal with their own problems, than simply identifying what those problems are and applying the most popular treatment. He seems to be more interested in the person, and how they are dealing with the particular set of circumstances they deal with, and working with them to figure out the best way forward. Sometimes, what people need, is to just get back to some of their routine. The part of life that made them feel better, or whole, or normal.

Seems like good medicine.

Oliver Sacks would have been 85 this year.