Altered Traits
Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain & Body by Daniel Goleman, PhD & Richard Davidson, PhD
What This Is 🤔
A rigorous, research-based exploration of what meditation actually changes in the mind, brain, and body. Drawing on decades of neuroscience and psychology research, Goleman and Davidson separate hype from evidence and clarify what sustained contemplative practice truly develops over time.
What It’s For 🎯
This book helps readers:
Understand what meditation does and does not change
Distinguish short-term “states” from long-term “traits”
Ground contemplative practice in credible scientific evidence
Legitimize inner work in academic, leadership, and professional settings
Think more precisely about attention, emotion, compassion, and resilience
It is especially valuable for skeptics, scientists, leaders, and educators who want clarity without mysticism.
What You’ll Find Inside 🧰
The book brings together:
Findings from neuroscience, psychology, and longitudinal studies
Clear explanations of attention, emotional regulation, and well-being
Evidence on compassion, empathy, and ethical behavior
A critical examination of exaggerated claims about meditation
Case studies and research from advanced practitioners and novices alike
Rather than promoting meditation as a cure-all, the authors present a measured, evidence-based account of its real effects.
How to Use It 🧭
This book works well as:
A scientific foundation for mindfulness or attention-based programs
Background reading in leadership, psychology, or neuroscience courses
A credibility anchor when introducing contemplative practices in organizations
A complement to experiential practice and reflection
It can be read selectively, returning to specific chapters as questions arise.
Key Takeaways 💡
Lasting change comes from sustained practice, not quick techniques
Meditation alters enduring traits, not just temporary states
Attention and emotional regulation are trainable capacities
Compassion can be cultivated with measurable effects
Evidence matters when integrating inner work into serious contexts
Pro Tips 🧠
Don’t skim — the nuance is the value
Pair reading with lived practice to ground the concepts
Use the book to counter overblown claims, not to sell meditation
Treat it as a reference you return to over time