History, Anecdotes, Correlations, and Interviews

This chapter illustrates stories relating music and other higher brain functions such as mathematics and chess. It is noted that use of higher brain function focuses on music, math, and chess, rather than more language-based thinking. The chapter introduces the concept of the magic genius, illustrated by Mozart in music and Ramanujan in math. It also illustrates some scientific results and concepts. It examines the correlation between music and maths. Persons good or exceptional at math might be good or exceptional at music too. This chapter presents evidence for a cause and effect relationship that music could causally enhance reasoning, if even temporarily. It is of great importance for the nonscientist to understand this distinction between correlation and causation and the distinction between anecdotal studies and controlled studies. Einstein explained that music was in some ways an extension of thinking processes, a method of allowing the subconscious to solve tricky problems. He remarked, "music has no effect on research work, but both are born of the same source and complement each other through the satisfaction they bestow.’’