In Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart, Dr. James Doty, neurosurgeon and professor at Stanford School of Medicine and Director of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education has written a moving account – part auto-biographical narrative, part popular psychology – that illuminates the power of compassion to change lives and heal hearts.
No stranger to suffering, Doty was raised in abject poverty and neglect, the son of an invalid mother and alcoholic father. Had it not been for the kindness of a stranger – a woman in a magic shop – who taught him meditation at a young age, he would have succumbed to hopelessness. Instead, he rose above his fears and insecurities, developed resilience and excelled. Attending college and then medical school, Doty landed highly coveted and prestigious neurosurgery positions.
Forever touched by the kindness of the woman in the magic shop, Doty – who overcame a series of personal struggles even as an adult – understands the powerful impact that compassion can have – for his patients, his colleagues and all those with whom he comes into contact. Doty has made large philanthropic gifts, at times giving away all he had.
The Dalai Lama – which whom Doty maintains a close friendship – inspired Doty to found Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Through his work as a neurosurgeon, compassion scientist and researcher, Huffington Post blogger and acclaimed international speaker, Doty has touched the lives of thousands of people. Into the Magic Shop is an intimate account of Doty’s profound and moving insights derived from struggle. Along with profound wisdom, readers learn practical tools for how to increase their compassion and live a life of meaning and purpose.
Pre-sold and translated into dozens of languages already, Into the Magic Shop is now available for pre-order on Amazon here.
CCARE Staff