Abstract
Attention. From the very first moments of our ex utero existence it’s what we want. Even more, it is what we absolutely need for survival. At the beginning we have no attention to give and can only take from others. Early behavior appears to be completely instinctual. However, in the ensuing weeks, subtle changes occur that signal a transition from this primitive instinct-based existence to the signs of an aware infant. Parents eagerly await this comforting evidence indicating that their newborn can direct his/her attention to a particular voice or sound. It is an early confirmation that those special human capabilities, which we take too much for granted, are safe and sound within the next generation. At least for now the gift of attention is alive and well. But, as we shall see, the journey is far from over.
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© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Deth, R.C. (2003). The Gift of Attention. In: Molecular Origins of Human Attention. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0335-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0335-4_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5026-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-0335-4
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