[xanthopan]

Maybe only tangentially related, but Michael Pollan's recent book about psychedelics "How To Change Your Mind" goes in-depth on this. There's something about being able to quiet the "default mode network" that lends the mind to transcendental/creative thought. The same effect can be achieved through meditation or breathwork.

[pfd1986]

Also moral tribes, by Joshua Greene. These 2 were the best books I read this year.