In the Paths of Understanding, a holistic approach is presented regarding the fundamental question 'how do we understand?'. In this highly interdisciplinary effort, the clarification of fundamental neural mechanisms plays a crucial role, from the continuity of unconscious processes and conscious experiences, to the analysis of memory and learning mechanisms at a molecular level. A key component of this innovative approach is the introduction of the concept of representations, in which the main characteristic of our cognitive superiority compared to our evolutionary ancestors is located. A plethora of examples from the areas of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering Sciences, Technology, Biology, Medicine, Philosophy, and Painting are used to support and explain the above. Based on the composition of these cognitive objects, a series of important questions are analyzed, including the following: What is the relationship between innate and acquired knowledge? Why is it possible to understand the universe? What is the effect of cultural evolution on our brain? What is the neural origin of the processes that govern the arts and letters? Why are the mathematical equations that characterize basic physical phenomena elegant? Can the problem of consciousness be solved? Will the influence of mathematics on biology be as important as in physics? The author hopes that the new approach helps in a deeper understanding of the origin of our thoughts and emotions. The ultimate goal is to inspire the reader to deeper reflections and to approach our, according to Aristotle, ultimate goal, namely to feel eudaimonia. (From the presentation on the back cover of the book)