David Robson

'A startling, provocative and potently useful book' Sunday Times What blinkered Einstein and Edison? Why did Steve Jobs and NASA make lethal errors of judgement? How might environmental disaster and social inequality be averted? It is time for us to learn a new way of thinking. The twenty-first century presents complex problems that require a wiser way of reasoning, one that recognises our current limitations, tolerates ambiguity and uncertainty, balances multiple perspectives, and bridges diverse areas of expertise. Whatever our age and experience, whether a NASA scientist or a school student, we will benefit from wielding our minds with insight, precision, social sensitivity and humility. In an exhilarating journey through current research, drawing on insight from Socrates to Benjamin Franklin and some of the world's most successful industries, award-winning science journalist David Robson shows how to build a cognitive toolkit to help us all maximise our full potential.

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things and How to Make Wiser Decisions

The Intelligence Trap

Cassandra Tang

It is not enough to possess a good mind; the most important thing is to apply it correctly.

It’s being willing to acknowledge that you have changed your mind many times before — and you’ll be willing to change your mind many times again.

You cannot be wise about the world if you first do not know yourself.

For some people, failure is the end of the world, but for others, it’s an exciting new opportunity.

It’s not enough to assume that employing the smartest people possible will automatically translate to better performance; you need to create the environment that allows them to use their skills.

The Intelligence Trap quotes

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