DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

How To Think

A Guide for the Perplexed

Alan Jacobs author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Profile Books Ltd

Published:4th Oct '18

Should be back in stock very soon

How To Think cover

This insightful work explores the challenges of modern thinking, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming our cognitive abilities amidst information overload and social media chaos, ultimately encouraging collaborative thought for a better society. How to Think offers a path to resist external pressures on our beliefs.

In How To Think, author Alan Jacobs presents a thought-provoking examination of our contemporary relationship with thinking. He argues that many of us are not as adept at critical thinking as we believe, and he explores how this skill has been overshadowed by the rapid pace of modern life. Jacobs asserts that thinking can be uncomfortable and challenging, as it often disrupts our established routines and complicates interactions with those who share our views. In a world dominated by social media and quick information consumption, the art of thoughtful reflection is increasingly at risk.

Jacobs delves into the various obstacles that hinder our ability to think clearly, particularly in the context of the digital age, where misinformation and oversimplified narratives abound. He critiques the prevalence of alternative facts and the overwhelming flood of information that can lead to confusion and superficial understanding. By debunking common misconceptions about effective thinking, he encourages readers to reconsider what it truly means to engage in thoughtful discourse and decision-making.

Drawing on a diverse range of influences, from literature to philosophy, Jacobs highlights the importance of reclaiming our cognitive processes. He offers practical insights into how we can foster a culture of thoughtful engagement, suggesting that by learning to think together, we can also learn to coexist more harmoniously. Ultimately, How To Think serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of modern thought, urging us to resist the pressures of conformity and strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Witty, engaging, and ultimately hopeful, Jacobs's guide is sorely needed in a society where partisanship too often trumps the pursuit of knowledge. -- Publishers Weekly
As much as this book is a manual, it's also a self-portrait of a particular mind, whose style and skills are ballast against the cognitive turbulence of our time. Reading How to Think feels like riding in a small but sturdy boat, Alan Jacobs your pilot through turbulent waters - and if you're eager to get where he's taking you, you're also grateful for the chance to simply watch him do his thing. -- Robin Sloan, author of 'Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore'

ISBN: 9781781259573

Dimensions: 194mm x 126mm x 18mm

Weight: 120g

160 pages

Main