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Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: How Intelligence Increases When You Think Less

by Guy Claxton

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A case for making room for slower, less deliberate thought

$18.51 USD
$28.93 USD $18.51 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A case for making room for slower, less deliberate thought

Guy Claxton examines a tension at the heart of modern problem-solving: the preference for quick, decisive analysis versus the less conscious processes he calls the “tortoise mind” and “undermind.” Drawing on cognitive-science research as presented by the book, he argues for the value of patience, uncertainty, and allowing problems to sit rather than forcing immediate solutions. Anecdotes and twelve reasoning puzzles give the discussion a practical dimension, while the broader argument questions results-driven habits of thinking under pressure. The book frames creativity, intuition, and well-being as connected to a fuller understanding of how thought develops outside deliberate analysis.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in cognitive psychology and creativity
  • People exploring intuition, problem-solving, and decision-making
  • Adults seeking reflective exercises through reasoning puzzles

Themes

Cognition and intuitionCreative thinkingUnconscious thoughtAmbiguity and uncertaintyProblem-solving

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"The essential guide to creative thinking!"-- John Cleese

In these accelerated times, our decisive and businesslike ways of thinking are unprepared for ambiguity, paradox, and sleeping on it." We assume that the quick-thinking "hare brain" will beat out the slower Intuition of the "tortoise mind." However, now research in cognitive science is changing this understanding of the human mind. It suggests that patience and confusion--rather than rigor and certainty--are the essential precursors of wisdom.

With a compelling argument that the mind works best when we trust our unconscious, or "undermind," psychologist Guy Claxton makes an appeal that we be less analytical and let our creativity have free rein. He also encourages reevaluation of society's obsession with results-oriented thinking and problem-solving under pressure. Packed with Interesting anecdotes, a dozen puzzles to test your reasoning, and the latest related research, Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind is an Illuminating, uplifting, stimulating read that focuses on a new kind of well-being and cognition.

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