How to Think
Book

How to Think

Your Essential Guide to Clear, Critical Thought

Tom Chatfield
SAGE Publications, 2021

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Editorial Rating

8

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  • Analytical
  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

You can think better, tech philosopher Tom Chatfield promises. He offers engaging explanations of the principles of critical thinking and, as examples, applies these principles to timely, relevant issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He covers how to question your own assumptions and biases, improve your attention and formulate strong, logical arguments. This commonsense, practical personal development book offers helpful tools for anyone who wants to think and discuss more clearly and rationally. 

Summary

Thinking about your own thinking can help you understand yourself and the world.

People see the world through the lens of their own perspectives. You’ll perceive and experience events such as the COVID-19 pandemic in your own individual way, based on your age, wealth, ethnicity and location, among other factors that can influence your thinking. To think more objectively, actively reflect on your thought processes. 

T0 find the blind spots in your thinking, be as clear as possible about the question you seek to answer. Explore the question and what you don’t know about it. Seek out information, and get advice from trusted sources. Keep revisiting and reassessing your knowledge. Self-interrogation and reflection will help you understand yourself and the world. 

Attentiveness and reflection build habits that support clear and critical thinking.

In your day-to-day routine, you perform everyday tasks without deep and profound analytical thought. If these functions required significant mental energy, you probably wouldn’t leave the house. For much of daily life, humans rely on habits, instincts and emotions, and heuristics. Habits are...

About the Author

Tom Chatfield is a British tech philosopher, broadcaster and author. His books include Critical Thinking, How to Thrive in the Digital Age and Fun Inc.

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    A. F. 5 months ago
    Very interesting read. This article teaches us to be more attentive and curious while thinking. It also reminds us to be open to different ideas, especially those we don't agree with.
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    A. B. 5 months ago
    A bit of Schopenhauer in here. I like it!
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    C. C. 8 months ago
    This is great! Thank you