The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction

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The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction

3.38 of 5 stars 3.38 · rating details · 119 ratings · 33 reviews

Professor Forni, founder of The Civility Initiative at Johns Hopkins, isAmerica's civility expert.In his first two books, Choosing Civility and The Civility Solution, he taught readers therules of civil behavior andways ofresponding to rudeness.Now, in The Thinking Life, helooks at the importance of thinking in our lives: how we do it, why we don't do enough of it and why...more

ebook, 192 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by St. Martin's Press

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Feb 02, 2013 Sheli Ellsworth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-reviews

Do you spend every waking moment either on your phone, computer or watching television? If you do, you may be missing out on what John Hopkins Professor, P.M. Forni, describes as “the first necessary step toward life’s elusive grand prize—true happiness.” In //The Thinking Life,// Forni extols the virtues of introspection and reflection as the process by which we learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. In an age where every waking minute is spent on competing technology, the art of t...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Chris Aldrich rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: highest-recommendation

While some might categorize this as a "self-help" or "business" book, it's really a broader reaching thesis which is perfect for almost any reader. It's both a descriptive as well as prescriptive manual for the human thinking machine. Similar to his previous two excellent must-read books on civility (Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct and The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude), this is a well-written, clear, and concise text whose aim is the noble go...more While some might categorize this as a "self-help" or "business" book, it's really a broader reaching thesis which is perfect for almost any reader. It's both a descriptive as well as prescriptive manual for the human thinking machine. Similar to his previous two excellent must-read books on civility (Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct and The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude), this is a well-written, clear, and concise text whose aim is the noble goal of improving all of our lives.

In the vein of excellent recent books like William Powell's Hamlet's BlackBerry: Building a Good Life in the Digital Age, David Allen's Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, Steven Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and others, Dr. Forni covers the ground of how to best deal with the current "age of distraction" in which we live. Even better, however, he makes many of these books obsolete as he uses his phenomenal depth of knowledge of everything from the Greek and Roman schools of thought to Benjamin Franklin and George Washington and then through to Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) and Dale Carnegie (How To Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living)and beyond to provide simple and useful examples of how to be a better and clearer thinker and to elucidate how that will make your life a happier one.

Fans of "Getting Things Done" (GTD) will appreciate some of the underlying philosophy, but will love how it extends those concepts to create a truer sense of happiness in their daily lives.

When I initially approached the book -- as an avowed addict of the fast-paced flow of information from both the internet and television -- I was daunted at the mere ideas that the book portended. But again Dr. Forni breaks the proverbial mountain into a practical mole-hill. He divides things into simple and understandable chunks, but also provides the necessary motivation along with simple examples of how to carry out this wonderful philosophy. In the short time since I've read the book, I've been able to more easily put down my "crack-berry" smart-phone and focus more on what I'm doing and getting the best out of life.

Fans of his previous work who have "chosen civility", will also appreciate how he ties in the concepts of civility and further extends them to the concept of thoughtfulness. The same way he broke down the concept of being civil and created simple, executable ways of changing your daily behavior, he does so with thinking while simultaneously removing the implied modern-day stigma of being a "thinking" person.

In short, this is the book that I wish I had been given before I started high school or even before I started college. I'll desperately miss all the time I've had without this book, but I'll definitely be living a better life now that it's here. One thing is certain: everyone I care about will be getting a copy for the holidays this year!(less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Amy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I bought this book after hearing an interview with the author on NPR. I had high hopes for this book. I was drawn to the idea of a productive thinking life, as opposed to the non-productive, anxiety-ridden, ADD type thinking I frequently engage in. Honestly, I've been trying to read it for a couple of months, and I just can't power through it. I find this book to be almost preachy in its tone. There are some broad generalizations about generations lacking self-control. There are also assumptions...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Eric rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was challenging in a good way. I was encouraged to be a more intentionally thoughtful person rather that a reactively thoughtful person. The book suffered from a lack of focus though. Several times he would apply topics to business situations that weren't introduced in that context and then sweep along to talking about personal relationships and then to a persons interior life. It left me wondering what kind of book I was reading. It wasn't the best written book. I enjoyed how the auth...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Melanie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

I was pretty disappointed with this book overall - it has some interesting moments, but not enough to redeem it in my eyes. The author seems to spend a lot of time denigrating the current generation, technology, movies and tv, and pretty much anything else he can think of that isn't pure thought and meditation. The thing is, you simply cannot survive in this world without being immersed in popular culture, in social activities, etc. For example:

"He [Michael Phelps, after being caught on camera w...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Steve H rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 153, life-skills, social-commentary

There are a lot of good elements to this book, but the text could use some editing to improve organization, tie ideas together, and sustain the overall argument of the book, which in its present form gets somewhat diffused. This is a cross between self-help (How to thrive in an age of distraction) and unsupported advice and platitudes. The author frequently refers to and recommends striving for "the good life," but doesn't really define the concept other than to repeat some ancient greek adages...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: summer-reading-2012

This book was shared with me by one of our Media Specialists in my high school. I returned it on the last day of school, but only after ordering my own copy on Amazon.

A person once accused me of 'thinking too much.' I found both the statement and the person really stupid(!). Over the years, though, I've often wondered why people don't (appear to) think more....

Then there are my high school students. Asking them to THINK is like pulling teeth. Dr. Forni helps me understand why. His ideas confirm...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

"....Insights can be prepared for by encouraging an imagination playful to the point of recklessness along with a sort of experimental fervor that follows hypothesis out as if it were truth---but lets it go once revealed as error. It also helps to cultivate a healthy distrust of authority, and a restless, ranging curiosity----not so much an anarchic spirit as the flexible feel for law that tricksters (in the tradition of Odysseus) have." Robert and Ellen Kaplan

"Can people be taught to become ous...more "....Insights can be prepared for by encouraging an imagination playful to the point of recklessness along with a sort of experimental fervor that follows hypothesis out as if it were truth---but lets it go once revealed as error. It also helps to cultivate a healthy distrust of authority, and a restless, ranging curiosity----not so much an anarchic spirit as the flexible feel for law that tricksters (in the tradition of Odysseus) have." Robert and Ellen Kaplan

"Can people be taught to become oustanding thinkers? Most of us...are potentially capable of outstanding thinking. Not many of us, however, are prepared for it. We have not been trained for it, we are intimidated by it, and sometimes we are not even aware that it is an option."

This books offers to help you prepare to become an outstanding thinker. If you are frustrated by your own lack of deep thinking skills (that would be an emphatic YES! for me), Forni's lays out numerous pratical suggestions to develop critical and creative thinking. Each chapter ends with a handful of questions and helpful suggestions to jumpstart your way to EUREKA! thinking.

A few examples:

"Ask "Why?" And when you have your answer, address it with another "Why?" See where continuing to ask "Why" leads you."

"Fill your pockets with written questions and observations of all kinds collected during the day. Empty them every night, and every few days sort out your notes. Chances are you will find interesting connections among them. This may lead you to insight."

"Keep your curiosity and enthusiam alive and healthy. Accept that complexity of the world may not yield answers as promptly as you would like. As Gary A. Davis observed, 'Because most ideas evolve through a series of modifications, approximations, and improvements, creators must cope with uncertainty.'"

"Remember that even a small reallocation of time from the pursuit of the digital trivial to the pursuit of outstanding thinking could have momentous repercussions on the quality of your life."

I wholeheartedly agree with Forni's thoughts on how extraordinary the results would be from making outstanding thinking a school subject. We are certainly a far cry from that now in our public schools with the focus on rote memorization.

As Henry James wrote, "To live in the world of creation---to get into it and stay in it---to frequent it and haunt it--to think intensely and fruitfully---to woo combinations and inspirations into being by a depth and continuity of attention and meditation---this is the only thing...."
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Jun 15, 2012 Courtney rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library

2.5 stars. I have several issues with this book. But first, let me start with the (scant) praise. In The Thinking Life, Forni offers practical suggestions for thinking when we are constantly overwhelmed by pressure to do the opposite. I was especially intrigued by his description of the shifting historical usages of leisure time. While many of us associate leisure with recreation and pleasure, that connotation is relatively recent. Back in the day, leisure time denoted time away from work that w...more 2.5 stars. I have several issues with this book. But first, let me start with the (scant) praise. In The Thinking Life, Forni offers practical suggestions for thinking when we are constantly overwhelmed by pressure to do the opposite. I was especially intrigued by his description of the shifting historical usages of leisure time. While many of us associate leisure with recreation and pleasure, that connotation is relatively recent. Back in the day, leisure time denoted time away from work that was meant for self-improvement, enlightenment, and contemplation. It’s easy to see how hollow our society has become now that it no longer structures daily life around a balance of physical obligations (work and chores) and internal tasks (reading, writing, reflecting on one’s day, etc).

While there are some valuable pieces of advice buried in The Thinking Life, the book is plagued by several flaws. First and foremost, Forni doesn’t fully recognize the obstacles that deter our thoughts, interrupt our meditations, and keep us from standing still for even a moment. Since the title of the book made explicit reference to the “age of distraction,” I was hoping Forni would have a more comprehensive perspective on how the digital age has radically defined the basic IDEA of thought and information. (For that type of analysis, you’ll have to turn to the perennially insightful Neil Postman.) Forni basically instructs the reader to check email less frequently. That’s it. A gross oversimplification of how much mental energy and discipline it takes to focus in the modern world.

I was also disappointed by the turn The Thinking Life took in the second half. At some point I guess Forni decided to equate thinking with magical thinking. Throughout the book, Forni seems convinced that there’s a positive correlation between thinking and happiness. This, I believe, is reductive and dangerous. Forni is foolish to use the promise of happiness to defend the value of thought and contemplation. That logic appeals to our desire for pleasure, just as the distracting and trivial forces in our lives do! Instead, I believe thought should be justified by its inherent value. Thinking isn’t important because of how it makes you feel. It’s important because we have the capacity to think and we’re better human beings when we utilize that ability. Why appeal to our superficiality when attempting to defend the thinking life?

While I agree that thinking leads to a more meaningful, rewarding life, happiness is not necessarily a part of that bargain. Most of us would probably be more content, at least for awhile, if we embraced the mindless stupor and let our thinking caps get dusty. The thinking life means accepting the disturbing and distressing alongside more positive or affirming realizations. You can’t just choose to think your way happy. That’s bullshit.

Lastly, Forni chooses some very awkward examples to support his claims. When he’s discussing the merits of foresight, he uses Michael Phelp’s pot smoking as Exhibit A. Clearly, Mr. Phelps landed himself in the midst of a scandal by using recreational drugs. But there must be better examples of someone not thinking something through before taking action. Also, what Phelps did would not even be considered criminal is certain contexts (Amsterdam, anyone?). The use of this example makes Forni come across as a cranky asshole.

My advice for anyone interested in this book is to read the first chapter and then take a peek at the advice listed in accessible bullet-point format at the end of each subsequent chapter. That way, you’ll get an overview of Forni’s project, read through some practical suggestions, and bypass most of the irritating crap. Huzzah!
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Nov 18, 2011 Janice rated it 4 of 5 stars

There's nothing radically new about the concepts in this book, but it's a quick read and worth the reminder. Well written. Here's a small sample, "the thoughtful take genuine pleasure in making others feel good about themselves. They are validators. chances are that when they build others up, sooner or later they enjoy some form of reciprocity. People can't help liking those who valikdate them, and they want to make them part of their lives." Simple, but powerful reminders of how to be survive i...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Dianne Oliver rated it 3 of 5 stars

some nice quotes and thoughts on putting down our distractions, and really focusing in on our thought life. he gave some interesting ideas of where and how to begin this process. some things were basic, but we are so inundated with media and rarely give serious thought to our lives that I found this to be a good reminder. I would recommend this for parents wanting ammo and cause/effect for their limiting phones and social networking. It is current, but also refers often to the ancients.

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Jun 08, 2012 Bonnie Irwin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Many parts of this thoughtful little book are worthy 5 stars--recommendations to unplug, reflect, think before acting or speaking, etc. But some of the self-help suggestions are rather elementary. I like the way the author starts and ends with Marcus Aurelius. We can still learn a lot from our ancient forbears. I plan to use part of this books, especially ideas about engaging and living in the present with students this fall.

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May 21, 2013 K.m. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A good core idea, that it would be universally beneficial for each of us to engage in productive introspection. Forni covers topics such as decision making, attention, proactive, and creative thinking--all good to cultivate, he's just not the most interesting writer and does occasionally slip into preach-mode. Not groundbreaking, but useful.

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Feb 17, 2013 Dave Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an inspiring little book in the vein of "Think and Grow Rich". Not only is it filled with observations and insights about how searching for information has replaced the art of thinking, it also has many useful checkpoints and exercises to get back to thinking and avoiding some of the distractions we have grown to love in the 21st century.

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Oct 27, 2012 Gini rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ditched-books

If I am anything, I am a thinking woman. If I am anything, I am TOO introspective, to the point of anxiety and fear, etc. So many things in this book I already do, and so many other things in this book just led me to have more anxiety. Like, oh no! I think a lot, but my thinking time could be so much more PRODUCTIVE or something.
Which i suppose it could, but really. really. this book was not for me. I have been kind of pretending to read it every once in awhile for a couple months now, but I am...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Bill Lalonde rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you can get past the way the author seems to assume that every reader is an upper middle class manager, this is a solid if slim tome advocating for a more thoughtful life. At times it seems too dismissive of the utility of emotions, but given the premise this is a reasonable reaction to the excessive affective diarrhea that captures the modern zeitgeist.

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Jan 26, 2013 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There is definitely good food for thought in here, and the questions at the end of each chapter fuel things further, but...there's something missing here. I finished the book a moment ago - perhaps if I took time to reflect before posting this review (already I am bucking his suggestions) then I could elucidate this gap. In any case, being a short book, with pockets of insight, I do recommend it - just enough.

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Dec 27, 2011 Joana rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book started off alright and then it went off track. About half-way through, I couldn't help wondering what the text I was reading had to do with the concept of thriving in an the age of distraction.

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Mar 05, 2012 Jennifer Stringer rated it 3 of 5 stars

I heard the author on NPR and thought it was an interesting interview. A lot of the advice seems fairly obvious, but it's surprising when you think about it how "multi-tasking" has crept into so many aspects of life. The book breaks down the different qualities required for a thoughtful life-style and ends each chapter with a list of exercises designed to cultivate a more thoughtful life. Not wanting to take the time, I didn't do any of them. (Yes, I recognize the irony)Many involved writing or...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Joyce rated it 3 of 5 stars

this little volume would't convince anyone to join the world of thinkers. It's too philosophic in tone and quite dry. Makes the point that we are over stimulated to death by information and most modern people would be healthier to take ten minutes to look at their toes. Nothing new about that opinion. I know people who couldn't remain silent for ten minutes if you paid them. Not mentioning any names.
I really don't worry about the technical overfunctioning of today's young people. They'll get ti...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Jeni Brasfield rated it 3 of 5 stars

We live in a world that is overflowing with distraction... it's a nice reminder to stop and actually think!

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Sep 14, 2012 Natalie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, psychology, self-help

I read about a 1/3 of this book and then I put it down and never felt inclined to pick it back up. Finally, I was forced to finish because it was due at the library. I enjoyed the ideas that Forni broached. I especially enjoyed the chapters on positive thinking and being a thoughtful person. There is a lot to be said (or thought) for the ideas he proposed. People do spend too much time rushing around without considering their actions or words. All of could benefit from a more thoughtful approach...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars

A self-help book disguised. I got the impression at times it was aimed at the author's college students.

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Dec 20, 2012 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great points to ponder . . . And I do fully appreciate the irony of posting this review here.

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May 15, 2013 Ramesh Prabhu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nuggets of wisdom from a gem of a book -- http://bit.ly/PrabhuA55 (The Reading Room)

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Feb 23, 2013 David Robbins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent read. Learned a great deal about how and why thinking is important.

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Mar 20, 2012 Scottsdale Public Library added it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, nonfiction, self-help

Life is A Balancing Act

I read “The Thinking Life: How To Thrive In The Age of Distraction”. P.M. Forni dispenses nuggets of wisdom on the rewards of disconnecting from too much social media, the internet, and smart-phones (who is the smart one?). And do what? Take time to reconnect with yourself, thrive and improve your quality of life through attention, reflection, proactive and creative thinking to name but a few. A timely and engaging book. Hit the pause button on your gadgets and take a time...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Carolyn Christopher rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent.

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Nov 14, 2012 Octavia McAloon rated it 1 of 5 stars

pompous, conceited, arrogant, and privileged are all perfect descriptors of this author. This book points out the obvious as if the reader is an idiot; it is not worth anyone's time.

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Apr 24, 2013 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was pretty uneven for me. There were parts of this book that I really liked and other parts that I didn't care for at all. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I did particularly like the sections on finding time to think, nurturing outstanding thinking and choosing to be thoughtful.

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About P.M. Forni

Dr. Pier Massimo Forni is a professor in the Department of Germanic and Romance Languages and Literatures, Johns Hopkins University. In 1997 he co-founded the Johns Hopkins Civility Project, an aggregation of academic and community outreach activities that is aimed at assessing the significance of civility, manners and politeness in contemporary society. It has been reconstituted as The Civility I...more

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Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct

The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude

La politesse, svp! Solutions pratiques pour briser le cycle de l'impolitesse

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