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The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction
How do we turn off the noise of daily life, turn on our brains, and begin to engage in that fundamental human activity known as thinking again?
P.M. Forni, America's civility expert has given some thought to how we can successfully think our way through a greatly distracting world and live a better life.
P.M. Forni, America's civility expert has given some thought to how we can successfully think our way through a greatly distracting world and live a better life.
192 pages, ebook
Published September 13, 2011
82 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
P.M. Forni
11 books16 followersDr. 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 Initiative at Johns Hopkins, which Dr. Forni now directs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 23, 2014
P.M. Forni recommends disconnecting from the internet for 3 hrs a day, at minimum & to make a daily appointment with yourself to reflect and focus only on thought, stop multi-tasking, stop over scheduling, stop answering "how are you?" with "busy", to focus on doing things right the first time, to stop entertaining ourselves / chronically avoiding our own minds
To this, I'm all ears.
"Every day, millions go to work predisposed to endure and leery to commit, which is just about the worst possible attitude to face work with. The first thing to do at work is to remain fully engaged in work. Focus and stay focused. Do not flee the present moment in search of something more appealing to the truant mindl that only makes you a hostage to your own distraction. Work with conviction and confidence in your abilities. When you make your mental horizon coincide with the task at hand; when you let yourself be absorbed into it to the extent that time stands still; when, in other words, you enter the state that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls "flow"–the burden of work disappears. You are busily at peace."
"The more you value life, the more you engage with it. The more you engage with it, the more you think your way through it. The more you think your way through it, the more effective you are as its trustee. It is then that you finally live out the elemental truth that in life there are no rehearsals and you only play for keeps."
To this, I'm all ears.
"Every day, millions go to work predisposed to endure and leery to commit, which is just about the worst possible attitude to face work with. The first thing to do at work is to remain fully engaged in work. Focus and stay focused. Do not flee the present moment in search of something more appealing to the truant mindl that only makes you a hostage to your own distraction. Work with conviction and confidence in your abilities. When you make your mental horizon coincide with the task at hand; when you let yourself be absorbed into it to the extent that time stands still; when, in other words, you enter the state that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls "flow"–the burden of work disappears. You are busily at peace."
"The more you value life, the more you engage with it. The more you engage with it, the more you think your way through it. The more you think your way through it, the more effective you are as its trustee. It is then that you finally live out the elemental truth that in life there are no rehearsals and you only play for keeps."
June 15, 2012
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!
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!
June 16, 2012
I read this book nice and slow, to absorb the lessons and do some of the exercises at the end of the chapters. I would recommend it to almost anyone. I do think most people live our lives pretty randomly, and this book gives very practical advice on living more thoughtfully.
October 16, 2016
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!
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!
March 23, 2013
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 about the time one has available to engage in reflection. I'm left with the feeling that the author thinks society no longer engages in deep thought because it doesn't know how or isn't aware of the benefits. Reading this book makes me think the opposite is true. Many of us are quite aware, but the lives we live do not allow for the volume of deep reflection the author might like to see.
November 2, 2015
Preachy, but a good short read for those brought up in the internet age of distraction, who mostly do not know what it's like to sit and think rather than being 'entertained'.
October 6, 2016
It's honestly a pretty good read. For a person who is so easily distracted like me, this is perfect. Hahaaha
April 11, 2023
It has wisdom, but it seems it’s repeating the same academia knowledge coming from the Greeks. I had the feeling the author was a nice but rigid professor and this book was his lecture to students trying to make up what life is.
Of course, there were valuable things there, but almost nothing original. A put-together book of lectures on life.
Also, I had some issues with the inaccessible language. If he writes like he speaks, it might seem unapproachable to the very people he is trying to reach. Words like ‘deter, equanimity, gregarious, bona-fide, etc,’ that are very academic. None talks like that, especially to young people.
Of course, there were valuable things there, but almost nothing original. A put-together book of lectures on life.
Also, I had some issues with the inaccessible language. If he writes like he speaks, it might seem unapproachable to the very people he is trying to reach. Words like ‘deter, equanimity, gregarious, bona-fide, etc,’ that are very academic. None talks like that, especially to young people.
February 2, 2013
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 thinking has been relegated to back burner. The author uses contemporary, philosophical and mythological examples to illustrate the importance of thought to our quality of life.
He offers sound advice on how to incorporate thinking into a hectic lifestyle to improve mental health. Thought processes such as attention, reflection, self-control, decision making, proactive thinking, positive thinking and problem solving are explored as personal skills one can acquire and use at will—if we make the time. References to popular motivational books about the use of such skills bolster the author’s insistence that first one has to make the time to think effectively before one can act effectively. At the end of each chapter are exercises where the reader may choose to “read this book . . . or live it.”
The hardcover’s quality makes it an impeccable gift for the philosophy lover. The book’s formatting, size and paper feel like an old friend. However, like most academic work, the paragraphs are long and may be cumbersome for those with a short attention span (see page 29 for information on the importance of attention).
He offers sound advice on how to incorporate thinking into a hectic lifestyle to improve mental health. Thought processes such as attention, reflection, self-control, decision making, proactive thinking, positive thinking and problem solving are explored as personal skills one can acquire and use at will—if we make the time. References to popular motivational books about the use of such skills bolster the author’s insistence that first one has to make the time to think effectively before one can act effectively. At the end of each chapter are exercises where the reader may choose to “read this book . . . or live it.”
The hardcover’s quality makes it an impeccable gift for the philosophy lover. The book’s formatting, size and paper feel like an old friend. However, like most academic work, the paragraphs are long and may be cumbersome for those with a short attention span (see page 29 for information on the importance of attention).
May 16, 2013
Nuggets of wisdom from a gem of a book -- http://bit.ly/PrabhuA55 (The Reading Room)
December 28, 2015
Tools for safeguarding against the distraction devil !
December 26, 2017
Pier Massimo Forni teaches courses on Dante and Boccaccio at Johns Hopkins, but he also co-founded the Johns Hopkins Civility Project, and has written two books on being nice to each other. His thesis in The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction is that it is important to think deeply and often. He starts with the common lament that smartphones, the web, and social media can distract us and prevent us from thinking. There may be vestigial truth in that, but I happen to believe that these modern technologies provide welcome amusement and distraction to largely empty minds, and agree with America's last truth-teller, H. L. Mencken, in Minority Report:
Many teachers, Forni among them, seem to depend on the fiction that anyone is perfectly capable of anything if only they are taught to do it. This book will only be read by people who already think, but Forni's wisdom can certainly enrich their lives. Quoting Mencken again:
Indeed it may be said with some confidence that the average man never really thinks from end to end of his life. There are moments when his cogitations are relatively more respectable than usual, but even at their climaxes they never reach anything properly describable as the level of serious thought. The mental activity of such people is only a mouthing of clichés. What they mistake for thought is simply a repetition of what they have heard. My guess is that well over eighty per cent. of the human race goes through life without having a single original thought. That is to say, they never think anything that has not been thought before and by thousands.Professor Forni goes on to show very convincingly that reflection and introspection are vital for those capable of them. They help us to exercise self control, embrace the positive, be proactive, make wise decisions, manage adversity, and be creative and insightful.
Many teachers, Forni among them, seem to depend on the fiction that anyone is perfectly capable of anything if only they are taught to do it. This book will only be read by people who already think, but Forni's wisdom can certainly enrich their lives. Quoting Mencken again:
You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.I found the design of the book quite unpleasant. The shaded sections at the end of each chapter contain questions and exercises that make it seem like a textbook, the quotations are presented, inexplicably, in difficult to read all-caps, as are the headings, and the spindly font used only exacerbates the problem.
March 25, 2020
Long on my reading list, the Thinking Life asks not only for the time to read it but also for a significant shift in attitude and life habits. This book isolates a very critical and new problem for our society: we are far too caught up in daily distractions and work, and we do not block out time to sit with our thoughts. The Thinking Life was full of meaningful and relatable advice, like: "not dwell on the past unless you can learn from it... The point is to use the past in ways that are beneficial to you." It also highlighted how low self-esteem could predispose us to fail, "it often prevents [us] from trying [our] hand at tasks that appear more daunting." In the end, "a healthy self-image is arguable the most precious of our earthly possessions." As someone who has struggled with this and been unfairly hard on myself, I believe this to be the mindset to strive for.
One amazing line I'd like to quote and end with is: "Positivity comprises gratitude for the past, acceptance of the present, and anticipation of a fulfilling future." Indeed, this is the way we should orient ourselves. Cognizant and appreciative of what we've done, and not overly harsh. Interested and not judgmental about our presentation situation, as bothersome as it may be. And finally, grateful for the possibilities that await us. A worthwhile read.
One amazing line I'd like to quote and end with is: "Positivity comprises gratitude for the past, acceptance of the present, and anticipation of a fulfilling future." Indeed, this is the way we should orient ourselves. Cognizant and appreciative of what we've done, and not overly harsh. Interested and not judgmental about our presentation situation, as bothersome as it may be. And finally, grateful for the possibilities that await us. A worthwhile read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
You know how it is when you learn something new or are re-reading something so its content is foremost in your mind, and then you start seeing it everywhere. This happened to me while reading this book as I was also revisiting (at a friend's suggestion) the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.
The beginning of The Thinking Life has many references to philosophy, many of them to the Stoics. This synergized well with Aurelius and his references to Epictetus, which I thought was pretty cool.
On the whole, I found this book to be engaging and useful. There were a few places where I thought it was a bit repetitive and leaned into a self-help style that I'm not terribly fond of. I did like the journaling questions at the end of each chapter very much (a style common to self-help books that I paradoxically do like) and tried to spend a few minutes at least writing answers to them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be purposeful about thinking and reducing the distractions in their everyday lives for at least a little bit each day.
The beginning of The Thinking Life has many references to philosophy, many of them to the Stoics. This synergized well with Aurelius and his references to Epictetus, which I thought was pretty cool.
On the whole, I found this book to be engaging and useful. There were a few places where I thought it was a bit repetitive and leaned into a self-help style that I'm not terribly fond of. I did like the journaling questions at the end of each chapter very much (a style common to self-help books that I paradoxically do like) and tried to spend a few minutes at least writing answers to them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be purposeful about thinking and reducing the distractions in their everyday lives for at least a little bit each day.
May 2, 2022
You know how it is when you learn something new or are re-reading something so its content is foremost in your mind, and then you start seeing it everywhere. This happened to me while reading this book as I was also revisiting (at a friend's suggestion) the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.
The beginning of The Thinking Life has many references to philosophy, many of them to the Stoics. This synergized well with Aurelius and his references to Epictetus, which I thought was pretty cool.
On the whole, I found this book to be engaging and useful. There were a few places where I thought it was a bit repetitive and leaned into a self-help style that I'm not terribly fond of. I did like the journaling questions at the end of each chapter very much (a style common to self-help books that I paradoxically do like) and tried to spend a few minutes at least writing answers to them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be purposeful about thinking and reducing the distractions in their everyday lives for at least a little bit each day.
The beginning of The Thinking Life has many references to philosophy, many of them to the Stoics. This synergized well with Aurelius and his references to Epictetus, which I thought was pretty cool.
On the whole, I found this book to be engaging and useful. There were a few places where I thought it was a bit repetitive and leaned into a self-help style that I'm not terribly fond of. I did like the journaling questions at the end of each chapter very much (a style common to self-help books that I paradoxically do like) and tried to spend a few minutes at least writing answers to them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be purposeful about thinking and reducing the distractions in their everyday lives for at least a little bit each day.
July 10, 2022
The book was a gift from my daughter while she attended Johns Hopkins University where Professor Forni is a faculty member. I had it in bedside pile for quite some time but As it happens I come across a book or article just at the right time. I had been very distracted preparing for a long trip and this little volume helped me to gather my thoughts and focus. My observation is that multi tasking and getting pulled down the internet rabbit hole can really be debilitating. Concentration for me can be as soothing as meditation.
The book has practical tips and it gave me permission to fully focus and not get pulled into other directions. I give it high marks.
The book has practical tips and it gave me permission to fully focus and not get pulled into other directions. I give it high marks.
January 29, 2019
His Book Is A True Gift
Very few authors write as if they are sitting across the table from you. If you are half the thinking person you think you are, Forni takes you the rest of the way. I was stunned by his words and realized there are several people close to me who can gain much insight from reading this. To that end I plan to give copies as gifts to friends and family members. I plan to re-read this true gift to us all.
Very few authors write as if they are sitting across the table from you. If you are half the thinking person you think you are, Forni takes you the rest of the way. I was stunned by his words and realized there are several people close to me who can gain much insight from reading this. To that end I plan to give copies as gifts to friends and family members. I plan to re-read this true gift to us all.
September 15, 2017
In some ways, Forni's advice is the opposite of Schwartz's in The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less, but taken together they make a compelling argument for minimalism as the way of inner peace. I particularly related to Forni's recommendation that we take quiet time to write, think, and ponder life and decisions. I am already doing most of what Forni suggests.
July 17, 2019
Decent book, more of a philosophy lab, than a philosophy book. If you're in your between the ages of 17-25 this is a good guide to those years. It covers a lot but use the applications at the end of the chapters to your advantage.
Really absorb this book. If you're struggling in life/college give this book a try.
Really absorb this book. If you're struggling in life/college give this book a try.
October 6, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Forni's philosophical treatise on the importance of taking time to think. He argues very effectively for the importance of a simple dedication of time to thought, and to practicing in our lives the act of thinking carefully and thoroughly, and finally of making "being thoughtful"--in both sentences--a goal we can strive for.
January 25, 2022
Forni does a phenomenal job at keeping the reader engaged with a pen and paper at their side. You can sense the urgency in his writing as he describes the challenges arising in this day and age that interfere with our ability to think in a meaningful manner. If you are having trouble focusing, it’s about time to take a crack at this book.
June 29, 2017
Worthwhile for younger and busy adults
And now its references to personal devices and social media distraction seems quaint and dated. For me, a little less relevant than perhaps 10 years ago
However it's quick and easy
And now its references to personal devices and social media distraction seems quaint and dated. For me, a little less relevant than perhaps 10 years ago
However it's quick and easy
April 18, 2020
Be careful what you let taint your mind. So much of modern media is in such short bursts its ment to give us an addictive sugar high, making our minds fat and lazy. Opt out for a diet of tasty vegtables and protiens with books and times of quiet.
June 14, 2017
I like to think. I like the application questions at the end of each chapter.
February 27, 2019
Run of the mill self help book. Gives mostly common sense advice in a drawn out cliche manner.
August 15, 2019
"Inadequate thinking is without a doubt the number one cause of (human) grief and sorrow." Pretty much sums it up.
No longer human beings a great number of us are simple human "doers".
No longer human beings a great number of us are simple human "doers".
April 25, 2020
Good collection of direct, applicable steps to improve thinking and thoughtfulness. Minimal anecdotes.
February 13, 2021
Excellent
September 5, 2023
Good book to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
Read to this one now and really enjoying it. I love writing style and everything Describe in this book.
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