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The Art of Clear Thinking
Think smarter, better, and faster. Clear thinking is the key to truth, wisdom, and knowledge. Whether it’s from ourselves or others, we rarely see the world as it really is. We aren’t able to think clearly. We build our beliefs on lies, assumptions, and deceptions. This ends now. Practical methods to never be fooled, stop making mistakes, and avoid traps. The Art of Clear Thinking takes an in-depth look at the everyday illusions we come across, and how to defeat them once and for all. What makes us jump to conclusions, evaluate incorrectly, and consistently make errors when we should know better? Why do we act against our own interests so frequently? It’s just how we’re wired. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. This book gives you the tools to clear the fog from your eyes and simply think smarter. Practical methods to instantly be quick-witted, more insightful, and think more critically. Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and social skills coach. He has sold over a million books. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience. Discover and avoid biases, blind spots, and poor logic. • The key to intellectual honesty and the biggest obstacle (that you control). • Just how flawed and biased your perceptions, perspectives, and feelings are. • Real logic and the fake logic people try to use to fool you. • How to think independently without being influenced by others. • Principles from some of history’s greatest Descartes, Darwin, Einstein, and more. Scroll up to and click BUY NOW to take your blinders off and become the smartest person around. This is the second book in the “Clear Thinking and Fast Action” series as listed 1. The Science of Getting How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage 2. The Art of Clear Mental Models for Better Reasoning, Judgment, Analysis, and Learning. Upgrade Your Intellectual Toolkit. 3. 10-Minute From Buddhism to Stoicism, Confucius and Aristotle - Bite-Sized Wisdom From Some of History’s Greatest Thinkers 4. Practical How to Think Critically, Deconstruct Situations, Analyze Deeply, and Never Be Fooled 5. Learn To Think Using Thought How to Expand Your Mental Horizons, Understand Metacognition, Improve Your Curiosity, and Think Like a Philosopher 6. Take Rapid Get Productive, Motivated, & Energized; Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating 7. Relentless 27 Small Tweaks to Beat Procrastination, Skyrocket Productivity, Outsmart Distractions, & Do More in Less Time
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
280 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Patrick King
205 books337 followersPatrick King is a Social Interaction Specialist, in other words, a dating, online dating, image, and communication and social skills coach based in San Francisco, California, and has been featured on numerous national publications such as Inc.com. He’s also a #1 Amazon best-selling dating and relationships author with the most popular online dating book on the market, and writes frequently on dating, love, sex, and relationships.
He focuses on using his emotional intelligence and understanding of human interaction to break down emotional barriers, instill confidence, and equip people with the tools they need for success. No pickup artistry and no gimmicks, simply a thorough mastery of human psychology delivered with a dose of real talk, perfected and honed through three years of law school.
He focuses on using his emotional intelligence and understanding of human interaction to break down emotional barriers, instill confidence, and equip people with the tools they need for success. No pickup artistry and no gimmicks, simply a thorough mastery of human psychology delivered with a dose of real talk, perfected and honed through three years of law school.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 27, 2019
The Art of Clear Thinking by Patrick King is a gem of a book that is filled with vital information to direct you toward clear thinking. It contains some very important lessons which one could apply in one's life to get outstanding results. For me, this book came at the right time. Amidst all the noise concerning CAA NRC, my mind was heavily laden with doubts. I have been unable to get my rationale through the mess. I haven't been able to wrap my head around the discussion and protest and then came this book, to point the flaw in my logic, in my thought process, in my way of arriving at conclusions. I am thoroughly impressed by this book.
The book is divided into 4 distinct chapters outlining the crucial aspects of thinking. It essentially talks about a flawed logic, about a 'big' ego, about several biases clouding our understanding of things, about the different factors influencing our ability to think properly and clearly. It draws out inspiration from great thinkers of all times and emphasises on how all of them think alike. By the end, the book does convince you to adopt a different approach for better decision making. This is one of those few books I have annotated because I couldn't resist. And I would definitely not stop recommending this amazing book to anyone and everyone.
The book is divided into 4 distinct chapters outlining the crucial aspects of thinking. It essentially talks about a flawed logic, about a 'big' ego, about several biases clouding our understanding of things, about the different factors influencing our ability to think properly and clearly. It draws out inspiration from great thinkers of all times and emphasises on how all of them think alike. By the end, the book does convince you to adopt a different approach for better decision making. This is one of those few books I have annotated because I couldn't resist. And I would definitely not stop recommending this amazing book to anyone and everyone.
February 16, 2025
Clear, organized well, and helpful.
The three stars is mostly due to my own inability to understand logical reasoning. I think I need one that will be more helpful for beginners despite taking critical thinking in the past.
A few other points:
- I find it difficult to separate emotions from rationality. This book makes it seem like you can just make the simple switch by taking a few deep breaths and then evaluating information, rather than emotions constantly being around. I've read a few thoughts on this from Quora:
"This is largely a question of language and definition. The word ‘rational’ references cognitive reasoning. Emotions cannot be rational in the sense of being the product of reasoning. If they were we would all be dead, because reasoning as a process has no motivating force. Motivation is felt as an emotional imperative."
"Contrary to popular belief, emotions are rational (lation: ratio - reason). The reason being a belief. Every emotion is very consistent with trigger object/situation and a belief about it. Though we hardly notice a belief firing a microsecond before latent emotion activates. Doing introspection while having an emotion gives you a clue about underlying belief - recognize images and internal dialogue. Keep your mind clear and still - emotion ceases (goes latent)."
Essentially, emotional intelligence equips us with what we need to be rational. Where King mentions this briefly, I would have liked a better explanation of how they help each other and how exactly to detach from that emotional behavior when it comes to forming more logically-based assertions.
King writes: "Feel your feelings - sometimes they are a signal for something that you odn't consciously perceive, which is why they shouldn't be totally discounted - but don't become overwhelmed by them"(49).
OK. How? King mentions doing this by taking a break and not dissecting things when emotional. But I feel pretty strongly all the time, especially if faced with an argument that is a 'Sacred Cow' belief. I would of liked a more detailed explanation on how to ~simply~ detach, but perhaps that's less of a book on clear thinking and more of a need for CBT?
Further, the chapter on types of logical statements was enlightening. I would of liked to know how to follow these arguments when they begin to get more complicated, with more real-world examples. They are easy to understand when the examples are simple, but what about when they get more complex?
I really enjoyed the last chapter. I am going to start making lists of multiple perspectives to help me decipher some long-held beliefs.
Pretty Comprehensive Notes Here with a link to a Quizlet for identifying the terms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r...
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/gb/1006376910/cog...
The three stars is mostly due to my own inability to understand logical reasoning. I think I need one that will be more helpful for beginners despite taking critical thinking in the past.
A few other points:
- I find it difficult to separate emotions from rationality. This book makes it seem like you can just make the simple switch by taking a few deep breaths and then evaluating information, rather than emotions constantly being around. I've read a few thoughts on this from Quora:
"This is largely a question of language and definition. The word ‘rational’ references cognitive reasoning. Emotions cannot be rational in the sense of being the product of reasoning. If they were we would all be dead, because reasoning as a process has no motivating force. Motivation is felt as an emotional imperative."
"Contrary to popular belief, emotions are rational (lation: ratio - reason). The reason being a belief. Every emotion is very consistent with trigger object/situation and a belief about it. Though we hardly notice a belief firing a microsecond before latent emotion activates. Doing introspection while having an emotion gives you a clue about underlying belief - recognize images and internal dialogue. Keep your mind clear and still - emotion ceases (goes latent)."
Essentially, emotional intelligence equips us with what we need to be rational. Where King mentions this briefly, I would have liked a better explanation of how they help each other and how exactly to detach from that emotional behavior when it comes to forming more logically-based assertions.
King writes: "Feel your feelings - sometimes they are a signal for something that you odn't consciously perceive, which is why they shouldn't be totally discounted - but don't become overwhelmed by them"(49).
OK. How? King mentions doing this by taking a break and not dissecting things when emotional. But I feel pretty strongly all the time, especially if faced with an argument that is a 'Sacred Cow' belief. I would of liked a more detailed explanation on how to ~simply~ detach, but perhaps that's less of a book on clear thinking and more of a need for CBT?
Further, the chapter on types of logical statements was enlightening. I would of liked to know how to follow these arguments when they begin to get more complicated, with more real-world examples. They are easy to understand when the examples are simple, but what about when they get more complex?
I really enjoyed the last chapter. I am going to start making lists of multiple perspectives to help me decipher some long-held beliefs.
Pretty Comprehensive Notes Here with a link to a Quizlet for identifying the terms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r...
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/gb/1006376910/cog...
December 19, 2020
One Word, "PAUSE TO THINK"
Words are pretty clear when Patrick explains about how to think clearly. Primarily, speed thinking is a way to escape clear thinking or to neglect the actual facts that we uncover in our journey. Mindful thinking might be slow but it leads to get the facts right. Being Intellectually honest , Open minded helps you to get to the bottom of something more clearly. Stopping to trust our instincts & questioning the facts ofter help us to know better about something.
Remember, clear thinking is not about finding solution, it is about understanding the facts and go deep into finding the truth.
We written practices. If we persist with clear thinking, we can be the next Einstein, Elon Musk, Descartes or Socrates.
Words are pretty clear when Patrick explains about how to think clearly. Primarily, speed thinking is a way to escape clear thinking or to neglect the actual facts that we uncover in our journey. Mindful thinking might be slow but it leads to get the facts right. Being Intellectually honest , Open minded helps you to get to the bottom of something more clearly. Stopping to trust our instincts & questioning the facts ofter help us to know better about something.
Remember, clear thinking is not about finding solution, it is about understanding the facts and go deep into finding the truth.
We written practices. If we persist with clear thinking, we can be the next Einstein, Elon Musk, Descartes or Socrates.
July 4, 2023
A concise survey on human's illogical thinking and how to avoid them. The book points out why and how we don't normally think logically and clearly; then suggests a few strategies to develop better thinking habits.
I love the first half of the book that is focused on the obstacles to clear thinking: ego, intellectual laziness, emotions, false memory, etc. We need to be aware of those erroneous ways to think so that we can avoid confusing them with true logic. The second part of the book, on methods to think logically and clearly, is mediocre. I wish the author would invest more effort into this part.
Overall, good and helpful small book for everyone to improve their thinking and their lives.
I love the first half of the book that is focused on the obstacles to clear thinking: ego, intellectual laziness, emotions, false memory, etc. We need to be aware of those erroneous ways to think so that we can avoid confusing them with true logic. The second part of the book, on methods to think logically and clearly, is mediocre. I wish the author would invest more effort into this part.
Overall, good and helpful small book for everyone to improve their thinking and their lives.
April 21, 2019
This another tool to add to your toolbelt if you are looking to improve your skills. It is short and concise and provide the reader with facts, examples, and ways to improve thinking. A counterpoint to this work would be Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Both have very valid points backed with data. I think high school and college level students would benefit from work like this. I wish I would have had this then.
June 3, 2019
Pretty much Crystal clear
Sounds daft but it’s a well written and pretty much crystal clear book in clear thinking.
Clearly laid out, clearly explained, and clearly summarised at the end.
Clearly a good read so take the time to read it, I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t want to.
Sounds daft but it’s a well written and pretty much crystal clear book in clear thinking.
Clearly laid out, clearly explained, and clearly summarised at the end.
Clearly a good read so take the time to read it, I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t want to.
April 17, 2022
The self-published nature of this book distracted from its key ideas and mental models for better decision-making. One thought bleeds into another and is often repeated. It contains some ok points about intellectual honesty and understanding that perception is biased. It is an easy read however it did not move the needle much on critical thinking methods.
August 13, 2024
Insightful reading and thought-provoking concepts.
I enjoyed reading this book because it opened up my mind to examine the way how I think and understand issues and scenarios that I have encountered, and also, prepare me for future interactions. Great book!!!! Highly recommended.
I enjoyed reading this book because it opened up my mind to examine the way how I think and understand issues and scenarios that I have encountered, and also, prepare me for future interactions. Great book!!!! Highly recommended.
April 12, 2019
A few simple ideas, a little repetitive.
The core is being intellectually honest with oneself, and how to overcome the psychological obstacles such as confirmation bias and social pressure. Then he illuminates with examples of great thinkers in history (Einstein, Descartes, Darwin, Socrates).
The core is being intellectually honest with oneself, and how to overcome the psychological obstacles such as confirmation bias and social pressure. Then he illuminates with examples of great thinkers in history (Einstein, Descartes, Darwin, Socrates).
June 18, 2019
Quick read. Covers cognitive biases and mental/thinking models. Somewhat brief, but that may be perfect for some[me] especially as a review.
I believe he confuses Analog thinking with inductive and a priori thinking. I wonder if anyone notices what I mean, or would be interested in commenting?
He lays out analog thinking as relying on an anology of what has worked in the past. That's not really what it is. See chapter on analog thinking in "Range" by David Epstein.
I believe he confuses Analog thinking with inductive and a priori thinking. I wonder if anyone notices what I mean, or would be interested in commenting?
He lays out analog thinking as relying on an anology of what has worked in the past. That's not really what it is. See chapter on analog thinking in "Range" by David Epstein.
August 22, 2021
Great summmary
Review of most important thinkers and principles. Very helpful for me, and I will incorporate much of this into my upcoming undergraduate course in Intro to Critical Thinking. I highly recommend this book.
Review of most important thinkers and principles. Very helpful for me, and I will incorporate much of this into my upcoming undergraduate course in Intro to Critical Thinking. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2024
Although some of the examples were drawn out. I thought this was a good book that I will reference in the future. It was direct in explanation and definitely makes me question my views on reality and what I assume versus know as truth.
October 12, 2024
i enjoyed the explanation of the different critical thinking thought leaders and frameworks to talk through ways to improve your own critical thinking
i also appreciated being reminded of key research and studied that help us talk about the impacts of the different biases.
i also appreciated being reminded of key research and studied that help us talk about the impacts of the different biases.
July 23, 2019
Provoking and Though Inspiring
Thought aren't new (to me) but some of the "framing" is; @ least to me. Good read and worthy of note~taking.
Thought aren't new (to me) but some of the "framing" is; @ least to me. Good read and worthy of note~taking.
August 31, 2019
Think about your Thinking
Good read to get a level of understanding abour the ways of thinking, to reflect about your own and to get some tools how to improve/change it.
Good read to get a level of understanding abour the ways of thinking, to reflect about your own and to get some tools how to improve/change it.
October 17, 2019
Great beginning!
If you’re new to independent thinking, this is a creditable and engaging starting point. Don’t miss it because you “already know how to think!” YOU DON’T!
If you’re new to independent thinking, this is a creditable and engaging starting point. Don’t miss it because you “already know how to think!” YOU DON’T!
July 26, 2021
Nothing new
The book was short and offered little new to anyone that is familiar with critical thinking.
If you haven't read it, “The Art Of Thinking Clearly” is better.
The book was short and offered little new to anyone that is familiar with critical thinking.
If you haven't read it, “The Art Of Thinking Clearly” is better.
November 30, 2022
An interesting book written in a simple way.
January 28, 2023
A good book. Many thoughts weren't new to me but great reminders nonetheless!
November 8, 2024
3.8⭐ sepertinya salah baca ini setelah baca Think Again, point nya mirip jadi yah
July 3, 2019
Wonderful flow of writing
Clearly elaborated styles of arriving at a conclusion which regardless the method used, one would ordinarily arrive at the same outcome.🏆🏆👍🏼👍🏼
Clearly elaborated styles of arriving at a conclusion which regardless the method used, one would ordinarily arrive at the same outcome.🏆🏆👍🏼👍🏼
January 20, 2023
Definitely a pleasant and insightful reading, one extra point for brevity and conciseness.
The main Obstacles to Honest Thought: Intellectual laziness, wilful ignorance, adherence to sacred cows.
“Ask yourself if you are merely seeking an answer or if you are actually seeking the truth.
To see the truth then you don’t stop researching something at the minute you find your viewpoint, or their opposites, validated.
You seek information from as many sides and sources as you can and accept that some real evidence you come across might make you uncomfortable.”
He then describes some well-known biases, with accurate explanations and straight to the point: “your brain, instincts, gut feelings, emotions and hunches are all liars. They aren’t doing it on purpose, but the inherently function by jumping to conclusions, saving time, conserving energy, and valuing speed over accuracy. Their goal is to function on less information and the less of it, the better. They have the ability to overpower you and completely colour you’re thinking.”
Basically the bestseller “Thinking fast and slow” by Kahneman, summarised in a few pages: “Your perspective isn’t reality, your perception is biased and your memories can be wrong, no matter how real and accurate they sometimes feel.”
- Confirmation bias: the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
- Dunning Kruger effect: some people aren’t informed or knowledgeable enough to know what they don’t know. Is a cognitive bias whereby people with low ability, expertise, or experience regarding a certain type of task or area of knowledge tend to overestimate their ability or knowledge
- first principles thinking
He explains the main examples of behavioural psychology to corroborate his hypothesis: the famous electrical shock Milgram experiment “obedience to authority: an experimental view”.
At last, the author emphasises how the most famous intellectuals of all times provided their own interpretation to clear thinking: Socrates (know-it-all), Descartes (doubt and deduction), Einstein (thought experiments)
The main Obstacles to Honest Thought: Intellectual laziness, wilful ignorance, adherence to sacred cows.
“Ask yourself if you are merely seeking an answer or if you are actually seeking the truth.
To see the truth then you don’t stop researching something at the minute you find your viewpoint, or their opposites, validated.
You seek information from as many sides and sources as you can and accept that some real evidence you come across might make you uncomfortable.”
He then describes some well-known biases, with accurate explanations and straight to the point: “your brain, instincts, gut feelings, emotions and hunches are all liars. They aren’t doing it on purpose, but the inherently function by jumping to conclusions, saving time, conserving energy, and valuing speed over accuracy. Their goal is to function on less information and the less of it, the better. They have the ability to overpower you and completely colour you’re thinking.”
Basically the bestseller “Thinking fast and slow” by Kahneman, summarised in a few pages: “Your perspective isn’t reality, your perception is biased and your memories can be wrong, no matter how real and accurate they sometimes feel.”
- Confirmation bias: the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
- Dunning Kruger effect: some people aren’t informed or knowledgeable enough to know what they don’t know. Is a cognitive bias whereby people with low ability, expertise, or experience regarding a certain type of task or area of knowledge tend to overestimate their ability or knowledge
- first principles thinking
He explains the main examples of behavioural psychology to corroborate his hypothesis: the famous electrical shock Milgram experiment “obedience to authority: an experimental view”.
At last, the author emphasises how the most famous intellectuals of all times provided their own interpretation to clear thinking: Socrates (know-it-all), Descartes (doubt and deduction), Einstein (thought experiments)
March 17, 2020
Good handy guide on Thinking
Covered broadly almost all aspects on thinking. Ease of understanding , Author explained the complex subject in simple vocabulary so that a lay man can also easily understand. Good efforts put in by Author...
Covered broadly almost all aspects on thinking. Ease of understanding , Author explained the complex subject in simple vocabulary so that a lay man can also easily understand. Good efforts put in by Author...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews