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"Dumbth": The Lost Art of Thinking With 101 Ways to Reason Better & Improve Your Mind
by
Dumbth (pron. dum
-th) adj: a tendency toward muddleheadedness, or willful stupidity appearing in all segments of American life.
Updated, expanded with 20 new ways to think better, and highlighted with a new introduction, this is Steve Allen's humorous and provocative examination of contemporary thought or lack of it in our society.
When it first appeared nearly a decade ago, ...more
-th) adj: a tendency toward muddleheadedness, or willful stupidity appearing in all segments of American life.
Updated, expanded with 20 new ways to think better, and highlighted with a new introduction, this is Steve Allen's humorous and provocative examination of contemporary thought or lack of it in our society.
When it first appeared nearly a decade ago, ...more
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Paperback, 390 pages
Published
August 1st 1998
by Prometheus Books
(first published 1989)
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Start your review of "Dumbth": The Lost Art of Thinking With 101 Ways to Reason Better & Improve Your Mind
Allen was very impressed with himself, and this book mostly illustrates that. There were two types of people in the world: Steve Allen and the 6 billion idiots he was forced to share the planet with. Steve Allen's ability to entertain was legendary, but between his ears there may have been a degree of loathing for those who laughed at his antics.
3.5 stars -- One must wonder what Allen would have to say today about the "dumbth" on display in 21st century society. The stupidity he observed and commented upon in the late 1970s and early 1980s surely can't hold a candle to texting while driving, YouTube rapes, and Facebook fights. The mindless TV shows Allen mocks, such as "Gilligan's Island," look like great art when compared to the Kardashians.
Allen's commentary, while normally spot-on, does occasionally get a bit haughty at times. For ...more
Allen's commentary, while normally spot-on, does occasionally get a bit haughty at times. For ...more
Steve Allen is no doubt the very definition of a Renaissance Man, yet the ideas that he suggests are very simple to follow. I am happy to say that I have taken more than a few of his suggestions to heart, and shame on me for not practicing more. The people that Steven intended to reach are most likely NOT the people that would pick up this type of instruction manual. We must learn to humble (umble?) ourselves, in order to open our minds to new ideas, ideas that challenge the Ego and our set in
...more
This was an interesting read, however, I get the feeling that the people that this book is intended for aren't the ones that are going to actually read it. Still, Allen had some great suggestions for improving one's thinking abilities and all.
Practical advice. Straight-talk about the state of our thinking or lack of it. How can you question 'talk' news if you believe what you hear and don't verify. How can you have a philosopy? How can you make a decision.
While this book has some good points, unfortunately the people to whom it would be most useful are the same type of people who would think themselves above taking the suggestions.
(I read the original version of this work, "81 Ways To Make Americans Smarter.")
I had high hopes when I began to read this book. Its premis is that Americans are getting dumber, and sadly, I have to agree with the assessment. For several years, I've had the idea that American potential is still present, but it's our realization of it that is in a state of erosion. So I was eager to learn about the author's suggestions to counteract the problem.
The first third of the book is filled with ...more
I had high hopes when I began to read this book. Its premis is that Americans are getting dumber, and sadly, I have to agree with the assessment. For several years, I've had the idea that American potential is still present, but it's our realization of it that is in a state of erosion. So I was eager to learn about the author's suggestions to counteract the problem.
The first third of the book is filled with ...more
I've been working on Dumbth and 81 Ways to Make Americans Smarter for almost a week, now. Discovered it at the library while looking for another of his works recommended by blergeatkitty.
The first 100 pages or so are a bit depressing & anecdote-filled, focusing on examples of "dumbth" -- "aggressive ignorance combined with the at least temporary ability to think properly" -- and how it's what's wrong with society.
The remainder of the book details the 81 ways that Americans (in particular) ...more
The first 100 pages or so are a bit depressing & anecdote-filled, focusing on examples of "dumbth" -- "aggressive ignorance combined with the at least temporary ability to think properly" -- and how it's what's wrong with society.
The remainder of the book details the 81 ways that Americans (in particular) ...more
I like many of allen's auggestions, however i still feel a need to roll me eyes at some of his rhetoric and his presentation. He still comes across as a pedantic snob with average creative awareness. Ironically... he criticizes the entertainment medium wherein he gained his fame. He also immodestly suggests some of his completed work as a platform for others to think better. I like the conceptual ideas of the book. I liked more than a few of his suggestions for better thinking (like realizing
...more
These types of books are fun as long as you don't fit the profile of the dumb American. Seriously, a person can really get arrogant thrills pointing out the stupidity of others. It's easy to do, but I think we need to be careful in our global environment.
I got no joy from reading comedian Steve Allen's pompous review of stupid Americans. It wasn't funny; it was a rant. His suggestions for getting "smarter" were also dry --good advice from your grumpy uncle. Bleh. I'd rather read the Darwin Awards and come to my own conclusions...
Interesting discussion of the erosion of critical thinking skills and some suggestions for ways to constantly exercise and improve our ability to reason.
Quotes:
(view spoiler) ...more
Quotes:
(view spoiler) ...more
I read this over a year ago. At the time I wrote up a full page in my intellectual journal (a notebook page that I eventually file in a looseleaf binder) - This happens to be one of his suggestions coincidentally
Anyway , seeing the page reminded me I read this book , thus the update. As I re-read my full page list of to-do`s and Steve Allen reccomendations , I realized how much this book influenced me because over a year later I am still attempting to add the various "ways to think better" to ...more
Anyway , seeing the page reminded me I read this book , thus the update. As I re-read my full page list of to-do`s and Steve Allen reccomendations , I realized how much this book influenced me because over a year later I am still attempting to add the various "ways to think better" to ...more
Very scary but it is worse now.
Very interesting -- about the "dumbing down" of America.
Points for skepticism, deductions for arrogant smugness.
Solid promotion of reason and reasoning.
I think TV is the culprate.
This book shows that Steve Allen is a renaissance man who is informed on many topics, especially dumb, stupid and irrational behavior. The first half of the book provides so many examples, I almost forgot the book's theme was about thinking better.
The 101 Ways to Reason, enumerated in the book's second half are familiar, and Steve amplifies them with almost too many anecdotes and examples. He is a wordy writer. That said, I have always admired Steve's many talents, his originality and his ...more
The 101 Ways to Reason, enumerated in the book's second half are familiar, and Steve amplifies them with almost too many anecdotes and examples. He is a wordy writer. That said, I have always admired Steve's many talents, his originality and his ...more
Starts off light with good humor that is really Allenesque! There is much here that I would put on a college level read. Certainly not a easy read or one that you should read in bed. Very thought provoking. The saddest part is that things may have even gotten worse since this was written in the late 90s.
Awesome book, well written. Brings to light the serious lack of thinking ability in our country and how it affects everything.
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Stephen Valentine Patrick William "Steve" Allen was an American television personality, musician, actor, comedian, and writer. Though he got his start in radio, Allen is best-known for his television career. He first gained national attention as a guest host on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. He graduated to become the first host of The Tonight Show, where he was instrumental in innovating the
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