This is an important book about a topic of supreme importance. Roughly 3/4ths through it, I feared I would rate it only 4 stars because of two almost irritating weaknesses. First, it was far more loosely written, less structured, more repetitive than I like. I kept thinking, one more rewrite could easily shorten it 20%. Second, the author’s liberal biases showed more than I thought a book warning about bias should depict. Then, I applied one of its key lessons – always challenge initial reactions. Ask yourself if you could be wrong. I now rate it a solid 5 stars. Here’s why.
As to its importance: We are classified as Homo Sapiens Sapiens. To me, Homo means almost hairless bipedal primate. To me, Sapiens means thinking. The second Sapiens means we are primates able to think about how we think. The daily news proves many powerful people and voters do not. And that failure also contributes to extreme polarization.
As to the writing: One important insight in the book is the counter-intuitive notion that fluency can decrease the depth of understanding achieved and the retention of learning. Example: At one point, the author mentions research he says reveals six important concepts. Then, in a rambling way, he says something about each of the six. It was hard for me to distinguish the concepts from the descriptors since each could be used as a noun or an adjective. I wished he had simply made a numbered or bullet list. He was forcing me into what is called “productive struggle.” It’s the mental equivalent of “no pain; no gain” of physical training.
Also, the author spreads the description of some psychological research across many chapters forcing one to try to recall details of the testing repeatedly. That’s called “chunking,” another proven but counter-intuitive beneficial approach to teaching. This author practices what he teaches.
As to visible liberal bias: I’m conservative; the bias makes the book more useful for me. I’ve tried to engage liberal acquaintances in friendly truth-seeking dialogue for decades and find very few willing to. Several conservative friends have the same experience. I plan to use this book to encourage my liberal relatives and friends to dialogue. I can say to them, “here is a book by an author more like you than like me. You will like its tone and examples. And it will be helpful to us both as we explore issues. Reading it was humbling; I’ve fallen into every trap it describes.” To my, let’s say, dogmatic conservative friends I can say, “this book’s liberal bias will be great practice for you. If you can read it without a blood pressure spike, you are ready for calm dialogue.”
I particularly liked this author’s extensive use of Richard P. Feynman as an exemplar of well-rounded thinking excellence. And for we structured readers, towards the end, the author includes bullet lists and a convenient glossary of key terms.
Face it. None of us has flawless thinking. The best chance to detect flaws is open honest truth-seeking dialogue with someone different from yourself. This book will help you have it.
The Intelligence Trap: Why Smart People Make Dumb Mistakes
4.4 | 369 ratings
Price: 18.8
Last update: 08-02-2024
Top reviews from the United States
Raymond Usell
This book will help you "Know Thyself"
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2019Dennis Mancl
Good constructive advice on how to make fewer mistakes
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2022Isaac
Even Smart People Do Dumb Things
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2019john scheelk
a good read
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023