Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
"Backs up anecdotal studies of creativity with up-to-date Information about the latest research into brain function . . . a fascinating book." —Anthony Storr, author of Solitude: A Return to Self In these accelerated times, our decisive and businesslike ways of thinking are unprepared for ambiguity and paradox, and we've lost our appreciation for the value of "sleeping on it." We assume that the quick-thinking hare brain will beat out the slower intuition of the tortoise mind. But new research in cognitive science is changing this understanding of human mental processes. It suggests that patience and confusion—not rigor and certainty—are the essential precursors of wisdom. With a compelling argument that the mind works best when we trust our unconscious, or "undermind," psychologist Guy Claxton makes an appeal that we be less analytical and let our creativity have free rein. He also encourages reevaluation of society's obsession with results-oriented thinking and problem-solving under pressure. Packed with interesting anecdotes, a dozen puzzles to test your reasoning, and the latest related research, Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind is an Illuminating, uplifting, stimulating read that focuses on a new kind of well-being and cognition. "The essential guide to creative thinking." —John Cleese "His multidisciplinary approach is beautifully executed." —Kirkus Reviews "Counterintuitive . . . provocative . . . While Claxton speaks the language of cognitive science, his ideas resonate with Freud's description of the unconscious, Buddhist concepts of the divine ground of existence and the great Romantic poets' notions of the fount of creativity." —Publishers Weekly
Guy Claxton
Guy Claxton is Professor of the Learning Sciences at the University of Bristol Graduate School of Education, where he directs the research initiative on Culture, Learning, Identity and Organisations (CLIO). His books include The Wayward Mind: An Intimate History of the Unconscious (2005), Learning for Life in the 21st Century: Sociocultural Perspectives on the Future of Education (2002, co-edited with Gordon Wells), Wise Up: Learning to Live the Learning Life (1999) and the best-selling Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: Why Intelligence Increases When You Think Less (1997). His current work focuses on the development of infused approaches to the cultivation of positive lifelong learning dispositions in schools. The resulting ′Building Learning Power′ approach has influenced practice in schools throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
More by Guy Claxton
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →