SELF-HELP

The Intelligence Trap: Why Smart People Make Dumb Mistakes

by David Robson
Norton. Aug. 2019. 320p. notes. index. ISBN 9780393651423. $27.95; ebk. ISBN 9780393651430. SELF-HELP
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Using a wealth of research and case studies, Robson (former editor, New Scientist and BBC Future) demonstrates how having high intelligence is no guarantee of making sound decisions. The author goes on to detail how components such as motivated reasoning, bias blind spots, and earned dogmatism can lead to flaws in thinking. Robson offers a toolkit for developing skills to overcome these deficiencies, which includes moral algebra, self-reflection, and the ability to recognize lies and information. As a bonus, he illustrates how acquiring evidence-based wisdom improves memory.
VERDICT This fascinating read provides solutions for combating misinformation that are particularly helpful in today’s political climate.
Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow , Jun 30, 2019

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