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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Smarter summary
The New Science of Building Brain Power
12 mins
Brief summary
'Smarter' by Dan Hurley is a book that delves into the science of how we can improve our intelligence. Through extensive research and interviews with experts, Hurley explores the latest techniques and methods for enhancing cognitive abilities.
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Smarter
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Key idea 1 of 5
Intelligence is notoriously difficult to define, but we’re getting there!
It’s a little like love: We all know about it, but where is it? What is it? Among the seemingly endless questions, we’re starting to make some headway in understanding intelligence.
Psychology research has proposed two general categories of intelligence. In 1971, psychologist Raymond Cattell coined the terms fluid and crystallized intelligence, differentiating between the two ways we think.
Fluid intelligence is our ability to think logically, and solve novel problems. This type of thinking underpins the act of reasoning. It allows us to see patterns, and solve things that we haven’t been taught explicitly.
Crystallized intelligence, on the other hand, is the storehouse of information or how-to knowledge that we accumulate throughout our lives. Crystallized intelligence helps us with many things, from answering those general knowledge questions at pub quizzes, to ensuring we remember how to ride a bicycle.
While our crystallized intelligence is constantly growing, scientists agreed that fluid intelligence was unchangeable. Up until now.
It was understood that fluid intelligence reached its peak in early adulthood, around the time you might go to university. A peak at that age explains why most of the influential work done by mathematicians, musicians and physicists occurs in their twenties, and rapidly slows after that.
Moreover, fluid intelligence is closely linked to how our brains are physically structured. So, just as we’d never be able to go to the gym to train our eyes to change from brown to blue, we can’t memorize numbers and then solve equations we’ve never seen before! Or can we?
New evidence suggests we can. To find out, we need to overcome one sizeable hurdle: how can we measure fluid intelligence in the first place? The next blink covers the methods that work.
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What is Smarter about?
Smarter questions our understanding of intelligence in this new age of brain-training games. From the traditional adage of “healthy body, healthy mind,” to the latest advances in computerised brain training games, these blinks explore scientifically established methods of improving cognitive abilities.
Smarter Review
Smarter (2013) by Dan Hurley is a compelling exploration of the science behind intelligence and how we can make ourselves smarter. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents fascinating research studies and experiments that shed light on the mysteries of the human brain and intelligence.
- Featuring interviews with leading scientists in the field, the book provides valuable insights into the various factors that contribute to intelligence.
- With its engaging narratives and relatable anecdotes, Smarter brings complex ideas to life and ensures that readers won't find it boring.
Who should read Smarter?
- Psychology students and those interested in cognitive science
- Anyone who’d like to learn tricks to increase their intelligence
- Anyone skeptical that we can improve our IQ
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Smarter FAQs
What is the main message of Smarter?
The main message of Smarter is that intelligence can be improved through various techniques and strategies.
How long does it take to read Smarter?
The reading time for Smarter varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Smarter a good book? Is it worth reading?
Smarter is worth reading for anyone interested in enhancing their intelligence. It provides valuable insights and practical advice to boost cognitive abilities.
Who is the author of Smarter?
The author of Smarter is Dan Hurley.
What to read after Smarter?
If you're wondering what to read next after Smarter, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Remember by Lisa Genova
- Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph T. Hallinan
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- Progress by Johan Norberg
- Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley
- Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- No Excuses! by Brian Tracy