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Method Matters: A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Goals Through Critical Thinking

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The methods of observation, reasoning, and critical thinking have been developed and refined countless times throughout the centuries in all walks of life. These methods have driven innovations in every industry and enabled individuals and organizations to achieve their goals and prosper. Unfortunately for all of us, the basics of critical thinking are not effectively taught during our time in public schools and universities.

In Method Matters, Quinn outlines the steps of observation, introduces different types of reasoning including goal-based reasoning, delves into methods of creativity to help you overcome hurdles, and brings it all together to teach you how to plan, execute, and achieve your goals.

Method Matters also outlines the pitfalls that can hinder your rationality. Quinn showcases failures in critical thinking, including an experiment from flat Earthers that proves the Earth is round, and a strange series of events led by the author of Sherlock Holmes himself. He then outlines successes in critical thinking, including John Snow’s research on Cholera that helped save thousands of lives.

Learning to execute the critical thinking process effectively is crucial to advancing your career, business, and personal objectives. This book gives you the deep understanding necessary to take your goals to the next level.

232 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

11 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Quinn, author of Method Matters, is a writer, musician, business owner, and software engineer with nearly a decade’s experience in each field. He graduated from Rowan University with bachelor’s degrees in computer science and saxophone performance.

Since then, he has launched businesses related to music and software engineering and has created and published a unique saxophone technique that doubles the number of notes it can produce, as well as hundreds of articles on software engineering and architecture topics. He is currently a software engineer at Amazon in Manhattan and is a writer focusing on topics of critical thinking, rationality, and logic.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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16 reviews
August 12, 2024
Method Matters: A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Goals Through Critical Thinking by Brandon Quinn

Method Matters by Brandon Quinn is a compelling guide that emphasizes the importance of methodical thinking and critical analysis in achieving personal and professional goals. This book stands out for its practical approach, providing readers with tangible strategies to navigate their ambitions effectively.

The Power of Method
Quinn begins by illustrating the significance of having a structured method when approaching any goal. He argues that while passion and enthusiasm are vital, they must be complemented by a clear, systematic process to ensure success.

To illustrate his points, Quinn includes several case studies and real-world examples where methodical thinking and critical analysis have led to significant achievements. These stories serve as inspiration and provide practical insights that readers can apply to their own lives.

Continuous Improvement:-
Quinn concludes with a call to action for continuous improvement. He encourages readers to adopt a lifelong learning mindset, constantly refining their methods and strategies to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Key Takeaways:-
1. Critical Thinking: Essential for making informed decisions and solving problems effectively.
2. Smart Goals: A framework for setting clear and achievable objectives.
3. Methodical Approach: Breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps, enhancing productivity.
4. Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies for dealing with common challenges like procrastination and failure.
5. Reflection: Regular assessment and adjustment are crucial for long-term success.
6. Real-World Applications: Practical examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods discussed.

Strengths:-
- Practicality: The book is filled with actionable advice that readers can implement immediately.
- Clarity: Quinn's writing is clear and concise, making complex concepts accessible to a wide audience.
- Relevance: The real-world examples and case studies make the content relatable and engaging.

Weaknesses:
- Depth: While the book provides a solid overview, some readers may find certain sections lacking in depth.
- Specificity: The broad approach may not address the specific needs of all readers, particularly those in niche fields.

Conclusion:
Method Matters is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their critical thinking skills and achieve their goals more effectively. Brandon Quinn's methodical approach and practical advice make this book a worthwhile read for both personal and professional development. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply someone looking to improve your life, this book offers tools and strategies that can help you succeed.
1 review1 follower
December 2, 2023
Brandon Quinn's "Method Matters" promises a practical guide to achieving goals through critical thinking, but unfortunately, it falls short of delivering any substantial value. From the outset, the author sets a tone that suggests an insightful exploration of critical thinking methodologies, yet the content fails to live up to these expectations.

Quinn's attempt to outline the steps of observation and introduce reasoning methods feels more like a regurgitation of generic information found in countless self-help books. The promise of teaching readers how to plan, execute, and achieve their goals is nothing more than a hollow echo without any real-world application. The lack of concrete examples and practical advice makes it difficult for readers to connect the theoretical concepts to their own lives.

Moreover, the book's attempt to highlight pitfalls in critical thinking through bizarre anecdotes, such as the flat Earthers' experiment, adds little to the overall substance. Instead of offering genuine insights, these examples come off as a desperate attempt to fill pages without contributing any meaningful content.

Quinn's inclusion of successes in critical thinking, such as John Snow's research on Cholera, seems more like a distraction than a genuine effort to educate. The book lacks depth and fails to engage readers in a thought-provoking manner that one would expect from a guide on critical thinking.

In summary, "Method Matters" is a disappointment for anyone seeking a genuinely practical guide to critical thinking. The author's attempts to present insightful content fall flat, leaving readers with a superficial understanding of the subject. Save your time and seek out more reputable sources for a meaningful exploration of critical thinking.
4 reviews
December 18, 2023
I found that this book thoroughly explained the principles of reasoning while offering concrete
examples. The concepts are made clear without the technical complexities that most readers find distracting.

After introducing critical thinking, the book explains the process of observation and how to apply it to planning your goals. Then, it goes on to explain how by applying creative thinking techniques, you gain more insight that helps you to better understand the nature of your goals.

Once the author has thoroughly explained the critical thinking process, and how to use it to plan and achieve your goals, he dedicates two chapters that give clear examples of how critical thinking is applied and how it was helpful in achieving the goals that were set.

I found this book to be a refreshing example of how people utilize a process everyday, but by understanding it better, we can improve our lives.

1 review
December 24, 2023
This book does a great job introducing reasoning in a way that's easy to follow. A few years ago I tried reading a different book but it was too technical and it didn't really talk about how to apply the concepts, but this book does a very good job with that. The last chapter on putting the concepts together gave a very clear outline of how to integrate everything together.
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