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Thinking for Yourself: Smart Thinking and Clear Decision Making in a Complex World
In a world flooded with information, the ability to think clearly, question deeply, and make sound decisions has never been more essential. Thinking for Yourself is Michael Parker and Fiona Morrison’s guide to confident and independent thinking that highlights why, in the age of AI, this skill is more important than ever.
Whether you’re putting together a work presentation, buying a home, navigating parenthood, deciding who to vote for, or are a self-help enthusiast, this book will teach you how
• make well-informed arguments
• notice the roadblocks to skilful thinking
• recognise biases – your own and those of others
• detect false claims and fake news
• think clearly in an overburdened, increasingly digitalised world make quality career, relationship and financial decisions that actually work.
Full of almost a hundred critical thinking techniques, tips and methods, Thinking for Yourself is more than just a book – it’s a roadmap to sharpening your mind, challenging assumptions and making smarter decisions.
Whether you’re putting together a work presentation, buying a home, navigating parenthood, deciding who to vote for, or are a self-help enthusiast, this book will teach you how
• make well-informed arguments
• notice the roadblocks to skilful thinking
• recognise biases – your own and those of others
• detect false claims and fake news
• think clearly in an overburdened, increasingly digitalised world make quality career, relationship and financial decisions that actually work.
Full of almost a hundred critical thinking techniques, tips and methods, Thinking for Yourself is more than just a book – it’s a roadmap to sharpening your mind, challenging assumptions and making smarter decisions.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Michael Parker
155 books61 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 22, 2026
A great overview of a lot of different principals which a sufficient understanding of would result in clearer thinking.
On page 63 there is an error which the editor appears to have missed…
‘People can have valuable information outside their area of specialisation and training, though a cancer doctor talking about nutrition could still be worth listening to’ The word (Though) implies the following sentence will be contradictory, in this case it is a supporting hypothetical, therefore improper use of the word ‘though’.
Likes-
I like that it didn't go too deep into things and instead opted for a range of concepts, allowing the reader to do further research based on what was relevant and interesting to them. Provided lots of studies and references. It definitely challenged my thinking in areas, and made me internally call out the issues when I saw people arguing online. It made me want to argue better, and with more care and specificity. It also had some pretty good humor throughout!
Also not too academic, very easy to follow.
Dislikes-
It felt a little too brief in some areas, particularly the end when it came to discussing decisions. Although I've already read a whole book on decisions so comparatively it's understandable that section didn't add much for me. The exercises didn't add much for me and the initial ones didnt come with much guidance as to whether my conclusions were correct or not. Made a few broad claims about AI in the beginning of the book without citations.
Final Impression-
All up I thought It was a great read, absolutely worth my time.
On page 63 there is an error which the editor appears to have missed…
‘People can have valuable information outside their area of specialisation and training, though a cancer doctor talking about nutrition could still be worth listening to’ The word (Though) implies the following sentence will be contradictory, in this case it is a supporting hypothetical, therefore improper use of the word ‘though’.
Likes-
I like that it didn't go too deep into things and instead opted for a range of concepts, allowing the reader to do further research based on what was relevant and interesting to them. Provided lots of studies and references. It definitely challenged my thinking in areas, and made me internally call out the issues when I saw people arguing online. It made me want to argue better, and with more care and specificity. It also had some pretty good humor throughout!
Also not too academic, very easy to follow.
Dislikes-
It felt a little too brief in some areas, particularly the end when it came to discussing decisions. Although I've already read a whole book on decisions so comparatively it's understandable that section didn't add much for me. The exercises didn't add much for me and the initial ones didnt come with much guidance as to whether my conclusions were correct or not. Made a few broad claims about AI in the beginning of the book without citations.
Final Impression-
All up I thought It was a great read, absolutely worth my time.
Displaying 1 of 1 review