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Making Up Your Own Mind: Thinking Effectively through Creative Puzzle-Solving
How you can become better at solving real-world problems by learning creative puzzle-solving skills
We solve countless problems--big and small--every day. With so much practice, why do we often have trouble making simple decisions--much less arriving at optimal solutions to important questions? Are we doomed to this muddle--or is there a practical way to learn to think more effectively and creatively? In this enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring book, Edward Burger shows how we can become far better at solving real-world problems by learning creative puzzle-solving skills using simple, effective thinking techniques.
Making Up Your Own Mind teaches these techniques--including how to ask good questions, fail and try again, and change your mind--and then helps you practice them with fun verbal and visual puzzles. The goal is not to quickly solve each challenge but to come up with as many different ways of thinking about it as possible. As you see the puzzles in ever-greater depth, your mind will change, helping you become a more imaginative and creative thinker in daily life. And learning how to be a better thinker pays off in incalculable ways for anyone--including students, businesspeople, professionals, athletes, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners.
A book about changing your mind and creating an even better version of yourself through mental play, Making Up Your Own Mind will delight and reward anyone who wants to learn how to find better solutions to life's innumerable puzzles.
And the puzzles extend to the thought-provoking format of the book itself because one of the later short chapters is printed upside down while another is printed in mirror image, further challenging the reader to see the world through different perspectives and make new meaning.
We solve countless problems--big and small--every day. With so much practice, why do we often have trouble making simple decisions--much less arriving at optimal solutions to important questions? Are we doomed to this muddle--or is there a practical way to learn to think more effectively and creatively? In this enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring book, Edward Burger shows how we can become far better at solving real-world problems by learning creative puzzle-solving skills using simple, effective thinking techniques.
Making Up Your Own Mind teaches these techniques--including how to ask good questions, fail and try again, and change your mind--and then helps you practice them with fun verbal and visual puzzles. The goal is not to quickly solve each challenge but to come up with as many different ways of thinking about it as possible. As you see the puzzles in ever-greater depth, your mind will change, helping you become a more imaginative and creative thinker in daily life. And learning how to be a better thinker pays off in incalculable ways for anyone--including students, businesspeople, professionals, athletes, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners.
A book about changing your mind and creating an even better version of yourself through mental play, Making Up Your Own Mind will delight and reward anyone who wants to learn how to find better solutions to life's innumerable puzzles.
And the puzzles extend to the thought-provoking format of the book itself because one of the later short chapters is printed upside down while another is printed in mirror image, further challenging the reader to see the world through different perspectives and make new meaning.
136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 13, 2020
A guide to creative thinking and problem-solving with examples. Somewhat grandiose in its phrasing. Main tips are to start with solving the simplest form of the problem possible, or else to try come up with a wrong answer and say why it doesn't work - getting the creative process started is better than staring at a blank page.
December 17, 2018
Early in a semester, I like to pose to my college algebra students:
Jack is looking at Anne, but Anne is looking at George. Jack is married, but George is not. Is a married person looking at an unmarried person?
This is from the 2010 book What Intelligence Tests Miss: The Psychology of Rational Thought by Keith E Stanovich. From the same book I suggest to the students that they apply “fully disjunctive reasoning”, a phrase I find is a koan-like tool for disruption of quick, reactive thought and nudging students into thinking of categories as a movement toward proof construction. During this time, we work in logic leaving strictly mathematical topics aside. Such exercises in critical thinking are also germane to this text and can be of benefit to students of mathematics, philosophy, engineering, and, well, life. The promotion line here is, “How you can become better at solving real-world problems by learning creative puzzle-solving skills.” […]
[Look for my entire review at MAA Reviews]
Jack is looking at Anne, but Anne is looking at George. Jack is married, but George is not. Is a married person looking at an unmarried person?
This is from the 2010 book What Intelligence Tests Miss: The Psychology of Rational Thought by Keith E Stanovich. From the same book I suggest to the students that they apply “fully disjunctive reasoning”, a phrase I find is a koan-like tool for disruption of quick, reactive thought and nudging students into thinking of categories as a movement toward proof construction. During this time, we work in logic leaving strictly mathematical topics aside. Such exercises in critical thinking are also germane to this text and can be of benefit to students of mathematics, philosophy, engineering, and, well, life. The promotion line here is, “How you can become better at solving real-world problems by learning creative puzzle-solving skills.” […]
[Look for my entire review at MAA Reviews]
January 10, 2021
"Questo libro è stato scritto per...
...le persone che credono che l'istruzione debba servire a migliorare noi e la nostra vita, a permetterci di pensare in modo più efficace e di creare e connettere idee sempre più significative attraverso una forma mentis in continua evoluzione che contribuisca al nostro benessere."
Davanti a un rompicapo di qualsiasi forma (non solo logico-matematica), si dovrebbero valorizzare di più i tentativi fatti e i modelli di pensiero adottati, non tanto la soluzione in sé che, in fondo, ne è solo una conseguenza. "Risolvere un enigma è come ricevere un diploma: non è la cosa importante". La parola chiave è la pratica.
Edward B. Burger cerca di insegnarcelo descrivendo uno dei suoi corsi universitari, "Effective Thinking through Creative Problem Solving". Un corso trasversale, dinamico e riflessivo, dove invita gli studenti a pensare meglio, a soffermarsi sull'ora. Lo fa introducendo prima le formae mentis di pensiero efficace - un pensiero critico ma più creativo, originale, anche empatico - e poi mettendo gli studenti e noi alla prova con una serie di sfide, di cui volendo fornisce qualche indizio ma non le soluzioni, per favorire una serie di momenti significativi di "paideia" (epifania).
Quali sono le formae mentis per attaccare ogni problema?
1. Comprendi a fondo (inizia dalle cose semplici, metti in evidenza lo specifico, aggiungi l'aggettivo)
2. Sbaglia in modo efficace (sbaglia velocemente, sbaglia di nuovo, sbaglia intenzionalmente)
3. Crea domande (sii il Socrate di te stesso, crea domande basilari, chiedi qualcos'altro)
4. Segui il flusso delle idee (percorri tutte le vie, accogli il dubbio, non fermarti mai)
5. Sii aperto al cambiamento
Gli enigmi proposti sono indicati per tutti, alcuni anche per i bambini. Alcune sfide sono toste!
Ho apprezzato molto lo spirito di Burger: credo che seguire un corso del genere durante gli anni delle superiori o all'università mi avrebbe entusiasmato un sacco.
...le persone che credono che l'istruzione debba servire a migliorare noi e la nostra vita, a permetterci di pensare in modo più efficace e di creare e connettere idee sempre più significative attraverso una forma mentis in continua evoluzione che contribuisca al nostro benessere."
Davanti a un rompicapo di qualsiasi forma (non solo logico-matematica), si dovrebbero valorizzare di più i tentativi fatti e i modelli di pensiero adottati, non tanto la soluzione in sé che, in fondo, ne è solo una conseguenza. "Risolvere un enigma è come ricevere un diploma: non è la cosa importante". La parola chiave è la pratica.
Edward B. Burger cerca di insegnarcelo descrivendo uno dei suoi corsi universitari, "Effective Thinking through Creative Problem Solving". Un corso trasversale, dinamico e riflessivo, dove invita gli studenti a pensare meglio, a soffermarsi sull'ora. Lo fa introducendo prima le formae mentis di pensiero efficace - un pensiero critico ma più creativo, originale, anche empatico - e poi mettendo gli studenti e noi alla prova con una serie di sfide, di cui volendo fornisce qualche indizio ma non le soluzioni, per favorire una serie di momenti significativi di "paideia" (epifania).
Quali sono le formae mentis per attaccare ogni problema?
1. Comprendi a fondo (inizia dalle cose semplici, metti in evidenza lo specifico, aggiungi l'aggettivo)
2. Sbaglia in modo efficace (sbaglia velocemente, sbaglia di nuovo, sbaglia intenzionalmente)
3. Crea domande (sii il Socrate di te stesso, crea domande basilari, chiedi qualcos'altro)
4. Segui il flusso delle idee (percorri tutte le vie, accogli il dubbio, non fermarti mai)
5. Sii aperto al cambiamento
Gli enigmi proposti sono indicati per tutti, alcuni anche per i bambini. Alcune sfide sono toste!
Ho apprezzato molto lo spirito di Burger: credo che seguire un corso del genere durante gli anni delle superiori o all'università mi avrebbe entusiasmato un sacco.
November 19, 2023
يتحدث الكتاب عن التفكير الفعال وماهيته وأهميته لحياته ..
كما تضمن الكتاب ألغازٍ عدة تقلب تفكيرك عشرات المرات لتتعرف
أكثر على التفكير وتشعباته ..
كما تضمن الكتاب ألغازٍ عدة تقلب تفكيرك عشرات المرات لتتعرف
أكثر على التفكير وتشعباته ..
September 8, 2020
كتاب دون نهاية
ستضطر للعودة له للتحفيز وممارسة التفكير والتحليل بطرق جديدة.
والنظر للمشاكل من زواية مختلفة وتأخذ المبادرة والتجربة حتى لو كانت النتيجة خاطئة.
ستضطر للعودة له للتحفيز وممارسة التفكير والتحليل بطرق جديدة.
والنظر للمشاكل من زواية مختلفة وتأخذ المبادرة والتجربة حتى لو كانت النتيجة خاطئة.
July 13, 2020
This is collection of "puzzles" similar in concept to a Martin Gardner puzzle/math book, but more general. The problems that are more or less mathematics, mostly hail from a "discrete mathematics" settings (those make the best puzzlers anyways).
The book itself has about 25 problems, broken down into 8 or so "themes" or buckets. There's an introductory section and a post-script section as well, which explain the motivation for the book, how it is broadly integrated in a course curriculum, and strategies for problem solving.
These sections should have been more substantial, and I believed initially that the book was more dedicated to the art (craft) of problem solving. The actual text is somewhat sparse with respect to this factor, and so it's difficult for me to give it anything more than an adequate score. I will re-score once I've had time to go through each problem more thoroughly. However, on initial inspection, they seem to be fairly common folklore problems in basic/elementary discrete math.
The book is too basic for anyone with a 'decent' mathematical background (say someone who has taken and mastered a discrete mathematics/proof course (1st/2nd year at the UG -level). However, it makes an excellent onramp for those who may not have a technical background, but want to sharpen their skills (and possibly pursue further work). If you like this book, one may want to check out some of the more advanced problem books from Martin Gardner or Paul Nahin.
I got both the Kindle and audible version, and I admire the real attempt to make the audio elements more "creative". I think they work together, but not separated. If you have to get only one, the kindle is fine. Getting only the audible is not recommended however. Conditional recommended for people who don't have much experience with problem solving, but want to start.
The book itself has about 25 problems, broken down into 8 or so "themes" or buckets. There's an introductory section and a post-script section as well, which explain the motivation for the book, how it is broadly integrated in a course curriculum, and strategies for problem solving.
These sections should have been more substantial, and I believed initially that the book was more dedicated to the art (craft) of problem solving. The actual text is somewhat sparse with respect to this factor, and so it's difficult for me to give it anything more than an adequate score. I will re-score once I've had time to go through each problem more thoroughly. However, on initial inspection, they seem to be fairly common folklore problems in basic/elementary discrete math.
The book is too basic for anyone with a 'decent' mathematical background (say someone who has taken and mastered a discrete mathematics/proof course (1st/2nd year at the UG -level). However, it makes an excellent onramp for those who may not have a technical background, but want to sharpen their skills (and possibly pursue further work). If you like this book, one may want to check out some of the more advanced problem books from Martin Gardner or Paul Nahin.
I got both the Kindle and audible version, and I admire the real attempt to make the audio elements more "creative". I think they work together, but not separated. If you have to get only one, the kindle is fine. Getting only the audible is not recommended however. Conditional recommended for people who don't have much experience with problem solving, but want to start.
August 12, 2025
He used the same tired math puzzles that exist in dozens of books and yapped on and on about his "strategies" which are the same strategies that any competent math teacher or author of pop math books tell you to follow. His strategies could have taken up two pages, and the gimmick of making the hints/answers in upside down or mirrored writing contributes to no one wanting to read it (which is probably the goal).
I think this professor wrote his own book for his course, included some education major "philosophy" to a series of well known chestnuts and padded it out in order to fleece students out of money. I regret that I bought it on sale instead of pirating it.
If you want a book on problem solving there are several better ones.
I think this professor wrote his own book for his course, included some education major "philosophy" to a series of well known chestnuts and padded it out in order to fleece students out of money. I regret that I bought it on sale instead of pirating it.
If you want a book on problem solving there are several better ones.
November 13, 2022
It was alright. I'll tell you what this is. It's no secret, but it saves you from wondering. He took his very unique college course on 'effective thinking' and turned it into a very brief book. The first third is the very basic rundown of effective thinking and the rest are puzzles and riddles to practice on. Fabulous idea and I really like his principles of effective thinking, but not good for an audiobook. As a book I'd probably work through some of the puzzles. I think the principles are great things to practice. I'll have to check out his other book on the 5 things to Effective Thinking so I can really learn it.
September 19, 2024
I was happy to gain a lot of insight from this book. It moved my thought from Critical thinking to effective thinking. I learnt how doubt is not the opposite of certainty and it reinforces my approach on working why we must not only be interested in being right but also understanding how we might be wrong.
January 13, 2021
Wow! What an interesting book. This book has quite a few puzzles, but the object of the book is not necessarily to solve puzzles but to meaningfully fail to solve them. By going through the exercises one will likely come to a solution that is a correct response. My breain hurts and I LOVE IT!
March 31, 2020
Interesting read. However, the guide seemed to broad and vague and did not really explain to readers HOW to apply techniques to real world problem.
April 26, 2020
Challenging, even with how cocky I am. Forcing myself to be patient and explore all options from this book was beneficial
June 24, 2020
Somehow they started to going in circles to explain the same point
November 19, 2020
كنت جداً متحمسة لهالكتاب لكن مع الاسف خيب آمالي، قرأت ربعه فقط وماقدرت اكمل
December 16, 2022
The first part on the thinking principles is inspiring. But the second part for practice, especially the part relating to mathematics, is not for me.
October 25, 2025
On its own, the book is nothing special and very generic. But the majority of the book is fun mind puzzles that make the book a fun purchase.
March 12, 2020
الكتاب هو عبارة عن أنشطة فكرية وعملية لتشكيل العقل بعيدًا عن الدراسات الصماء المليئة بالجمل البعيدة عن الواقع او صعوبة تطبيقها عمليًا فهدف المؤلف من الكتاب هو اعطاء القارئ أنشطة وتداريب عملية تبني عقله بصورة سليمة من خلال الألغاز الموجودة بالكتاب. هو فرصة للتعلم المثمر والفعال.
الكتاب مبهر من أول صفحة لآخر صفحة غير نمطي خفيف وسهل وأكثر ما اعجبني فيه انه غير تقليدي وخرج من صندوق التعليم التقليدي الذي وضعنا فيه الكثير
الكتاب مبهر من أول صفحة لآخر صفحة غير نمطي خفيف وسهل وأكثر ما اعجبني فيه انه غير تقليدي وخرج من صندوق التعليم التقليدي الذي وضعنا فيه الكثير
September 14, 2024
كتاب غير تقليدي في التحفيز على التفكير خارج الصندوق لمواجهة مشاكل الحياة والابتكار والابداع والتحفيز
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تتمة مراجعة الكتاب على مدونتي:
((( همى الغيث )))
https://www.hma-algaith.com/%d9%83%d9...
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تتمة مراجعة الكتاب على مدونتي:
((( همى الغيث )))
https://www.hma-algaith.com/%d9%83%d9...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews