What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of Not Thinking: How Our Bodies Learn and Why We Should Trust Them
Have you ever held out your hand to try and remember your PIN?
Or acted out a golf stroke before going for it?
Or just listened to your gut on a big decision?
In this brilliant new book, leading business anthropologist Simon Roberts breaks down the revolutionary idea of embodied knowledge: the information that is unconsciously picked up by our body for use in almost every area of our lives.
Drawing on his own experience working with some of the world’s leading industry experts and looking at an incredible range of real-life examples and cutting-edge science, Roberts explains the various ways in which our body acquires, retains and employs information – and shows why we should learn to trust the instincts that inform the most crucial decisions and actions in our life.
In The Power of Not Thinking, Roberts shows why Big Data doesn’t have all the answers, why there are limits to what’s possible with AI and why humans are capable of far more than we are currently led to believe.
We just have to stop thinking and trust our bodies.
Or acted out a golf stroke before going for it?
Or just listened to your gut on a big decision?
In this brilliant new book, leading business anthropologist Simon Roberts breaks down the revolutionary idea of embodied knowledge: the information that is unconsciously picked up by our body for use in almost every area of our lives.
Drawing on his own experience working with some of the world’s leading industry experts and looking at an incredible range of real-life examples and cutting-edge science, Roberts explains the various ways in which our body acquires, retains and employs information – and shows why we should learn to trust the instincts that inform the most crucial decisions and actions in our life.
In The Power of Not Thinking, Roberts shows why Big Data doesn’t have all the answers, why there are limits to what’s possible with AI and why humans are capable of far more than we are currently led to believe.
We just have to stop thinking and trust our bodies.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2020
35 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2021
The book was not exactly what I expected based on the name and I am not sure how many months would I have been reading it as a physical book. Essentially it talks about the capacity of humans to deal with ever changing a different situations mostly referred to in the context of driving without having to think about it. It compares it then to the AI and how difficult it is to program AI to drive cars due to the unpredictability of traffic where other people are driving. Talks about chess and other ways to compare intelligence and how we have the capability to do something without understanding how or being able to explain the how (how do you ride a bike?). Overall, some interesting info there, but mostly reiterating what you're likely to already know at least to an extent.
October 15, 2020
Not as ground breaking as I’d hoped. Still, a nice book for those fearing AIs speedy takeover - maybe it won’t be so soon after all - or at least while AI lacks the upper hand we gain from using our bodies to experience and learn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
I really did enjoy the idea that our bodies are just as much a part of our intelligence as our minds. That we do things every day mindlessly but effectively.
I however believe book would have been too information dumpy without the audiobook to make it more lively.
But all in all I feel like I learnt something, so I’m happy.
I however believe book would have been too information dumpy without the audiobook to make it more lively.
But all in all I feel like I learnt something, so I’m happy.
October 11, 2024
Not what I expected?
Notes:
- The notion that our intelligence resides primarily in our brains has deep roots in Western philosophy. Rene Descartes' famous declaration, I think, therefore I am, cemented the idea of the mind as separate from, and indeed superior to, the body.
- This philosophical view, called dualism, has permeated our understanding of intelligence for centuries. Beginning in the 20th century, it was reinforced by the advent of computers and the attractive analogy between computers and the brain. However, not only is this analogy a misleading one, it also carries an assumption within it that is misleading in its own way—a brain-centric notion of intelligence. The view of intelligence fails to account for the myriad ways our bodies inform our understanding of the world.
- When a martial artist anticipates an opponent's move, when a surfer reads the waves, or when a nurse detects a patient's distress before any monitor sends a signal, they're drawing on knowledge that resides not just in their minds, but also in their bodies.
- It's the reason why virtual reality can induce genuine fear, why actors use physical techniques to access emotions, and why muscle memory is crucial in sports, music, and beyond. Embodied cognition doesn't negate the importance of our remarkable brains. Rather, it paints a more complete picture of human intelligence as an intricate interplay between mind and body, each informing and enhancing the other. This holistic view of intelligence offers new avenues for education, artificial intelligence development, and our understanding of human cognition.
- Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that repeated practice of a skill leads to increased myelination of relevant neural pathways—a process that enhances the speed and efficiency of transmitted signals.
- Empathy and Memory in the Body Empathy, the fourth component of embodied knowledge, highlights how our bodies play a profound role in helping us understand and connect with others. When we witness someone in distress, our own bodies react. Our heart rate increases. We may feel a nod in our stomach.
- This bodily basis for empathy is vividly exemplified in the technique known as method acting, a style of performance in which actors deeply immerse themselves in their characters' experiences. Rather than simply portraying emotions through manipulating their external expressions, method actors strive to feel the emotions of their characters authentically. They engage in a form of embodied simulation, physically and emotionally aligning themselves with the character's inner world. This process requires going beyond merely intellectual understanding. Actors must draw on their own bodily memories, sensations, and emotions, effectively blurring the lines between their own identities and their characters.
Notes:
- The notion that our intelligence resides primarily in our brains has deep roots in Western philosophy. Rene Descartes' famous declaration, I think, therefore I am, cemented the idea of the mind as separate from, and indeed superior to, the body.
- This philosophical view, called dualism, has permeated our understanding of intelligence for centuries. Beginning in the 20th century, it was reinforced by the advent of computers and the attractive analogy between computers and the brain. However, not only is this analogy a misleading one, it also carries an assumption within it that is misleading in its own way—a brain-centric notion of intelligence. The view of intelligence fails to account for the myriad ways our bodies inform our understanding of the world.
- When a martial artist anticipates an opponent's move, when a surfer reads the waves, or when a nurse detects a patient's distress before any monitor sends a signal, they're drawing on knowledge that resides not just in their minds, but also in their bodies.
- It's the reason why virtual reality can induce genuine fear, why actors use physical techniques to access emotions, and why muscle memory is crucial in sports, music, and beyond. Embodied cognition doesn't negate the importance of our remarkable brains. Rather, it paints a more complete picture of human intelligence as an intricate interplay between mind and body, each informing and enhancing the other. This holistic view of intelligence offers new avenues for education, artificial intelligence development, and our understanding of human cognition.
- Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that repeated practice of a skill leads to increased myelination of relevant neural pathways—a process that enhances the speed and efficiency of transmitted signals.
- Empathy and Memory in the Body Empathy, the fourth component of embodied knowledge, highlights how our bodies play a profound role in helping us understand and connect with others. When we witness someone in distress, our own bodies react. Our heart rate increases. We may feel a nod in our stomach.
- This bodily basis for empathy is vividly exemplified in the technique known as method acting, a style of performance in which actors deeply immerse themselves in their characters' experiences. Rather than simply portraying emotions through manipulating their external expressions, method actors strive to feel the emotions of their characters authentically. They engage in a form of embodied simulation, physically and emotionally aligning themselves with the character's inner world. This process requires going beyond merely intellectual understanding. Actors must draw on their own bodily memories, sensations, and emotions, effectively blurring the lines between their own identities and their characters.
October 14, 2022
I started out to give this three stars, because it held me for half its length. I liked the idea he quotes that education moves from body to brain as children age, and that we have "embodied knowledge" as well as the stuff we learn with "rational detachment."
From early on, I suspected he was talking about nothing more than what we always know as "learned by heart" or the exhausted metaphor of riding a bicycle. I soldiered on, hoping he would deal with how the mind can dominate a person who avoids dementia (the phenomenon we call over-thinking), or how much better music-making goes with the body engaged, or surprise me with something truly interesting.
Alas, just past the half-way point, out come the tortured monkeys, and that's when I leave. If a writer is so intellectually bankrupt that he has to resort to idiotic animal experimentation, and the tenure-fodder of the results of that atrocity, the least I can do is avoid that author.
I wish books had assurances such as "no animals were hurt in researching this topic," or warnings up front that this "contains scenes of cruelty to rats, monkeys, or dogs."
I'd kick this to the curb with one star, but settle on two, because I accept that I may be more prejudiced against vivisection than other readers. I'd say I have a "horse in the race," but dont' want to offend by being overly species-ist.
Consider this the warning. Cheers.
From early on, I suspected he was talking about nothing more than what we always know as "learned by heart" or the exhausted metaphor of riding a bicycle. I soldiered on, hoping he would deal with how the mind can dominate a person who avoids dementia (the phenomenon we call over-thinking), or how much better music-making goes with the body engaged, or surprise me with something truly interesting.
Alas, just past the half-way point, out come the tortured monkeys, and that's when I leave. If a writer is so intellectually bankrupt that he has to resort to idiotic animal experimentation, and the tenure-fodder of the results of that atrocity, the least I can do is avoid that author.
I wish books had assurances such as "no animals were hurt in researching this topic," or warnings up front that this "contains scenes of cruelty to rats, monkeys, or dogs."
I'd kick this to the curb with one star, but settle on two, because I accept that I may be more prejudiced against vivisection than other readers. I'd say I have a "horse in the race," but dont' want to offend by being overly species-ist.
Consider this the warning. Cheers.
October 6, 2024
My dog is a perfect example of “the power of not thinking.” He can run through the woods for hours without stumbling, but how will he ever get back alive?
Our “western” civilization is focused on rationality. This has enabled scientific breakthroughs, but our schools are still centered around rote memorization.
AI will change that, because it does information retrieval much better. Still, it will have trouble adapting to the unpredictable real world, something that is “embodied” in us humans.
Our “western” civilization is focused on rationality. This has enabled scientific breakthroughs, but our schools are still centered around rote memorization.
AI will change that, because it does information retrieval much better. Still, it will have trouble adapting to the unpredictable real world, something that is “embodied” in us humans.
December 15, 2020
Personally didnt enjoy this book much. Felt like a range of knowledge and ideas all thrown together to put together a book with a very misleading title. I didnt learn how to trust my body. My expectations from this book and what it delivered didnt align. Not much from this book was an "oh wow" thats a new way of seeing things. No new concepts although the title suggested this could be a great book for an "over thinker" to learn a couple things.
July 22, 2024
Tre stelle e mezzo
Pubblicato per la prima volta in Inghilterra nel 2020, pubblicato in Italia solo a febbraio del 2024, questo libro riporta delle idee piuttosto interessanti sulla conoscenza corporea, l’intelligenza attraverso il corpo (e l’intelligenza sensoriale degli insetti) ma quando affronta il tema della IA purtroppo i quattro anni passati tra il 2020 ed il 2024 si vedono tutti e l’ultimo capitolo del libro è invecchiato veramente male.
Pubblicato per la prima volta in Inghilterra nel 2020, pubblicato in Italia solo a febbraio del 2024, questo libro riporta delle idee piuttosto interessanti sulla conoscenza corporea, l’intelligenza attraverso il corpo (e l’intelligenza sensoriale degli insetti) ma quando affronta il tema della IA purtroppo i quattro anni passati tra il 2020 ed il 2024 si vedono tutti e l’ultimo capitolo del libro è invecchiato veramente male.
October 11, 2024
"The Power of Not Thinking" by Simon Roberts delves into the concept of embodied knowledge, which is the wisdom and intelligence stored in our bodies. Roberts explores how learning, understanding, and performing often rely more on our physical experiences than on conscious thought. The book highlights how athletes, business leaders, and even everyday people draw on bodily intuition to navigate challenges.
Embodied knowledge consists of five key processes: observation, practice, improvisation, empathy, and retention. These elements, when combined, allow individuals to learn and adapt through physical experiences, making it possible to act intuitively in various scenarios. Roberts also critiques the brain-centric view of intelligence, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging how the body informs and enhances cognition.
By illustrating examples like the skills of indigenous trackers, chefs, and masterful athletes, Roberts paints a comprehensive picture of how intelligence emerges from the seamless interaction between mind and body. This embodied knowledge is critical for understanding complex systems and relationships that pure data or abstract learning might miss.
The book also draws connections between embodied knowledge and modern business practices. For example, Roberts describes how Duracell executives gained invaluable insights by immersing themselves in the physical challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, which informed their marketing strategies. Similarly, Facebook’s 2G Tuesdays initiative allowed engineers to experience firsthand the limitations faced by users with slower internet connections, leading to product innovations.
In conclusion, Roberts argues that embodied knowledge is indispensable, especially in a world dominated by artificial intelligence and data analysis. It reminds us that physical experiences, emotional empathy, and real-world immersion remain crucial to understanding the world in ways that machines can't replicate.
Embodied knowledge consists of five key processes: observation, practice, improvisation, empathy, and retention. These elements, when combined, allow individuals to learn and adapt through physical experiences, making it possible to act intuitively in various scenarios. Roberts also critiques the brain-centric view of intelligence, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging how the body informs and enhances cognition.
By illustrating examples like the skills of indigenous trackers, chefs, and masterful athletes, Roberts paints a comprehensive picture of how intelligence emerges from the seamless interaction between mind and body. This embodied knowledge is critical for understanding complex systems and relationships that pure data or abstract learning might miss.
The book also draws connections between embodied knowledge and modern business practices. For example, Roberts describes how Duracell executives gained invaluable insights by immersing themselves in the physical challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, which informed their marketing strategies. Similarly, Facebook’s 2G Tuesdays initiative allowed engineers to experience firsthand the limitations faced by users with slower internet connections, leading to product innovations.
In conclusion, Roberts argues that embodied knowledge is indispensable, especially in a world dominated by artificial intelligence and data analysis. It reminds us that physical experiences, emotional empathy, and real-world immersion remain crucial to understanding the world in ways that machines can't replicate.
October 11, 2024
Summary:
Our bodies play a crucial role in shaping our intelligence and understanding of the world. Embodied knowledge—the wisdom gained through physical experiences, sensations, and actions—is just as important as mental knowledge. By engaging our senses, practicing skills, improvising, empathizing, and relying on bodily memory, we develop a rich, nuanced understanding that goes beyond what the mind alone can grasp. In an age of artificial intelligence and big data, embodied knowledge serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human experience. It's a call to step out from behind the spreadsheets and into the messy, complex world of real consumers—one that must be sensed, felt, and lived to be truly understood.
Our bodies play a crucial role in shaping our intelligence and understanding of the world. Embodied knowledge—the wisdom gained through physical experiences, sensations, and actions—is just as important as mental knowledge. By engaging our senses, practicing skills, improvising, empathizing, and relying on bodily memory, we develop a rich, nuanced understanding that goes beyond what the mind alone can grasp. In an age of artificial intelligence and big data, embodied knowledge serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human experience. It's a call to step out from behind the spreadsheets and into the messy, complex world of real consumers—one that must be sensed, felt, and lived to be truly understood.
March 17, 2022
Being a researcher and enthusiast in Artificial Intelligence, the author presented another perspective of how we humans learn and build up our knowledge and environment of the world, through our body.
The author showed through many examples how different characteristics of humans are learned through having a physical body. Interesting and recommended read for people who are in the field, not only robotics. :)
The author showed through many examples how different characteristics of humans are learned through having a physical body. Interesting and recommended read for people who are in the field, not only robotics. :)
October 14, 2024
من يصل الى مرحلة الاحتراف في العمل يكون اداء المطلوب تلقائي او لا يحتاج الى التفكير كثيرا لانجازه
يناقش الكتاب ان قوة العقل البشري تنبع من عدم التفكير المبالغ او التردد ( التردد ينشأ من التفكير الشديد)
كتاب جميل خاصة عند الحديث عن بعض الحالات مثل تكون الابداع يأتي من الممارسة، الارتجال، التعاطف، الاحتفاظ. و يشرح كيف تقود هذه الممارسات الى قوة الانجاز
انصح بقراءته
يناقش الكتاب ان قوة العقل البشري تنبع من عدم التفكير المبالغ او التردد ( التردد ينشأ من التفكير الشديد)
كتاب جميل خاصة عند الحديث عن بعض الحالات مثل تكون الابداع يأتي من الممارسة، الارتجال، التعاطف، الاحتفاظ. و يشرح كيف تقود هذه الممارسات الى قوة الانجاز
انصح بقراءته
May 23, 2025
This was really hard to understand at the start. But as you stop trying to analyse every single word that is being said.. you start to understand it better. which is ironic considering the title of the book. But it's a good read.
January 11, 2021
Captivating read. Thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish.
January 28, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. It is incredibly readable and it really got me thinking about how we can go about understanding ourselves and others.
May 25, 2022
A good reminder that the human body is so much more than a computer with extra parts.
October 15, 2022
Interesting read!
A very interesting read, extolling the importance of embodied rather than cognitive intelligence. He makes a good argument for the primacy of the body!
A very interesting read, extolling the importance of embodied rather than cognitive intelligence. He makes a good argument for the primacy of the body!
December 28, 2022
Much to think and feel about this read. It tickled my senses and deepened my appreciation for and understanding of what it is to be a being. Where is my mind, indeed?!
July 23, 2024
Some interesting and not new perspectives. Was expecting a stronger interplay between our bodies and minds and AI. Not what I was expecting but an okay read.
December 29, 2024
Great blink
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews