Joined-Up Thinking: The Science of Collective Intelligence and its Power to Change Our Lives

by Hannah Critchlow

At a time of existential global challenges we need our best brainpower to solve them.
We can no longer rely on the myth of the lone genius to create a breakthrough.

As neuroscientist and bestselling author of The Science of Fate Hannah Critchlow shows, two heads have always been better than one. Almost everything we've ever achieved has been done by groups of people working together, sometimes across time and space. Like a hive of bees, or a flock of birds, our naturally social, interconnected brains are designed to function best collectively.

New technology is helping us share our wisdom and knowledge much more diversely across race, class, gender and borders. And AI is sparking a revolution in our approach to intelligent thinking -linking us into fast-working brainnets for problem solving.

Hannah Critchlow brings us an enlightening, invaluable guide to our future through the evolving new science of collective intelligence. She reveals what it says about us as human beings, shares compelling examples and stories, and shows us how best we can work collectively at work, in families, in any team situation to improve our outcomes, our wellbeing, and our prospects.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2022

Reviews

[Hannah Critchlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I found it utterly fascinating researching and writing it! Hopefully you similarly enjoyed reading it too :-)

[Catharine Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! I have a different perspective on a lot of things after finishing this - still thinking about it a month later.

The way it was written made it so easy to learn a tonne about neuroscience by condensing complex (but interesting) research into synopses. A lot of books in this genre also tend to give an undertone of superiority and this absolutely didn’t - so many parts were witty and relatable. I ended up re-reading sections out loud to whoever was sitting next to me because I found it SO fascinating.

I liked how ‘intelligence’ is considered a separate entity to the definition that ties it solely to academic achievement and test scores. It’s underpinned by ways to be a proactive communicator, and talks about the problems we face as multi-faceted people with totally different brains. I loved the links back to how we can all harness collective intelligence and embrace difference (in lots of different contexts).

I finished it feeling even more interested in neuroscience and psychology than when I started. Everyone should read it!

[Max Tilney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's time to think of intelligence as a collaborative act, not an individual's test score".

I've been immersed in listening to and now reading 'Joined Up Thinking' by Hannah Critchlow, PhD, HonDSc. A fascinating look into the cutting edge neuroscience around collective intelligence.

It resonates on many levels, especially with two teenage children in the home.

There are also some wonderful insights into how we can optimise how we communicate effectively, not just as individuals but also in groups, of all sizes. How meetings might be run in order to maximise the collective intelligence of a team.

Highly recommended!

[Patricia Cleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very readable book draws on a broad range of research and ideas, some of which I found quite mind-boggling (in a good and fascinating way). But overall I was left with a surge of optimism for the future. I haven’t read anything else that I have felt really acknowledges the complexity of the challenges we face, but then points to some ways we might meet them which are genuinely radical and new. Most impressive!

[Jean Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love three things about this book - 1) we need to create more joined-up approaches to solve humanity's biggest, smallest and most perennial challenges - every generation has to learn for itself how to do these things. 2) Hannah doesn't talk down to her audience, or from a loft position as an expert but as someone grappling with these issues in her life. 3) There's a lovely blend of personal story telling, science and practicality. Highly recommended

[Milena Nikolova · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not only a guide on how to work together and think together, this book also explains the psychology behind different choices that we make and makes us reflect on the potential that different perspectives have, not only in project that we are working on but also in the day to day.
Very happy to have picked this book up at the airport :)

[Matilde Afonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Earth is pivoting below our feet: it's time for the illusion of the importance of self to enter its final sunset." im still not quite sure of what enticed me to buy this book, but i surely do not regret it.

[Donald Puttock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will change how you view the world.
It will literally change your perceptions.

[Alfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: [A-]