Review by rtdino -- The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach t...
Posted: 13 Dec 2018, 19:12
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement" by Anthony Simola.]
4 out of 4 stars
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The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement is a guide and informational resource on cognition enhancements . This book is written by Anthony Simola, CEO of Simola Technologies Inc. and continuing his studies at Columbia University. The author presents in condensed form technologies and scientific researches on cognitive enhancement from multiple disciplines, covering that of extinct human civilization up to the latest works and updates. The book is divided into three sections: the first delves on the basic framework of human intellect and how to improve it, the second examines the common mental characteristics of some famous thinkers of all times and how to achieve superior mental ability, and the third introduces the latest works and envisions possible developments and scenarios in the future for cognitive enhancements as well as their impacts in social, political, and ethical aspects of humanity.
Undoubtedly the author’s main intent for the book is to serve as practical guide and provide basic information especially for students and general audience. The texts are painstakingly made easy to digest in spite of many complex medical and technical terms, which, of course, could not be dispensed with, and assortment of complicated new emerging concepts introduced mostly at the last section. Personally, however, I found some bumpy portions due to unexpected technical jargon emerging at the early part of the book. and the author’s preference of presenting his sentences.
There are two strengths of this book, first is it’s being organized into three major parts of categorized topics independent from the other parts and built up from the fundamentals to complex subject matters, and second is the apparent authority of the author on topics where students are concerned since he had been personally working with them as consultant. The way the book is organized helps in easy assimilation of ideas and concepts as well as allows readers to pick at a glance which topic/s they are really interested to spend more time on. As for the author’s knowledge, his perspectives completely resonate with that of a student and his recommendations are realistic and practicable.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because, aside from it is very well-edited, the contents of the book are faithful to its title “The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement ” whereby, throughout all chapters, focus as fundamental characteristics is emphasized to address the digital-age epidemic of decreased attention span.
In its entirety, the book offers insightful, must-read for students and those who are serious on improving their mental functions. The author did exhaustive and analytical research in compiling updated and useful knowledge sifted from haystacks of information accumulated since the onset of digital age; hence this is a perfect jump start for beginners who intend to go deeper into the field of cognitive enhancements for personal and/or professional purposes. For those who are merely looking for self-help read, let me quote the author’s parting words, “Begin to apply critical thinking and analysis to the decisions you need to make in all facets of your life. Thinking for yourself can be acquired through pro activity and by questioning the knowledge of authority—including the information presented in this book. Eventually, you will find the knowledge you need. “
******
The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement is a guide and informational resource on cognition enhancements . This book is written by Anthony Simola, CEO of Simola Technologies Inc. and continuing his studies at Columbia University. The author presents in condensed form technologies and scientific researches on cognitive enhancement from multiple disciplines, covering that of extinct human civilization up to the latest works and updates. The book is divided into three sections: the first delves on the basic framework of human intellect and how to improve it, the second examines the common mental characteristics of some famous thinkers of all times and how to achieve superior mental ability, and the third introduces the latest works and envisions possible developments and scenarios in the future for cognitive enhancements as well as their impacts in social, political, and ethical aspects of humanity.
Undoubtedly the author’s main intent for the book is to serve as practical guide and provide basic information especially for students and general audience. The texts are painstakingly made easy to digest in spite of many complex medical and technical terms, which, of course, could not be dispensed with, and assortment of complicated new emerging concepts introduced mostly at the last section. Personally, however, I found some bumpy portions due to unexpected technical jargon emerging at the early part of the book. and the author’s preference of presenting his sentences.
There are two strengths of this book, first is it’s being organized into three major parts of categorized topics independent from the other parts and built up from the fundamentals to complex subject matters, and second is the apparent authority of the author on topics where students are concerned since he had been personally working with them as consultant. The way the book is organized helps in easy assimilation of ideas and concepts as well as allows readers to pick at a glance which topic/s they are really interested to spend more time on. As for the author’s knowledge, his perspectives completely resonate with that of a student and his recommendations are realistic and practicable.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because, aside from it is very well-edited, the contents of the book are faithful to its title “The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement ” whereby, throughout all chapters, focus as fundamental characteristics is emphasized to address the digital-age epidemic of decreased attention span.
In its entirety, the book offers insightful, must-read for students and those who are serious on improving their mental functions. The author did exhaustive and analytical research in compiling updated and useful knowledge sifted from haystacks of information accumulated since the onset of digital age; hence this is a perfect jump start for beginners who intend to go deeper into the field of cognitive enhancements for personal and/or professional purposes. For those who are merely looking for self-help read, let me quote the author’s parting words, “Begin to apply critical thinking and analysis to the decisions you need to make in all facets of your life. Thinking for yourself can be acquired through pro activity and by questioning the knowledge of authority—including the information presented in this book. Eventually, you will find the knowledge you need. “
******
The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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