Tom Chatfield

In a world of alt facts, imperfect algorithms and information overload, the ability to think clearly has never been more crucial. But it's not easy. Critical thinking asks us to slow down and reflect; to question assumptions; to be aware of blind spots. It takes time - which can be tough to find when we're distracted or under pressure. How to Think Clearly is a practical primer for developing the habits that underpin critical thinking. In life or at work, whether weighing up options or choosing what to believe, it offers a toolkit to turn these skills into daily practice. From powerful pauses and killer questions to being data smart, it will help you think twice - and think better.

A Science Book of the Year in The Telegraph'Timely and wide-ranging . . . ambitious in its scope' – New Scientist'One of the best books on technology and culture I have read' – Matthew D'Ancona, The New European'Powerful, profound and completely engrossing' – Michael Bhaskar, co-author of The Coming WaveIn Wise Animals, tech philosopher Tom Chatfield excavates human history to uncover our changing relationship with technology, from the personalized hand axes of our Paleolithic ancestors to the artificial superintelligences of the future.Drawing on an astonishing breadth of cutting-edge research and historical sources, Chatfield encourages us to rethink everything we thought we knew about technology, and shows how we might deflect the path of technological development towards the long-term interests not only of humanity, but of all life on Earth.'Tom Chatfield is one of the smartest and most original tech thinkers writing today. Both thought-provoking and startlingly original, Wise Animals is his magnum opus' – Roman Krznaric, author of The Good Ancestor

A brilliantly original exploration of humanity's intimate relationship with technology, from the emergence of our species to the advent of AI and beyond.

A Science Book of the Year in The Telegraph'Timely and wide-ranging . . . ambitious in its scope' – New Scientist'One of the best books on technology and culture I have read' – Matthew D'Ancona, The New European'Powerful, profound and completely engrossing' – Michael Bhaskar, co-author of The Coming WaveWise Animals explores the history of our relationship with technology, and our deep involvement with our creations from the first use of tools and the taming of fire, via the invention of reading and printing, to the development of the computer, the creation of the internet and the emergence of AI.Human children know no more of modern technology than their ancestors did of older technologies thousands of years ago, and develop in relation to the technologies of their time. We co-evolve with technology as individuals as we have as a species over thousands of years.Rather than see technology as a threat, this deeply humanist contribution to the debate proposes that we are neither masters nor victims of our technologies. They are part of who we are, and our future – and theirs – is in our hands.

Your brain is BRILLIANT! And so is mine! We all have amazing brains, and each one is different. In this book, you'll discover that different people's brains have different strengths and needs. We're going to meet some people and find out what it feels like to be them. From people living with dyslexia to others who are autistic - there are billions of different brains in the world and not one of them is perfectly 'average' or 'normal'. They are all the best at being themselves. Your Brilliant Brain is part of the Astro range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Astro books are ideal for struggling and reluctant readers aged 7-11. Each book is dual-banded so that children can improve their fluency whilst enjoying exciting fiction and non-fiction relevant to their age. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Interest age: 10-11 Reading age: 8 -9 years

What is critical thinking? How do you apply it in your assessments? How do you build a good argument or find evidence? Critical thinking is a set of techniques. You just need to learn them. This is your personal toolkit for demystifying critical thinking. Clear and focused, it shows you how to sharpen your ability to think critically by developing and honing your skills. You’ll learn how to: Build a solid argument and express your ideas clearlyEvaluate evidence and identify errorsUnderstand and account for biased or flawed thinkingBecome a savvy user of technologySift through the deluge of digital informationDevelop confident critical writing. Designed to work with a power pack of digital resources and exercises, you'll find practical and effective tools to think and write critically in an information-saturated age. Whether you're starting your first degree or arriving as an international or mature student, this book equips you with the skills, insights and confidence to succeed. This second edition has been redesigned and fine-tuned with a focus on accessibility: with a new and improved layout to improve the eBook experience, and updated language, examples and further reading recommendations throughout.

What is critical thinking? How do you apply it in your assessments? How do you build a good argument or find evidence? Critical thinking is a set of techniques. You just need to learn them. This is your personal toolkit for demystifying critical thinking. Clear and focused, it shows you how to sharpen your ability to think critically by developing and honing your skills. You’ll learn how to: Build a solid argument and express your ideas clearlyEvaluate evidence and identify errorsUnderstand and account for biased or flawed thinkingBecome a savvy user of technologySift through the deluge of digital informationDevelop confident critical writing. Designed to work with a power pack of digital resources and exercises, you'll find practical and effective tools to think and write critically in an information-saturated age. Whether you're starting your first degree or arriving as an international or mature student, this book equips you with the skills, insights and confidence to succeed. This second edition has been redesigned and fine-tuned with a focus on accessibility: with a new and improved layout to improve the eBook experience, and updated language, examples and further reading recommendations throughout.

This is a book about thinking. Engaging and down-to-earth, it captures the habits and practices that are fundamental to clear thinking and effective study. In his warm and friendly style, Tom Chatfield shows you how to: Identify and examine your biasesEngage in lively, curious skepticismSee the value in emotion and use rhetoric persuasivelyKnow when to say 'I don't know'Construct reasoned arguments and explanationsThink critically about how you engage with technology. Short and punchy, the book views critical thinking as a skill to be continually practiced and developed. It equips you with a toolkit for clearer thinking, describing ten key concepts that help you to apply what you have learned. Including regular reflective exercises, key concepts, further readings, each chapter also offers recommendations for how to put the ideas it discusses into practice. This book is for undergraduate students and anyone looking to understand the core ideas behind critical thinking. Celebrating both self-reflection and collaboration, this book empowers you to pause, think twice and, above all, think well.

This is a book about thinking. Engaging and down-to-earth, it captures the habits and practices that are fundamental to clear thinking and effective study. In his warm and friendly style, Tom Chatfield shows you how to: Identify and examine your biasesEngage in lively, curious skepticismSee the value in emotion and use rhetoric persuasivelyKnow when to say 'I don't know'Construct reasoned arguments and explanationsThink critically about how you engage with technology. Short and punchy, the book views critical thinking as a skill to be continually practiced and developed. It equips you with a toolkit for clearer thinking, describing ten key concepts that help you to apply what you have learned. Including regular reflective exercises, key concepts, further readings, each chapter also offers recommendations for how to put the ideas it discusses into practice. This book is for undergraduate students and anyone looking to understand the core ideas behind critical thinking. Celebrating both self-reflection and collaboration, this book empowers you to pause, think twice and, above all, think well.

'Thriller writing at its absolute best' Chris Whitaker 'Gripping, intelligent and stylish' Sophie Hannah THIS IS GOMORRAH. An exclusive online marketplace where anything and everything is for sale. Guns and porn. Identities and elections. Lives and deaths.THIS IS HELL. The war on terror is no longer just fought on the ground. In Syria, Islamic Republic recruits are now learning to spread fear online. But they've left a clue to their deadly next move . . . THIS IS THE MAN WHO CAN STOP THEM.Lonesome hacker Azi Bello is nobody's idea of a hero. Except his skills have caught the attention of a mysterious espionage unit, who think he might have what it takes to stop this evil force. Sent on a mission which could cost him his life, Azi's ultimate destination is Gomorrah. But can he make it out alive?Praise for THIS IS GOMORRAH:'The classic twenty-first century thriller' Michael Ridpath'A swift and spiky view of modern dark web espionage' James Swallow'A techno-thriller with wit and style' Mick Herron 'A beguiling blend of riveting hacker lore, sharp dialogue and inventive action scenes' Sunday Times 'Tense . . . a well-told, fast-paced story packed with contemporary relevance' Adam HamdyWhat readers have said about THIS IS GOMORRAH:'Unputdownable''One of the best thrillers I have read so far this year' 'I am lost for words to describe just how spectacular this book is . . . a must read' 'This is one of the best books I have read so far this year, a clever rollercoaster of a ride and I cannot wait for the next book in this series''There was no way that I could predict some of the wild directions this thriller took. Totally exhilarating'

Critical thinking is an essential 21st century skill. Think Critically gives you simple, direct guidance on how to effectively assess and critique the world around you. Understand the nature of assumptions and claimsGrasp the notion of valid and invalid arguments and evidenceGain practical skills and confidence in reading, writing and doing research. Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quicklyApply them right away and see resultsSucceed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.

'Thriller writing at its absolute best' Chris Whitaker 'Gripping, intelligent and stylish' Sophie Hannah THIS IS GOMORRAH. An exclusive online marketplace where anything and everything is for sale. Guns and porn. Identities and elections. Lives and deaths.THIS IS HELL. The war on terror is no longer just fought on the ground. In Syria, Islamic Republic recruits are now learning to spread fear online. But they've left a clue to their deadly next move . . . THIS IS THE MAN WHO CAN STOP THEM.Lonesome hacker Azi Bello is nobody's idea of a hero. Except his skills have caught the attention of a mysterious espionage unit, who think he might have what it takes to stop this evil force. Sent on a mission which could cost him his life, Azi's ultimate destination is Gomorrah. But can he make it out alive?Praise for THIS IS GOMORRAH:'Fans of THE PRESIDENT IS MISSING won't want to miss this one' James Patterson, bestselling author of The President is Missing'The classic twenty-first century thriller' Michael Ridpath, author of the Magnus Iceland Mysteries series'A swift and spiky view of modern dark web espionage' James Swallow, bestselling author of Nomad'A techno-thriller with wit and style' Mick Herron, bestselling author of Slow Horses'A beguiling blend of riveting hacker lore, sharp dialogue and inventive action scenes' Sunday Times 'Tense . . . a well-told, fast-paced story packed with contemporary relevance' Adam Hamdy, author of the Pendulum trilogy'A tight, fast-moving thriller' Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake seriesWhat readers have said about THIS IS GOMORRAH:'Unputdownable''One of the best thrillers I have read so far this year' 'I am lost for words to describe just how spectacular this book is . . . a must read' 'This is one of the best books I have read so far this year, a clever rollercoaster of a ride and I cannot wait for the next book in this series''There was no way that I could predict some of the wild directions this thriller took. Totally exhilarating'

With dark technology hollowing out global privacy, an elite hacker enters the belly of the beast in this gripping, intelligent, and stylist international conspiracy thriller (Sophie Hannah, author of Closed Casket). Azi Bello is an amiable outsider with a genius for hacking. Having spent the better part of his life holed up in a shed in his backyard, Azi has become increasingly enmeshed in the dark side of the internet. With the divide between online and offline worlds vanishing, so too is the line between those transforming civilization through technology and those trying to bring it to its knees. Dark networks rule. Someone with the right connections can access to anything imaginable, and power is theirs for the taking-although even they can't know what kind of bargain they've struck. Tipped off by a secretive young woman named Munira, Azi sets out to unravel the mysterious online marketplace known as Gomorrah, sacrificing his carefully constructed privacy in the process. Munira's life is spiraling out of control: her cousins recruited to work for a terrorist state that's hunting them both, her destiny in Azi's hands. Her desperation drags Azi into the field where, working together, the two uncover an unimaginable conspiracy. As pressure mounts, Azi has no choice but to take on the ultimate infiltration. In an age when identities can be switched at will and nobody is who they seem, how far will he go to end the nightmare?

Do you want to spend more quality time with the people, ideas and passions that matter most in your life? This book helps you explore your beliefs, ambitions, friendships, memories and flights of imagination.

Our world is, increasingly, a digital one. Over half of the planet’s adult population now spend more of their waking hours ‘plugged in’ than not, whether to the internet, mobile telephony, or other digital media. To email, text, tweet and blog our way through our careers, relationships and even our family lives is now the status quo. But what effect is this need for constant connection really having? For the first time, Tom Chatfield examines what our wired life is really doing to our minds and our culture - and offers practical advice on how we can hope to prosper in a digital century. One in the new series of books from The School of Life, launched May 2012: How to Stay Sane by Philippa Perry How to Find Fulfilling Work by Roman Krznaric How to Worry Less About Money by John Armstrong How to Change the World by John-Paul Flintoff How to Thrive in the Digital Age by Tom Chatfield How to Think More About Sex by Alain de Botton

The sheer pervasiveness of game experience - 99 per cent of teenage boys and 94 per cent of teenage girls having played a video game - means that instant naffness falls upon those who express a musty disdain for the medium.