Rethink: The Surprising History of New Ideas

Description

Think you know a good idea when you see one? Think again. 'Clever and entertaining.' Sunday Times'Elegantly written and full of surprises.' Daily Telegraph'Always entertaining and often eye-opening.' Financial TimesOld ideas that were mocked or ignored for centuries are now storming back to the cutting edge of research and informing the way we lead our lives. In Rethink, Steven Poole explains why today's chess grandmasters, quantum physicists and psychologists are mining the last 2,000 years of history for answers to the problems of the present. He explores how long-neglected thinkers could transform our everyday lives- from improving the way boardrooms operate, to inspiring grand projects for social and political change. And above all, he shows that by rethinking discarded ideas we can each gain a better understanding of the world - and perhaps be better equipped to change it.'A whirlwind of discovery ... Among the greatest compliments you can give a book is that it helps you to see things differently.' Guardian'When it comes to describing a complex idea clearly, Poole is one of the best writers around.' Sunday Times'Fascinating ... Poole confirms his standing as one of our liveliest and most thought-provoking writers on science and technology.' Spectator

Steven Poole is the award-winning author of four critically acclaimed works of non-fiction- Trigger Happy, Unspeak, You Aren't What You Eat, and Who Touched Base In My Thought Shower? He has written widely on ideas, culture, language, and society for the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Times Literary Supplement, the Wall Street Journal, and many other publications.

Entertaining and important ... Elegantly written and full of surprises * Daily Telegraph * Clever and entertaining ... when it comes to describing a complex idea clearly, Poole is one of the best writers around. * Sunday Times * Always entertaining and often eye-opening * Financial Times * Fascinating ... Poole confirms his standing as one of our liveliest and most thought-provoking writers on science and technology. * Spectator * Steven Poole's book is full of fascinating stories ... It's a treasure trove for people who like to begin stories with "Did you know that...?" * The Times *