Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I was initially inclined to give it 2.5 stars.

On one hand, the author does have some good ideas. However, he is overly repetitive, which I really dislike. Moreover, his arrogance is quite palpable in his writing.

Nevertheless, I do think that most of the facts he presented are true. In the first one-third of the book, he elaborates on the factors that are allegedly "dumbing down" the youth of today. This part provides some food for thought.

The second third of the book focuses on highlighting the great thinkers of the past, which I found to be very interesting. It offers valuable insights into the minds of those who have made significant contributions to the world of ideas.

Unfortunately, I had to browse through the final third of the book as it was due back to the library. But from what I could gather, it contains hints and suggestions on how to improve our children's thinking skills.

Overall, while the book has its merits, the author's flaws somewhat detract from its overall quality.
July 15,2025
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My follow-up read after Blink was truly an interesting experience.

Certainly, it forms a great combo to balance out the two books. I found this particular follow-up read more to my personal taste.

What's more, it is much more scientifically grounded. The in-depth research and analysis presented in this book add a layer of credibility and authenticity.

Either way, I firmly believe that if you decide to read one of these books, you should definitely read the other. They complement each other in many ways and offer different perspectives on various topics.

By reading both, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding and a broader perspective. It's like having two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly to create a more complete picture.

So, don't hesitate to pick up both books and embark on this literary journey. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Mostly, this is an attempt to refute the points made by Malcolm Gladwell in his book Blink.

However, I believe that the author of this refutation missed the point of Gladwell's book. As a result, his own book is somewhat diminished.

Gladwell's Blink explores the power of rapid cognition and how our first impressions can often be more accurate than we might think. The refutation seems to overlook the nuances and depth of Gladwell's arguments.

It is important to note that this book should only be read by those who have already read Blink. Without that prior knowledge, the refutation may not make as much sense or have the intended impact.

In conclusion, while the attempt to refute Gladwell's ideas is understandable, it falls short due to a misinterpretation of his book.
July 15,2025
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While I do appreciate a well-articulated and valuable critique, this particular response regarding "Blink" left much to be desired.

It was overly long, coming across as rather pretentious. The author seemed to adopt a condescending tone, as if talking down to the audience.

To be fair, there were indeed some good ideas presented within the response. However, for the most part, it appeared to be short sighted.

It failed to consider the broader context and implications of the subject matter.

Perhaps with a more concise and respectful approach, along with a more comprehensive analysis, the response could have been more effective and engaging.

As it stands, it unfortunately falls short of achieving its intended purpose.

July 15,2025
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This book serves as a prime example of how not to engage in critical thinking. It is founded upon faulty assumptions that lack a solid or even a minimal basis. LeGault arrives at conclusions without constructing any coherent arguments, and his statements are frequently contradictory and lack any semblance of sense.

I had been eagerly anticipating some constructive (and sorely needed) criticism of books such as Malcolm Gladwell's Blink. Additionally, I was looking forward to an engaging history of critical thinking, along with useful suggestions on how to incorporate more critical thinking into my daily life. Regrettably, this is not that kind of book.

It fails to meet the expectations one might have for a work that purports to offer insights into the importance and practice of critical thinking. Instead, it presents a muddled and unconvincing set of ideas that do little to advance the reader's understanding of this crucial topic.

Perhaps with a more rigorous approach to research and argumentation, this book could have been a valuable contribution to the field of critical thinking. As it stands, however, it falls far short of the mark and is likely to disappoint those who were hoping for a more substantial and thought-provoking read.
July 15,2025
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A non-fiction book recommended by my brother-in-law has caught my attention. He is using this book to teach his graduate students at USU critical thinking. The ideas presented in the book are indeed interesting. However, it is rather long, and to my surprise, it didn't hold my interest as firmly as I had expected. Interestingly, the book references several other books that I have already read, such as "Blink", "Emotional Intelligence", and "The Closing of the American Mind". But what stands out is that the author often disagrees with the viewpoints expressed in these other books. Despite the book's shortcomings in terms of length and holding my interest, I do wholeheartedly agree with the author's assertion that critical thinking has unfortunately gone "out of style". In fact, I believe that critical thinking is more crucial now than ever before. We live in a complex and rapidly changing world, and the ability to think critically is essential for making informed decisions and solving problems effectively.

July 15,2025
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This is a befitting answer to Blink! (which, by the way, I did not agree with entirely).

It offers a riveting analysis of the lack of logical thinking and mental laziness that abounds in the world in general and America in particular.

In today's fast-paced society, people often rely on quick judgments and snap decisions without taking the time to think things through. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as misunderstandings, poor choices, and even conflict.

The author of this analysis delves deep into the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, exploring how our modern culture and educational system may be contributing to the decline of critical thinking skills.

By shining a light on this important issue, the author hopes to encourage readers to be more mindful of their own thought processes and to make a conscious effort to think more logically and critically.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging piece that offers valuable insights into the state of our collective mental health.
July 15,2025
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I liked pretty much all of it.

However, there was one part that didn't quite sit well with me. It was when the author ragged on video games.

This comment seemed rather out of place and, to be honest, it dated him.

In today's digital age, video games have become an important form of entertainment and even a means of social interaction for many people.

Despite this one criticism, I have to admit that the author made really good points overall.

His arguments were well-structured and presented in a clear and engaging manner.

He covered a wide range of topics and offered valuable insights into each one.

Overall, I found the article to be an interesting and thought-provoking read, and I would recommend it to others.

July 15,2025
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This is a truly great book!


I absolutely loved it!


It has so much to say about the time we live in.


It delves deep into the various aspects of our modern society, uncovering the hidden truths and presenting them in a captivating manner.


The author's words are like a mirror, reflecting our own lives and making us think about the world around us.


Each page is filled with thought-provoking ideas and engaging stories that keep you hooked from start to finish.


Whether you're interested in social issues, history, or just a good read, this book has something for everyone.


It's a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the times we live in and the impact we have on the world.

July 15,2025
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Someone needs to tell Michael LeGault not to write in an angry tone.

This book gives the impression of being one long diatribe.

I had hoped to like this book. I believe the concept is a good one, and the structure presented in the contents was interesting. However, it is poorly written.

Ironically, for a book about critical thinking, so many of the claims made are supported at best by anecdotal evidence or a book that Michael read.

The lack of solid research and objective analysis undermines the credibility of the author's arguments.

It seems that the author was more interested in expressing his own opinions forcefully rather than presenting a well-reasoned and evidence-based discussion.

As a result, the book fails to live up to its potential and leaves the reader feeling disappointed.

Perhaps if the author had taken a more measured and objective approach, the book could have been a valuable contribution to the field of critical thinking.

As it stands, it is a missed opportunity.

July 15,2025
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The juxtaposition of so many clearly biased statements with other very prescient ideas is nearly whiplash-inducing.

Some claims seem totally prejudiced, as if they are formed without a comprehensive understanding or a fair assessment. It's as if the author is wearing blinkers and only seeing one side of the story.

But then, there are others that appear more in alignment with a positive view of various trends in the early 21st century. These ideas seem to have a forward-thinking perspective, taking into account the changing landscape and the potential for growth and progress.

I believe a balance of Think and Blink are necessary for a healthy thriving society. We need to take the time to think deeply about issues, analyze the facts, and consider different perspectives. But we also need to be able to make quick decisions based on our instincts and intuitions. Only by finding this balance can we navigate the complex world we live in and build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
July 15,2025
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With a tone that was inconsistent, the arguments presented in this book lacked convincing depths. The clear ideological positions taken were in contrast to the premise of the book, which was that we should all think more, more clearly, and more objectively. This made the reading experience frustrating for me.



Although there were moments or points that had real merit, they were often lost in the indistinct in-between. The simplistic put-downs of "radical" environmentalists and feminists, as well as the comments on multiculturalism that seemed to ascribe it as some evil ploy to reduce society to cultural relativism alone, left me longing for some concrete criticism or a fresh take on these "issues".



Finally, for a book written in 2006 to treat climate change as an example of "emotional" subjectivity was perplexing and troubling. It ultimately led me to question the author's understanding of science, evidence, and critical reasoning as a whole, further undermining the persuasiveness of the book.



While I am interested in the debate that should arise about snap thinking and reasoned critical thought, I did not find that this book added anything significant to the conversation. In comparison, "Blink" was an infinitely more creative, intriguing, and ultimately more rewarding read.



It seems that this book failed to live up to its potential and left me disappointed. I hope that future works on this topic will offer more profound insights and a more balanced perspective.
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