The Brain Book Know Your Own Mind And How To Use It By Edgar Thorpe ((new)) Jun 2026

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to how we encode, store, and retrieve information. Thorpe dispels the myth of a "bad memory," proving that retention is entirely a matter of strategy. He categorizes memory into sensory, short-term, and long-term storage, explaining the precise triggers required to move data from temporary holding zones into permanent mental archives. 3. The Mechanics of Creative and Analytical Thinking

Instead of cramming information, review it at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days) to lock it into your long-term memory. A significant portion of the book is dedicated

A significant portion of The Brain Book is dedicated to memory. Thorpe argues that a "bad memory" is rarely a structural defect; rather, it is usually the result of poor encoding and retrieval strategies. Thorpe argues that a "bad memory" is rarely

Because once you truly know your own mind, you can finally learn how to use it. Thorpe provides “de-biasing” strategies

Thorpe tackles the controversial topic of intelligence. He distinguishes between fluid intelligence (problem-solving in novel situations) and crystallized intelligence (accumulated knowledge). Crucially, he provides exercises aimed at improving executive functions —focus, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control—which are better predictors of success than raw IQ scores.

A strong chapter catalogues common biases: confirmation bias, availability heuristic, anchoring, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. Thorpe provides “de-biasing” strategies, such as seeking disconfirming evidence and slowing down intuitive judgments. These align with Kahneman’s (2011) System 1/System 2 distinction, though Thorpe avoids academic jargon.