The Intelligence Trap

Why Smart People Make Dumb Mistakes

By David Robson

This book argues that Intelligence doesn't always equate to wise thinking. In fact, being highly intelligent can sometimes lead us astray, causing us to fall into the trap of simplistic reasoning and significant mistakes. But fear not, because cultivating wisdom and making better decisions is within reach.

The key lies in embracing intellectual humility, honing your critical thinking skills, and learning from your missteps. By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the intelligence trap and unlock your full potential for sound decision-making.

About the Author

David Robson is no stranger to the world of science writing and journalism. With an impressive five-year stint as a features editor at New Scientist and a senior journalist role at BBC Future under his belt, Robson's work has graced the pages of the Guardian, the Atlantic, and countless other publications.

His insightful writing on misinformation and risk communication during the COVID-19 pandemic has earned him well-deserved accolades. And if that wasn't enough, his book The Expectation Effect even snagged a British Psychological Society Book Award.

The Intelligence Paradox: When Brilliance Meets Blunders

Picture this: a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, revered for their groundbreaking contributions, yet simultaneously embracing astrology, astral travel, and AIDS denialism. Sounds like a paradox, doesn't it? Welcome to the intelligence trap, where even the brightest minds can fall prey to cognitive blunders.

Kary Mullis, a chemistry Nobel laureate, found himself in this very predicament. Despite his undeniable brilliance, Mullis clung to beliefs that the scientific community universally refuted. It's a stark reminder that high intelligence doesn't always translate to sound judgment.

So, how do we navigate this treacherous terrain? Enter evidence-based wisdom, a burgeoning field that emphasizes cognitive reflection, intellectual humility, and emotional awareness. These skills, crucial for wise decision-making, can be cultivated regardless of one's IQ.

By embracing these qualities, we can learn from our mistakes, remain open to advice, and avoid becoming entrenched in our own views. It's a roadmap to escaping the intelligence trap and unlocking our full potential for sound reasoning.

In this summary, we'll embark on a journey to unravel the intelligence trap and discover the tools to overcome it. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, embrace intellectual humility, and unlock the path to evidence-based wisdom. The journey starts now.

The Séance that Tested a Friendship

On a fateful day in June 1922, the sands of Atlantic City bore witness to an extraordinary event that would strain the bond between two remarkable men: the legendary magician Harry Houdini and the brilliant author Arthur Conan Doyle.

Jean, Doyle's devoted wife, was a passionate believer in the realm of spiritualism. With an unwavering conviction, she sought to bridge the gap between the living and the dead, hoping to establish contact with Houdini's departed mother through the mysterious art of the séance. Houdini, though a skeptic at heart, approached the experience with an open mind, willing to suspend his disbelief for the sake of his friend.