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The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

In The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain, Annie Murphy Paul challenges the conventional notion that thinking happens solely within our heads. She makes a compelling case that our minds extend beyond the brain, incorporating our bodies, environments, and relationships to enhance cognition. Through well-researched insights and engaging examples, Paul explores how movement, externalizing thoughts, and social interaction all contribute to deeper learning and more effective problem-solving. This book got me thinking differently about how I approach my own thinking—how I use space, engage with others, and even move to enhance clarity and creativity.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is how it shifts the conversation about intelligence and productivity. Paul introduces research on embodied cognition, the power of gestures, and the role of physical space in shaping our thoughts. Her discussion on how we offload cognitive tasks—whether by writing things down, using visual tools, or engaging in conversation—reinforced ideas I see in coaching. The leaders and teams I work with often struggle to break through complex challenges, and The Extended Mind offers practical strategies for expanding how we think beyond the limitations of working memory and mental effort alone.

At its core, this book reframes what it means to be a strong thinker. Paul’s insights reinforce the idea that intelligence isn’t just about processing power—it’s about how effectively we engage with the world around us. The Extended Mind is a fascinating, thought-provoking read that has real implications for learning, leadership, and problem-solving. If you want to get more out of your thinking, this book will push you to rethink what thinking really is.

Author:

Annie Murphy Paul

Publisher:

Mariner Books

Published:

2022

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