كتاب العقل المدبر

No fictional character is as famous for her intellectual and observational abilities as Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary mind just a gift of imagination, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home?

We can, says psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova, as she shows us how it works in Mastermind. Starting with the fictional character No, he is better known for his powers of reasoning and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary mind just a gift of imagination, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home?

We can, says psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova, as she shows us how it works in Mastermind. Beginning in the "attic of the brain"—a Holmes metaphor for how information is stored and knowledge organized—Konnikova deconstructs the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights. Drawing on 21st-century neuroscience and psychology, The Mastermind explores Holmes' unique methods of sustained mindfulness, astute observation, and logical deduction.

In doing so, it shows how each of us can, with some self-awareness and a little practice, use these same methods to hone our perceptions, solve difficult problems, and enhance our creativity. For Holmes fans and casual readers alike, Konnikova reveals how the world's most caring detective can be an unparalleled guide to upgrading the mind.