The Intelligence Trap

The Intelligence Trap explores cutting-edge ideas in our understanding of intelligence and expertise, including “motivated reasoning,” “meta-forgetfulness,” and “functional stupidity.” David Robson reveals the surprising ways that even the brightest minds and most talented organizations can go wrong?from some of Thomas Edison’s worst ideas to failures at NASA—while offering practical advice to avoid mistakes based on the timeless lessons of Benjamin Franklin, Richard Feynman, and Daniel Kahneman.

“"The Intelligence Trap is a ceaselessly fascinating book written by one of our most consistently superb science writers. Its counterintuitive argument, that intelligence is no inoculation against wrongness, explains so much about the fractious and baffling times in which we live."”

"Essential reading for anyone who wants to think more clearly." -- Rolf Dobelli, author of The Art of Thinking Clearly
"Clearly, we need to find new and better ways to teach critical thinking and measure good judgement. Reading David Robson’s book would be a good place to start." -- Emily Bobrow - Wall Street Journal
"Impressively accessible, with engaging storytelling, depth of discussion, and counterintuitive conclusions." -- Aron K. Barbey - Science
"I loved The Intelligence Trap. As fun to read as it is fascinating, it celebrates the power of humility and curiosity. Everyone, especially intelligent people, should read this brilliant and important book." -- Anna Rosling Rönnlund, coauthor of Factfulness
"The Intelligence Trap is a ceaselessly fascinating book written by one of our most consistently superb science writers. Its counterintuitive argument, that intelligence is no inoculation against wrongness, explains so much about the fractious and baffling times in which we live." -- Will Storr, author of Selfie
"The Intelligence Trap is a ceaselessly fascinating book written by one of our most consistently superb science writers. Its counter-intuitive argument, that intelligence is no inoculation against wrongness, explains so much about the fractious and baffling times in which we live." -- Will Storr, author of Selfie
"A fascinating and enjoyable investigation of what intelligence is and isn’t, by one of the most exciting new voices in science writing. This thought-provoking and brilliantly researched guide to achieving true wisdom shows us how to be smarter—and how to protect ourselves from the cleverest fools." -- Gaia Vance, author of Adventures in the Anthropocene

David Robson has worked as an editor at New Scientist and BBC Future, and his writing has appeared in the Atlantic, the Observer, and the Washington Post. He lives in London.

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