The Lost Art of Thinking for Yourself (Reclaiming Human Agency and Joy in an Automated World)

A revolutionary approach to activating the best of your critical thinking, cognitive capacity, and human potential in a world that wants your brain on autopilot.

A rising culture of passivity is actively eroding our critical thinking, memory, emotional intelligence, and social skills. It’s no wonder we reach for ease, but on the search for maximum productivity and convenience, we too often end up outsourcing our greatest superpower: human agency.

Drawing on decades of cutting-edge psychological research, one hundred original interviews, and the neuroscience of effort, leading human-computer interaction researcher Dr. Mark introduces the concept of the "Agentic Self," the perfect foil and antidote to our new normal of automation. Her research shows human flourishing at its height when we exercise the full powers of our capacity to choose, act, think, and live for ourselves.

The goal is not to throw away your smartphone, but to engage your tools on your own terms. Agency becomes the skeleton key unlocking a life of flourishing. By intentionally putting cognitive effort back into your daily routines, Dr. Mark shows you how to move from distraction to sustained attention, AI overreliance to a generative mind, loneliness to social connection, overextension to revitalized mental energy, and ultimately, boredom to renewed purpose. You will discover:

• Proven strategies for protecting your attention, memory and ability to think for yourself against ‘brain rot’ and cognitive decline
• The incredible science behind neurogenesis—the creation of new brain cells—and neuroplasticity, plus everyday behaviors that can support a healthy, adaptable brain
• A guided plan for taking your offline life back through wellbeing-boosting leisure and analog pursuits
• Daily practices and strategies for expanding your mental aptitude, attention span, memory, and creativity

On the search for greater wellbeing, there is no better path than exercising our inherent human agency. This book will show you how.