The Organized Mind Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload

487 Pages·2014·8.02 MB·English

by  Daniel J. Levitin

PRAISE FOR THE ORGANIZED MIND
“An eloquent spokesperson for our field. Levitin writes about the brain with an ease
and familiarity that is captivating.”
—The late David Hubel, Nobel Laureate in honor of discoveries concerning
information processing in the human visual system
“Fascinating . . . Combing neuroscience and cognitive psychology, The Organized
Mind underscores the critical importance of individuals tak-ing charge of their own
attentional and memory systems so they can lead optimally productive and satisfying
lives. Invaluable insights are offered with regard to organizing our homes, social world,
time, decision-making, and business world.”
—Nadine J. Kaslow, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association and
professor and vice chair, Emory University School of Medicine
“This book is far more than tips on how to think clearly and manage information
overload. It is also a tour through some of the most exciting aspects of contemporary
neuroscience and cognitive science, with a specific emphasis on implications for
everyday life. Anyone who has ever wondered about the mind will find much that is
fascinating and useful in these pages.”
—Stephen Kosslyn, dean of Minerva Schools of Arts and Sciences at the Keck
Graduate Institute, former chair of the department of psychology, Harvard
University
“The Organized Mind is the perfect antidote to the effects of information overload.
Loved it.”
—Scott Turow, New York Times bestselling author of Identical and Innocent
“Running a major PBS television series on tight budgets and turnarounds requires
organization and efficiency and sometimes a little magic too. Levitin’s behind the
curtain peek at the brain’s inner workings of decision-making provides that extra bit of
magic—and would make a fascinating documentary in and of itself!”
—Pamela Hogan, Emmy award-winning producer for PBS
“A how-to book on how to stay sane—how to tamp down on that fire-hose of
information and choices that we face each day, and direct it all toward our own goals
and purposes. It’s an owner’s manual for your mind.”
—Congressman Alan Grayson, U.S. House of Representatives
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“In the age of TMI, we all need better organized minds. With characteristically clear
prose and scientific insight, Dan Levitin gives us tips on how to get our mental closets
in order. I really enjoyed this book.”
—Joseph LeDoux, Center for Neural Science, New York University
“Dan Levitin has done it again. Having explained music and the brain, now he shows
us the best, most effective ways to organize the rest of our life by giving us key insights
into how the brain works. His style is so appealing, his knowledge so deep and
practical, that we learn, from The Organized Mind, not only why we do what we do,
but how, potentially, we can run our lives more smoothly, efficiently, and even
happily.”
—Cathy N. Davidson, director of The Futures Initiative, City University of New York,
and author of Now You See It
“Using the latest information on the brain and how it works, Levitin presents a series
of ideas on how to organize one’s life and business. Essential reading for anyone who
aspires to be highly effective. Or even find their keys!”
—David Eidelman, MD, dean of the McGill University Medical School
“The Organized Mind is for anyone interested in how the human mind organizes, and
on occasion disorganizes, the world around us. It is engaging, witty, compelling, and
infused with science. Levitin shows how principles from psychology and cognitive
neuroscience can help us better organize our daily lives. Move over, Freakonomics,
there’s a new kid on the bookcase.”
—Gerry Altmann, professor of psychology at the University of Connecticut, and
author of The Ascent of Babel
“An extraordinary work from one of our most gifted writers.”
—The late Phil Ramone, producer for Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and
Luciano Pavarotti
“Levitin is funny, informative and insightful. It’s like having a friend who’s a
neuroscientist showing you how creating a little order in your brain can unlock so
much creativity.”
—Len Blum, screenwriter of The Pink Panther, Meatballs
“A great book for making you think about things you think you know, and then
thinking harder about them. Levitin is brilliant.”
—Tom Tombrello, Robert H. Goddard Professor of Physics at Caltech
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“I have been savoring this book—I didn’t want it to end. A beautifully crafted and
poetic book.”
—Ben Sidran, jazz pianist, original member of the Steve Miller Band
“From my time as a Navy SEAL to serving as governor and senator for Nebraska to
running a university, I’ve found that the most challenging part of my life has been
managing the constant wash of conflicting and often distracting information. This has
never been truer than now. Dan is the perfect guide to how to use the newest findings
in neuroscience to become more poductive and creative. This book will change your
life for the better.”
—Bob Kerrey, former U.S. senator, and former president of the New School
“Any CEO or individual who seriously cares about understanding his or her customer
will have a desire to better understand the complexity of the human brain. Levitin’s
intellectual curiosity and sharp mind come through with new and additional insights in
The Organized Mind.”
—John Venhuizen, president and CEO of Ace Hardware Corporation
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ALSO BY DANIEL J. LEVITIN
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature
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Published by the Penguin Group
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Copyright © 2014 by Daniel J. Levitin
Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech,
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA
Levitin, Daniel J.
The organized mind : thinking straight in the age of information overload / Daniel J. Levitin.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-698-15722-4
1. Distraction (Psychology) 2. Attention. 3. Time management. 4. Tidiness. I. Title.
BF323.D5L49 2014
153.4'2—dc23
2014011046
While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and
other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any
responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have
any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their
content.
Version_1
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To my mother and father
for all they taught me
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CONTENTS
PRAISE FOR THE ORGANIZED MIND
ALSO BY DANIEL J. LEVITIN
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
Information and Conscientious Organization
PART ONE
1. TOO MUCH INFORMATION, TOO MANY DECISIONS
The Inside History of Cognitive Overload
2. THE FIRST THINGS TO GET STRAIGHT
How Attention and Memory Work
PART TWO
3. ORGANIZING OUR HOMES
Where Things Can Start to Get Better
4. ORGANIZING OUR SOCIAL WORLD
How Humans Connect Now
5. ORGANIZING OUR TIME
What Is the Mystery?
6. ORGANIZING INFORMATION FOR THE HARDEST DECISIONS
When Life Is on the Line
7. ORGANIZING THE BUSINESS WORLD
How We Create Value
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PART THREE
8. WHAT TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN
The Future of the Organized Mind
9. EVERYTHING ELSE
The Power of the Junk Drawer
APPENDIX
Constructing Your Own Fourfold Tables
NOTES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INDEX
ILLUSTRATION CREDITS
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