I'm setting this aside, as I've been trying to read it since well before publication date, and now I'm quite late. Part of it is definitely me; I've been fighting a general reading slump for the past six months or more. But part of it is that a lot of the topics discussed have considerable overlap with another book I read earlier this year, and honestly I liked how that book handled the subject matter. I may come back and try again, as this is definitely an interesting and important topic and is well written and presented.

We all know them, the forgetful professor, the absentminded scientist, and otherwise seemingly intelligent people who do things that make us blink. One example in this book is a prominent scientist who is convince that aliens are among us. This book looks at why it is very easy for experts in a field not belief the evidence that is right in front of their eyes.
I really enjoyed this book. Robson skillfully wove both anecdotes and larger data studies together to show why having a high IQ doesn't necessarily mean that you are the smartest person in the room.

Five stars
ARC provided by W. W. Norton & Company and NeGalley
Opinions are my own

Robson is a brilliant writer who presented this idea on how and why intelligent people make stupid mistakes and how to avoid it. This book, “The Intelligent Trap” should be required reading for any professional or expert in any field from business, to healthcare or academia and anything else in between.

The book answers questions on why these mistakes occur and how to cultivate those qualities to protect us from errors that could hurt us, our family, or those whom we serve.

Just reading the first 5 minutes of this book, I already felt intelligent as Robson intricately delivers tidbits of information about IQ, SATs, and others. Within it are stories about the faux pas the FBI made, Einstein’s irrational behavior, Arthur Conan Doyle and his belief in seances and Steve Jobs believing how vitamins would cure his cancer for example. These brilliant people and top organizations we know make irrational life-changing decisions that would make you wonder and ask WHY? Robson explains about “bias blind spot” and “dysrationalia” are as concepts that explains the whys.

The writing is very easy to follow and the pace on how the book is presented makes a lot of sense - it is divided into four parts. The first explains the downsides of intelligence on how a high IQ, education and expertise can fuel stupidity. The second part goes over how to escape the intelligence trap going over reasoning and decision making. Third part presents how wisdom can improve memory and principles of deep learning, and finally the last part presents how teams and organizations could avoid disasters and how to create a dream team for success.

I would have to say because of all the examples and stories, this book made it fun to read. While reading this book, you will realize, this book is actually making you smarter while you are enjoying this wonderful read.

I will be reading and rereading this again. As a professional who holds a leadership position, this read was a must for me. Life changing to say the least!

Thank you to Netgalley, WW Norton, and the author for allowing me to read an ebook arc copy of this book.