David Sumpter's "Four Ways of Thinking" delves into cognitive processes through a mathematical lens, which, while intriguing, may not cater to everyone’s preferences. As a therapist, I found the book particularly insightful for understanding different approaches to problem-solving and information processing. Despite the strong mathematical orientation, Sumpter’s exploration of these cognitive strategies provides valuable perspectives that can enhance our practice and interpretation of clients' thought processes.

The mathematical focus was more pronounced than I had anticipated, but the underlying concepts remain relevant and thought-provoking. Sumpter's analysis encourages a deeper reflection on how we think and make decisions, which is beneficial for both personal growth and professional development.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to advance read this enlightening book.

Four Ways of Thinking is a great explanation of key thoughts about thought -- how we think, how we approach different situations, and why types of thought works best in each. Through a combination of thought experiments, practical examples, and examples from his studies, Sumpter makes the processes and applications very accessible and does a good job with what could be a very bland and opaque subject.
There were a few spots where some graphics/charts could have been described a bit better for audiobook users, but the gist was very clear for when conditions are static, cyclical, or chaotic and how to model and approach them. Applying the concepts of chemical reaction formulas and finding best fits between functions to see connections and conditions and think about the resources needed to keep populations in check for predators, viruses, etc. was very enlightening.
It's very important to think about how we interpret and affect our world, and when to look at conditions as passive observers vs active participants in determining outcomes.

An intellectual look at ways of processing and using information. The narration is personable and accessable