Think Like a Genius: The Ultimate User's Manual for Your Brain Paperback – January 5, 1999

This book does enable the reader via many fun and thought- provoking exercises to indeed "Think Like A Genius". The book is not just a didactic presentation of ideas; Todd's format enables people to take actions that I would imagine are creating new neuronal pathways so that we not only learn to Think like a genius; we learn to take actions in accordance with our inner genius. This book presents transformative ideas that can be used by anyone of any age. I have been using it with some of the teens that I work with and they love it. There are no limits to how this book can be used: It is helping me connect with my inner genius and is helping me transform our world one action at a time!. So, whether you want to transform the world or yourself, this book is for you!

I think Bronx book nerd’s review is fairly spot on. Most of this book covers building connections between things. The metaphor process is broken down to connect, relate, explore, analyze, transform, experience. Basically build connections between new things, find out how they are different and similar, and explore them through models descriptions, drawings, analyze or understand the fundamental principles of them, and then try and innovate- look at it fresh and new and then apply models and so forth.He uses metaphorming to encompass a series of thought styles like imagination, mind mapping, semiotics, though few of those are really explored. Most of it focuses on visualizing and imagining things and finding similarities. For me, this was sort refreshing- I haven’t tried changing my perspective in a while and have been rather rigid intentionally in my pursuit of my studies. Yet it was kind of dull because many methods like mind mapping was left unexplored and at parts it seems like he’s drawing on.I would further add, a lot of the applications of metaphorming I felt were left by the waste side. It’s a presentation of a method but actual benefit is kind of left up to the reader. If he had turned to some of the geniuses and talked about their means of attaining such insight I think it would support the process much stronger.For something like say integration by parts in calculus, I can’t find any practical use for any of this material. On the other hand if someone were to say design a new helicopter- perhaps studying a dragon fly and it’s means of weight distribution might help so that is something of using a comparison.

This guidebook book helps me think with curiosity and imagination about how I can continually improve my life. It also inspires me and my family to contribute to improving the world using our creative talents and interests.The exercises in THINK LIKE A GENIUS are very useful for exploring new ways to creatively see and use the world of information to express my ideas and show solutions to everyday problems. Every time I use it, it helps free my creativity so that I can be as innovative as possible.I also think this book and the Think Like a Genius Program are invaluable tools for young people today. It can teach them from an early age to think with creativity and purpose. If they learn these skills early on, there's no end to the positive things they can bring into their own lives and to the world. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

You don't have to be a genius to think like one, but continuously thinking like one could possibly make you into one

I am not sure if I buy into the whole concept. I really feel like the NATURE (raw IQ) vs NURTURE leans pretty heavy on raw IQ.(If your kids or you are dumb as a box of rocks, a great school isn't going to fix it.)

As the molecular structure of benzene came to chemist Kekule in a daydream of a snake grabbing its own tail, so does Siler describe the mental leaps present when disparate ideas leap into a highly metaphorical and symbolic space to transform and create a new problem-solving perspective. The 31 different ways described in this book to move into that metaphorical space and "metaphorm" admittedly can read as a well-written but scattered collection of ideas. But what brilliant ideas. Even if just two or three ideas hit the mark, as they did for me, your approach to work, life, and tackling any challenge can be transformed.

I have been following Dr. Siler's works (writings, philosophy and artwork) for over 30 years and this book truly defines him, his philosophy and his passion to help others achieve their creative potential. This book as well as his other works have helped me tremendously and I so look forward to what's coming next!

I should have done some more research before making this purchase. Since I didn't, this book wasn't what I was looking for nor what I hoped it would be. Perhaps I have not read enough of the other literature on lateral thinking, but a lot of the insights were descriptions of methods I already employ. Also the exercises weren't the easiest to follow and execute, but that may stem from my personal preference for clear direction rather than amorphous thought exercises.I personally was not blown away, but that may just have been due to my lack of sufficient research and personal learning style.