How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice

0:00Not long ago, I published a splashy op-ed for the New York Times.

0:05It was titled, There's a Good Reason Why You Can't Concentrate.

0:10Now, it argues that technology is rapidly diminishing our ability to think, and that this is a major problem for both the individual as well as the success of our society more broadly.

0:22In it, I propose that the solution is a revolution in cognitive fitness, not unlike the physical fitness revolution that emerged in the second half of the 20th century.

0:33Here's how I conclude the piece.

0:34I write, my intention is to spur a shift in understanding that can build into a larger revolution.

0:40I'm done seeding my brain, the core of all that makes me who I am, to the financial interest of a small number of technology billionaires or the short-sighted conveniences of hyperactive communication styles.

0:50It's time to move past fretting about our slide into the cognitive shallows and decide to actually do something about it.

0:58Now, this essay's made the rounds and I'm proud of it, but there's one question that I've been asked more than any other by people who read it.