Rethink: The Surprising History of New Ideas

‘Clever and entertaining.’ Sunday Times

‘Elegantly written and full of surprises.’ Daily Telegraph

‘Always entertaining and often eye-opening.’ Financial Times


Old ideas that were mocked or ignored for centuries are now storming back to the cutting edge of research and informing the way we lead our lives. In Rethink, Steven Poole explains why today’s chess grandmasters, quantum physicists and psychologists are mining the last 2,000 years of history for answers to the problems of the present. He explores how long-neglected thinkers could transform our everyday lives: from improving the way boardrooms operate, to inspiring grand projects for social and political change. And above all, he shows that by rethinking discarded ideas we can each gain a better understanding of the world – and perhaps be better equipped to change it.

‘A whirlwind of discovery … Among the greatest compliments you can give a book is that it helps you to see things differently.’ Guardian

‘When it comes to describing a complex idea clearly, Poole is one of the best writers around.’ Sunday Times

‘Fascinating … Poole confirms his standing as one of our liveliest and most thought-provoking writers on science and technology.’ Spectator