Four Ways of Thinking: Statistical, Interactive, Chaotic and Complex

Acclaimed mathematician David Sumpter shows how we can deal with the chaos and complexity of our lives

What is the best way to think about the world? How often do we consider how our own thinking might impact the way we approach our daily decisions? Could it help or hinder our relationships, our careers, or even our health?

Thinking about thinking is something we rarely do, yet it is something science questions all the time. David Sumpter has spent decades studying what we could all learn from the mindsets of scientists, and Four Ways of Thinking is the result. Here he reveals the four easily applied approaches to our problems: statistical, interactive, chaotic and complex.

Combining engaging personal experience with practical advice and inspiring tales of ground-breaking scientific pioneers (with a tiny bit of number crunching along the way), Sumpter explains how these tried and tested methods can help us with every conundrum, from how to bicker less with our partners to pitching to a tough crowd – and in doing so change our lives.

About the Author

David Sumpter is Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. He is the author of the international bestseller The Ten Equations that Rule the World as well as Soccermatics and Outnumbered, which have been translated into 10 languages. He has worked with a number of the world's biggest football clubs, advising on analytics.

Reviews

"I wish David Sumpter had been my maths teacher. I hated the subject at school. I hoover up his books now... He unpicks four big 20th-century ideas, all related to mathematical modelling of real-world behaviour. His particular genius is to apply these ways of thinking to relatable situations" —James McConnachie, The Sunday Times

"A mathematician tries to make sense of the world through different lenses in this surprisingly original book... Eccentrically fascinating and enjoyable" —Steven Poole, Guardian

"Four Ways of Thinking by mathematician David Sumpter shows numbers illuminating human complexities… positing that all phenomena are, mathematically speaking, either stable, periodic, chaotic or complex. Learn the differences between these phenomena, and you are halfway to better understanding your own life… gripping" ―New Scientist

"Packed with practical examples and insightful wisdom, this book will sharpen your mind, empower your decision-making, and leave you equipped to navigate life's challenges with wit and acumen. A highly enjoyable and effective guide to better thinking" —Sabine Hossenfelder

Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.8 x 19.8 cm