The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement Paperback – 6 Mar. 2015

"The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement" is an excellent introduction to the field of nootropics and other techniques of enhancing one's intelligence. Perhaps unconventionally, Simola adopts a broader definition of cognitive enhancement than most of his fellow authors, covering specific ways of growing smarter yet at the same time laying out a general strategy for going about mental self-improvement. Erudite and clear, the narrative lays out concrete tips and hacks while placing the burden of experimentation on the reader. That, arguably, remains the book's greatest weakness: although the content is valuable in and by itself, one must conduct research independently when making personal decisions concerning this new and exciting type of performance-enhancement.Dividing the work into three parts seems only logical -- the first one introduces the field of cognitive enhancement accompanied with techniques for novices as well as advice on behavioral methods such as diet modification, physical exercise, and rest. The second part delves further into more advanced mental techniques (mnemonics, speed-reading, and technology.) Simola also critically examines the claims of ancient schools of thought (including Chinese and Brahmic medicine) without succumbing to youthful credulity. The third section moves past tactics and strategy to neuroenhancement's societal and ethical implications, discussing everything from legal regulation to the advent of superintelligence. On a topic that seems hopelessly used up, Simola somehow manages to say something both original and satisfying.In this spirit, the book conclude with a concise, optimistic epilogue. Evidently meticulously researched, the book's endnotes make for ‎an entertaining stand-alone read, or alternatively, a dense repository of more technical knowledge for an academic reader. A thorough and practical title for beginners and researchers alike.

Anthony Simola writes knowledgeably about everything to do with cognitive improvement. He provides a continuous stream of information that might best be digested in small doses. He really does deliver on the how-to measure. But loses points for failing to truly engage his audience. Treasure trove of information. But textbook rather than self improvement book irrespective of the subject matter.

Anthony Simola's book contains a lot of material to stomach at once, and I suggest you digest it in smaller bits. Although I am more or less experienced in the area of nootropics (and cognitive enhancement more generally) I found this book to be quite enticing as well as a useful introduction for potential newcomers to the field.

This was a difficult book for me making this a very difficult and hard to read. Mainly it was a whole bunch of run on sentences that just continued on and on. I did not find any of the information useful but was unable to get past the first chapter and the many writing errors. If you are a stickler for proper writing practices then you will find this book very difficult to read and feel as if a red pen is much more appropriate for many corrections. I would be willing to give it a second go only after it has been proof read and corrected. This was not a book for me and I didn’t take any good information from it once I put it down. I found that no matter how hard I tried to read it I just couldn’t get past its lack of proof reading.

The Roving Mind: A Modern Approach to Cognitive Enhancement promises to improve your mental development. Once you apply the concept in one area you will be able to utilize it throughout other areas. Anthony Simola comes across as an educated young man and he writes above what you would expect from his appearance.I found the exercises for mindfulness quite interesting, and see where this could be used in many parts of your life. It actually is a step by step process to hypnosis yourself into alleviating stress, anxiety, and to ignore the cravings you are trying to overcome. I found this book a bit over my head at times but would still suggest it to someone who seeks to enhance themselves mentally.

Informative and a perspective on cognitive enhancement. The book is focused on improving human brain intelligence and offers various options like diet, habit, physical health and others to help with memory recall and stimulation. The author has described connections with science, medicine and other healing ways, organized into short readable chapters.

Simola's guide to cognitive enhancement has done so much more for me than simply allowing me to think clearer (which it completely has). Not only have I seen an improvement in my critical thinking, but I've noticed a renewed vitality as well. The book is comprehensive to the point where improving your mental health involves improving your physical well being too. I particularly enjoyed his chapters on the supplements and the relationship between energy and eastern dietary practices (the Sattvic diet aka The Gandhi Diet).I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to increase their mental and physical energy!

An excellent comprehensive overview of intelligence enhancement and the topics many facets.