The Power of Not Thinking by Simon Roberts Summary

The Power of Not Thinking argues that human cognition is deeply rooted in embodied experience, challenging the Western emphasis on rational, conscious thought. Roberts posits that skills like intuition, muscle memory, and emotional intelligence develop through physical engagement with the world, not just mental analysis. The book critiques overreliance on technology and highlights the body’s role in decision-making, using examples from sports, business, and AI development.

This book is ideal for professionals in leadership, education, or change management, as well as readers interested in neuroscience, AI ethics, or holistic learning. It’s particularly relevant for those seeking strategies to balance technology with human intuition or improve decision-making through embodied practices like mindful movement or experiential learning.

Yes—Roberts offers a compelling counterpoint to conventional self-help and business literature by emphasizing the body’s role in learning. Its blend of anthropology, case studies (e.g., pilot training, chess mastery), and critiques of AI-driven decision-making makes it timely for readers navigating automation and digital overload. The book’s actionable insights on trusting embodiment over overanalysis provide fresh perspectives.

1. Embodied Knowledge: Skills are learned through physical repetition, not just cognitive effort.
2. Critique of Overrationalization: Excessive reliance on data or technology stifles innate human adaptability.
3. Habit as Intelligence: Automatic behaviors (e.g., driving, typing) reflect sophisticated bodily learning.
4. AI Limitations: Machines lack human capacities for empathy, contextual judgment, and embodied problem-solving.

While Kahneman’s work focuses on cognitive biases, Roberts prioritizes physicality and tacit knowledge. Both critique overreliance on rational thought, but Roberts argues that even “fast thinking” is grounded in embodied experience, not just mental shortcuts. The books complement each other in exploring decision-making beyond logic.

• “Our bodies are our superpower”: Roberts asserts that physical intuition outperforms algorithmic precision in complex, real-world scenarios.
• “To think less, we must first learn more”: Mastery through repetition enables effortless, embodied expertise. Both quotes underscore the book’s thesis of trusting non-conscious intelligence.

The book advocates for “thinking with the body”—using tactile prototyping, role-playing, or sensory feedback to resolve challenges. For example, Roberts suggests walking meetings to stimulate creativity or leveraging muscle memory for crisis responses. These methods reduce overanalysis paralysis and foster adaptable problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Some argue Roberts underestimates the role of conscious strategy in skill development or oversimplifies AI’s capabilities. Critics note that embodied learning isn’t universally applicable (e.g., data-driven fields like finance). However, the book’s core premise—rebalancing mind-body dynamics—remains widely praised.

As AI dominates routine tasks, Roberts’ emphasis on human-centric skills (empathy, improvisation) aligns with workforce trends favoring adaptability. The book’s warnings about tech dependency resonate in an era of ChatGPT and automation, offering a roadmap for cultivating irreplaceable human strengths.

Simon Roberts is a business anthropologist and founder of Stripe Partners, a consultancy applying ethnographic methods to organizational challenges. With a background in academia and corporate research, he’s a prominent speaker on embodied cognition and the future of work.

• Embodied Learning Cycle: Practice → Repetition → Automaticity → Mastery.
• Cartesian Critique: Rejects mind-body dualism, advocating for integrated cognition.
• The “AI Gap”: Identifies human strengths (e.g., contextual empathy) that machines cannot replicate.

Roberts frames habits as expressions of embodied knowledge, honed through physical repetition rather than willpower. For example, athletes or musicians develop “flow states” by training their bodies to execute complex actions unconsciously. This contrasts with apps or trackers that externalize habit formation.