Many people believe that intelligence only includes erudition and logical thinking. In fact, this concept is more multifaceted.
Intelligence consists of different components and is closely related to cognitive abilities: perception, attention, thinking and speech. It can be spatial, emotional, strategic... And these are just some of its types.
Learning, adaptation, understanding of various processes, application of experience, personal success - all this is impossible without developed intelligence.
At the same time, intelligence is not given to us at birth, it must be constantly developed, and our selection of books will help you with this!
You will learn to go beyond the ordinary and have the opportunity to change your thinking, and with it your life.
"The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" Oliver Sacks
Despite the fact that the title of the book seems funny, its content can cause sadness. The famous neuroscientist Oliver Sacks in his work gives a number of recommendations to develop intelligence. To do this, he uses clinical cases from his practice, explaining incredible stories by the peculiarities of the brain. He uses concepts of mindfulness, psycho-emotional health, and brain structure and function. Also, much attention is paid to the phenomenon of memory, mind and personality. Reading this book will help not only develop your intellect, but also better understand this world.
What do smart people read for spiritual development and intelligence?
Literature that can trigger thinking processes and help activate memory is suitable. Wanting to increase their IQ level, many people rely on the number of books they read. If the plot is not captivating, the exercises described seem ridiculous and useless, then it is better to put the book down and move on to the next one. Just reading will not make a person smarter , since the material will not be applied in life.
What smart things to read and how to raise your intellectual level?
Works of Edward de Bon . If you want to learn how to think differently, and are ready to break away from the standards, then start with the book “Six Thinking Hats.” While studying the material, you will have the opportunity to play. To get results, act and complete the author’s instructions. The book is interesting due to the inclusion of various life situations, to which the reader is invited to choose his thinking hats. Practical exercises help make thinking original and non-standard. Another entertaining book by the author is “Teach Yourself to Think.” The plot is based on Edward's technique, which helps instill in the reader the skill of wanting to learn and develop. The proposed methodology is aimed at improving the thinking mechanism. The book can be called a self-instruction manual, as it includes 5 stages. Gradual implementation of steps leads to the desired result. Books by Ron Hubbard . The book “Teaching Technology” received good reviews. It is a textbook whose main task is to teach the reader to learn. People who followed the author's tips increased their intellectual level by 15%. Ron Hubbard is convinced that a person's IQ is formed from several components. And the main one is the ability to learn, or in other words, the systematic acquisition of new information throughout a person’s life. In the book “Self-Analysis” the author focuses on human memory. If you don’t remember an interesting fact or historical information in a timely manner, then there’s no point in talking about intellectual development. The books you read will be forgotten after a few days if your memory is not fully activated. The book contains practical recommendations that help a person improve himself. The author pays special attention to visual memory, believing that there is a possibility of its development.
"Memory development for dummies . The title of the book makes clear its main purpose. Before you start studying, take it as a basis that there are no universal and simple ways to improve memory. To achieve results, techniques are combined. The more ways you use, the better the effect. Interestingly, the combination of methods brings results regardless of age. John Bogosian Arden, the author of the book, is confident that the properties of memory are the same in a student and a pensioner, and therefore can be developed in the same way.
Before you start reading books, check your level of intellectual development . There are tests on the Internet and suggested times for completing tasks. On your first playthrough, don’t rush to invest within the deadline. By answering test questions, you are already developing as you solve problems and puzzles. The data obtained will help you decide in which direction to move, what you lack: vocabulary, creative thinking, and the ability to memorize information. Then start correcting the situation by studying and practicing the suggested books.
Educational books for children and adults
For an adult, choosing a book to read is not a problem at all, and even if for some reason it turns out to be not entirely successful, he can quickly replace it with a suitable one. But the choice of books for the development of intelligence for children should be approached more responsibly in order, firstly, to influence children’s thinking exactly as needed, and secondly, not to discourage the child’s interest and desire to read. We want to save you from unnecessary hassle, and we offer ten wonderful books that you can read with your child without fear of the consequences of your choice.
Michael Ende "Momo"
A fascinating story about a girl who had the gift of listening to others. According to the plot, the girl begins to confront people who have forgotten about human values, materialistic people and pragmatists. In the book they are known as the Gray Gentlemen. This work will help develop compassion, kindness and empathy in your child.
Paul Gallico "Thomasina"
The work tells the story of several characters: a girl who loved her cat very much, a cat who considered herself a goddess superior to others, and a man who had forgotten what love is. If you want your child to learn to appreciate, love and respect loved ones, be sure to take note of this book.
Julia Donaldson "The Gruffalo"
A wonderful fairy tale written in poetic form. Perfect for children aged 4 years and older. It tells how a brave and brave little mouse went on a journey through the forest. He came up with an animal protector (his name is Gruffalo), with the help of which he decided to outsmart the other animals. This book is about how all difficulties can be overcome.
Kenneth Grahame "The Wind in the Willows"
An instructive story about kindness, courage and mutual assistance. The fate of the heroes befalls all sorts of obstacles, and they do not leave each other in trouble, help each other to overcome obstacles and cope with difficulties. This work will be useful for both kids and older ones.
Sam McBratney "Do You Know How Much I Love You?"
It is easy to guess that this work is dedicated to the great feeling of love - a feeling that cannot be measured. If you want your child to begin to learn from an early age what true love is, read this book to him. And you yourself will remember what a wonderful feeling it is when you love.
Maurice Sendak "Where the Wild Things Are"
Parents and children are two generations, often in conflict with each other. The presented work, which has become a classic among children's literature, will tell your child why adults act one way or another in different situations. You can be sure that after reading it, your child will understand you much better.
Eric Carle "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
A funny piece for the youngest children. It tells how a fat and ugly caterpillar, going through various metamorphoses and “tests”, turns into a magnificent butterfly. Even for kids, this amazing story will serve as good food for their childhood thoughts.
Roald Dahl "Matilda"
Not only adults, but also some children stop believing in miracles. In order not to forget that there is magic in the world, read with your child this unique and interesting story about an unusual girl that draws you into the world of childhood. By the way, this book will teach adults to better understand their children.
Daniel Pennac "Dog Dog"
The hero of this book is a homeless dog who dreams of finding an owner. And before realizing his cherished dream, he will go through many tests. Life-like, funny, sometimes sad and touching, this story will not leave you or your child indifferent, it will remind you of the main thing and teach you to appreciate those around you.
David McKee "Elmer"
Many children are afraid of seeming unusual, strange, different from everyone else. But there is no need to be afraid of your uniqueness! And how to get rid of such fears is perfectly told by the story of the multi-colored checkered elephant Elmer, who has original thinking and an amazing sense of humor.
These ten books are quite enough to initially motivate your child to actively think and comprehend important human qualities, values and aspirations. If you yourself want to stretch your brain, while plunging into a parallel world with its own characters, laws and events, then we have several sensible works for you.
As you know, detectives develop logic, deduction and other important intellectual abilities well. Briefly describing the plots of detective stories is a rather stupid idea, and for you it will be much better to just read them. Therefore, we will list several famous and popular detective stories with plots that are ideal for developing intelligence:
- Kate Atkinson "Crimes of the Past"
- Jess Walter "Over the Settled Graves"
- John Verdon "Make a Number"
- Kurt Aust "Judgment Day"
- Parker Bilal "Golden Scales"
- Gillian Flynn "Sharp Objects"
- Ferdinand von Schirach "The Collini Affair"
- Ellie Griffiths "The Crossing"
- Deon Meyer "Thirteen Hours"
- Robert McCamon "The Voice of the Nightbird"
We also understand perfectly well that some people may not be into detective stories, so to speak; Some people may well like novels . And in the repositories of world literature there are many books that train the brain and belong to this genre. You may want to pay attention to the following:
- Orhan Pamuk "Museum of Innocence"
- Nathaniel Hawthorne "The Scarlet Letter"
- Jojo Moyes "Me Before You"
- Daphne Du Maurier "Rebecca"
- Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice"
- William Styron "Sophie's Choice"
- Elchin Safarli “If you knew...”
- Gustave Flaubert "Madame Bovary"
- Frederic Beigbeder “Love lives for three years”
- Theodore Dreiser "American Tragedy"
Now our selection can be considered complete. Although, undoubtedly, all the books we have listed are just grains in the ocean of literature. “Opening shells”, you can find your own pearls - works and works of different authors that can change your worldview, open your eyes to new things and make you look differently at yourself, your life and the world around you.
And in order to find as many such books as possible, we advise you to read our article “How to start reading a lot” at your leisure, and also watch this video, from which you will learn how easy it is to learn to read faster and remember what you read. We wish you hundreds of books read, a flexible mind and high intelligence!
We also recommend reading:
- Storytelling
- Development of intelligence: effective ways for every day
- Japanese system of intelligence development
- How to master speed reading in a week
- Things that help you become smarter
- Intelligence and its development: several recommendations
- What books should I read?
- Books for self-development
- Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory
- How to become smarter: 4 types of intelligence according to Stephen Covey
- How to read effectively: a selection of useful materials
Key words:1Cognitive science
What books should you read to improve your intelligence?
Most intellectual sites offer a list of books for developing the mind, improving speech and increasing vocabulary in communication - such a list includes literature that touches on various areas of life . The development of memory, improvement of vocabulary and the ability to think is the basis that is used to process information: in order to become a well-rounded person, it is necessary to expand knowledge in the main areas.
What educational books should you read to become smarter, increase your IQ and speak beautifully?
Scientific works . We are not talking about reference books and encyclopedias consisting of continuous incomprehensible terms. Read books that tell the story of the creation of the world, about natural phenomena, the development of culture and art. Remember Darwin's theory, read Hawking's works on the history of time. Philosophical Literature . Scientific books are built on theories, evidence and teach you to understand the world. Philosophy is a branch that initiates into the secrets of human actions and actions, studies the thinking of people. Include biblical publications of various religions in the list of philosophical literature. Today, many are interested in Eastern authors and share their wisdom on social networks. A prominent representative of Eastern philosophy is Omar Khayyam and his Rubai. Interesting to read, easy to learn by heart. Supplement your study of philosophy with books by the Strugatskys, Nietzsche, and Kant. Works of art . Knowledge of the classics is like an exam for entry into an intellectual society. The smartest books for adults that develop the intellect, brain and personality will be useless without the foundation received in due time - the foundations are laid from school, a love of poetry and prose is instilled. If you missed this period without wanting to read the classics, then it's time to catch up. Works of fiction help to replenish vocabulary and improve literacy. Start with the following books: “The Master and Margarita” by Bulgakov, “Forget-Me-Nots” by Prishvin, “Crime and Punishment” by Dostoevsky, “Red and Black” by Stendhal, “War and Peace” by Tolstoy. The modern intellectual writer Dyusimbiev Gazinur and his stories will perfectly complement the list of classic works. Historical books . Man is accustomed to comparing today's events with past ones. An intellectual is able to draw parallels at a high level, since he knows the history of the development of his country and other states. Reading historical books gives knowledge about significant events in the world and reveals the peculiarities of the lives of famous people. History helps us understand life. Find works by popular authors: Lawrence, Bushkov, Yuri Mukhin. Reading poetry . Poems are one of the oldest ways of transmitting information to descendants. The genre is light due to rhyme, euphony and beauty of speech. Constantly reading poetry helps improve memory and expand vocabulary. The works of Akhmatova, Shakespeare, Brodsky are suitable for the development of intelligence.
There is no specific list of literature for the development of intelligence. There are reading recommendations for schoolchildren, students, and applicants preparing to enter universities. The main thing is to develop reading skills . Use your free time to get information. Modern gadgets and audiobooks will come to help. Over time, you will notice that reading will become a habit. There will be a need to immerse yourself in a fascinating world filled with knowledge and discoveries.
"Brain Rules" John Medina
The author of the book “Brain Rules” is confident that special exercises will not help develop the brain. It is enough just to understand how this organ works. John Medina formulated 10 rules that all those who decide to increase their intelligence level should rely on. For example, the brain can maintain attention on one object for only 10 minutes, after which it needs a break. Women pay more attention to small details, while men get to the root of the problem faster. Also interesting is the fact that 26 minutes of sleep will help increase brain performance by a third. Knowing these and other facts, you can significantly improve the efficiency of your work.
“The art of thinking. Lateral thinking as a way to solve complex problems" De Bono
Thinking and making decisions is a complex, skillful job. Unfortunately, much of this work is not done carefully enough. That is why the results of such decisions are not satisfactory. De Bono's book allows you to learn how to think correctly with the greatest efficiency and increase your intelligence. First of all, the publication teaches you to question everything a person is going to do or say. The author’s most valuable advice is to question the experiences that have already been associated with a similar situation. It is precisely because previous experience was assessed inadequately that new decisions are made erroneously. The book tells how to change the “vertical” type of thinking to creative or lateral.
Each of these books will allow the reader to take a new stage of development and make their life qualitatively better, their work more productive, and their vacation more enjoyable.
Ways to develop intelligence
The IQ level depends on a person’s literacy, education, and innovative thinking. For intellectual development, train your brain daily . One of the ways to develop intelligence is by reading books. Select your reading list carefully: the best books for the general development of intelligence, vocabulary and speech in adults can really improve the quality of life. But modern detective stories and romance novels do not provide enough information - such reading relaxes, but does not teach.
Before directly moving on to solving the now pressing question “what useful books should you read for the development of the brain, consciousness, memory, logical thinking, and competent speech?”, you should realize that the development of intelligence is impossible without acquiring the following skills:
Increasing memory capacity . Necessary for remembering information. Data is recorded and retrieved when necessary. Increasing vocabulary . A conversation takes on an intellectual tone if the interlocutor knows how to speak beautifully. An extensive vocabulary helps to come across as an intelligent person. The ability to think figuratively . Mentally stimulating audiobooks and speech-developing intellectual reading promote the development of thinking as a person lives the story described. Experience is formed, images are remembered, and in a similar case, information emerges and is used.
The skill of speed reading helps to absorb information and process tons of literature. Interesting intellectual literature for reading and developing the mind of an adult, books on self-organization and efficiency motivate, force you to follow your goals.
"Ignite Yourself" John Ratey
The author of this book is a doctor and psychiatrist. This gives the content of the book special value for the reader. John Ratey argues that physical activity stimulates human intellectual development. By engaging the body's systems in exercise, neurochemicals are produced that are essential for brain health. The nervous system is strengthened, depression and panic attacks are prevented. Sports will also help eradicate bad habits and avoid early aging. All this will allow you to effectively develop the capabilities of your brain.
"Brain Plasticity" Doidge Norman
The brain is largely responsible for intelligence and everything else depends on its well-functioning functioning. For example, after a stroke, complete recovery is possible only due to the fact that the work of the damaged areas is completely taken over by the remaining intact neighboring parts. In addition, the brain can be trained just like muscles in the gym. Also, one of the revolutionary discoveries was the fact that thought can change the structure of the brain. Moreover, negative thoughts have a similar destructive effect, and a positive attitude can help develop the efficiency of the most important organ in the body. The book describes in detail all these features, and also tells how you can use them for the benefit of your intellect and the body as a whole.
“Neurology: What Explains Strange Behaviors” by Eliezer Sternberg
This book will help you look into the human mind. The creator of the work is Dr. Sternberg, which should increase the level of confidence in the material offered for reading. In the process of reading, you can find a connection between the conscious and subconscious. The work of a doctor will help answer the questions: why does a person hear voices in his head or see hallucinations; why ideomotor training works; why a person forgets what many others do not want to remember.
Books on how to develop public speaking skills
How to develop speaking skills? Do you need to practice more in front of the mirror or can you improve your diction? Believe me, it will be quite difficult to cope with this task on your own, but if you have a selection of books, it will be much easier.
No. 11. “Black rhetoric. The power and magic of words" - Karsten Bredemeier
(Self-development)
About the author: The author is a fairly well-known specialist in the field of business consulting. He is also considered one of the best communication trainers in Europe.
About the book:
The book teaches manipulation by all methods and rhetorical means. The book explains how to properly communicate with an interlocutor, teaches not just communication, but resourcefulness, and not succumbing to various provocations.
It will be useful for those who want to learn the art of dialogue, as well as public speaking.
Quote:
“Irony is the Trojan horse of verbal acrobatics, self-irony is a minefield for those who use it.”
No. 12. “I speak and they listen to me. Lessons in practical rhetoric" - Nina Zvereva
(Self-development)
About the author: The author is not only a writer, but also a journalist, a member of the Academy of Russian Television. She also works as a trainer and has written a huge number of books.
About the book:
An excellent practical guide for those who need to give a speech, and is suitable for any occasion. Even a sophisticated reader who is familiar with similar books will like it.
Behind all the recommendations is an author with his own experience and feelings. The book is written easily and expressively. Each line contains a lot of useful information. The book will not only help you perform, but will also remain in your memory.
Quote:
“A pause is a great aid in managing the room and maintaining discipline.”
No. 13. "Revelations of a Speaker" - Scott Berkun
(Self-development)
About the Author: Scott Berkun is an accomplished speaker and writer. But little is known about him, except that she writes books.
About the book:
In this very practical book, the author decided to collect a large number of tips, as well as life hacks, which will certainly allow you to prepare well for a performance of any scale and level.
The author will also tell you how to cope with fear of an audience, and what nuances you should consider when preparing for your speech.
Quote:
“If the topic doesn’t inspire and energize you, how will it energize and energize the audience?”
No. 14. “Ancient Oratory” - Andrey Kozarzhevsky
(Self-development)
About the author: Andrey Kozarzhevsky is an excellent specialist in the field of classical philology.
About the book:
If we talk about the ancient Greeks, they were always distinguished by the fact that they were very eloquent. In ancient Greece, philosophers and politicians could master words no worse than tragedians and poets.
The author dedicated this material to the speakers of the classical era. The book examines the works and speeches of Cicero, Aristotle, Demosthenes, and Plato.
Quote:
“Speech is composed of three parts: the speaker, the subject about which he is speaking, and the person to whom the speaker is addressing; the audience represents the final goal of the speech.”
No. 15. “Speak and Conquer” - Victoria Borisova
(Self-development)
About the author: The author is a philosopher and psychologist by training. At one time she worked as a business coach.
About the book:
Hundreds of books were written at one time about the art of oratory, as well as proper communication. But the author assures that in our century the old principles no longer work. The main problem, according to the author, is behavior “like a robot.”
In this publication you will learn the secrets of communication. The book pays special attention to how sincere the speaker is. Communication between buyer and seller, subordinate and boss, children and parents must certainly be as natural as possible.
Quote:
“Success is moving from one failure to another with increasing enthusiasm.”
No. 16. "Oratory. Pretend to be an expert." - Chris Steward
(Developmental Psychology)
About the author: The author is a writer, psychologist and blogger.
About the book:
Surely you have encountered the need to make a speech in public. And a book on public speaking can come in handy while studying, at a birthday party or at a wedding.
The author talks about how to properly structure a speech and gives some tips on the correct use of quotes. You will also find in the book tips on memorizing a prepared speech.
Quote:
“Smart speakers always end on a dramatic note.”
No. 17. “The psychology of persuasion. 50 Proven Ways to Be Persuasive - Robert Cialdini
(Self-development)
About the author: The author is a popular psychologist from America who became famous thanks to his books.
About the book:
The book was written in a lively and easy language, as well as in a fairly convenient question-and-answer form. You will receive a lot of theory as well as actionable advice.
The authors decided to dedicate the book to the psychology of communication. Thanks to this publication, you will not only be able to learn all the techniques, but also understand the mechanisms of communication themselves.
Quote:
“People are often confused about the various reasons that led them to choose a particular course of action.”
“Remember everything” Arthur Dumchev
On the path to the development of intelligence, the development of memory becomes an important stage. The book “Remember Everything” from the Russian scientist Arthur Dumchev is intended to help in this matter. The quality of the author’s methodology is evidenced by the fact that he remembers the number “Pi” to the last digit. The book describes in detail what human memory is, what it is like and how to develop it most effectively. The work will allow you to understand what bright prospects await a person with a good memory and how much stress and tension can be relieved from the need to remember a huge number of things in everyday life.