Shallow Thought, Deep Mind

Shallow Thought, Deep Mind: What you need to succeed, thrive and make the world better is for everyone who takes on life’s challenges and dreams of brighter tomorrows. This book is based on reason, science and philosophy. With stories, thought experiments and cartoons, Dr Somerville takes us beyond shallow thinking to unlock the power of the deep mind.

In this post-truth age, the way we use our mind is both the problem and the promise. The ancient, simple ways of thinking and behaving that got us here threaten to take us out. But the human spirit is strong, and there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with our minds. Success depends on how we put our mental machinery to work. The wisdom of our deep mind can transform lives and the world.

Drawing on his experiences as a clinical psychologist, horseman, bush regenerator and environmental activist, Dr Somerville guides you on a journey to discover who you really are, what you could be, and how you can make the world better. 

Part 1 looks at shallow thought - what it is and how it can create trouble - and what it takes to find solutions to big problems. We see the evolutionary role that shallow thinking plays in the survival of our kind across time. The author then explores three big challenges from his life: the search for gentle psychological therapies for trauma and PTSD, the development of a treatment for forest dieback, and the protection of communities from invasive gas fields. These challenges appear different, but all were solved by going beyond shallow thinking to the deep mind. Solutions to complex problems can be simple when you find the key.

In Part 2, Shallow Thought, Deep Mind examines the ‘Key Mental Processes’ that determine all we know and do. Why ‘key’? Because understanding and knowing how to use these abilities unlock the power of the creative deep mind.

The human mind is a wondrous system, but it’s too fast and fluid to get a handle on while it’s in full flight. Our conscious attention is limited and much goes on that we’re not aware of. In separate chapters, Dr Somerville slows things down and teases the mind apart so the reader can grasp the roles that the Key Mental Processes of perception, memory, imagination, belief, language, emotions, intuition, sleep and dreaming play as they combine seamlessly to create our reality.

‘Perception’ zeros in on where our bodies end and the external world begins. ‘Memory and Imagination’ investigates how we can learn from the past and plan the future. ‘Beliefs’ frees us from limiting ideas and fosters attitudes that generate success. ‘Language’ breaks word spells that harm, mislead and restrict, and shows us how to use potent, respectful language to motivate ourselves and influence others. In ‘Emotions’, we learn to appreciate our emotions - both positive and negative - and listen to what they tell us. ‘Intuition, Sleep and Dreams’ takes us to the mysterious realm of the unconscious and sleeping mind where we can learn from an ancient but subtle wisdom that doesn’t speak in words.

Finally, Dr Somerville takes stock, looks to the future and asks, ‘What’s it going to take?’ In these troubled times, as problems proliferate, reason retreats. To counter the growing dark, we need a bright light of knowledge that’s intense enough to illuminate a new age of enlightenment. We need to revitalise our commitment to truth and human dignity. It won’t be easy. Nor should it be too hard.

But please be warned. There’s no quick fix on offer here, no secret to make wishes manifest, no ‘6-steps’ formula. Learning what you need to know takes time and effort. But once you’ve got it, you never lose it.