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The 21st Century Brain

Cutting edge neuroscience to help us navigate the future

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The 21st Century Brain

By: Hannah Critchlow
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

How do we keep up in the face of AI? How do we nurture our children''s brains so they have the resilience to thrive during the coming wave of technological, and societal change? Are we biologically equipped as the pace of change accelerates?

Neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow takes the current conversation in a positive new direction, taking readers on an empowering journey through the fascinating landscape of the latest neuroscience research and deep into their own intelligence.

AI is going to push the skills that make us most human—skills like curiosity, compassion, communication, courage and creativity—to the centre of our working lives. We should lean into our collaborative skills, our evolving 'hive mind', our ability to intuit and to think long-term, to adapt and to focus. Dr Critchlow explores how we build collective wisdom, and how we best fuel our brains.

In a book filled with stories of pioneering research and case studies, and with advice and brain exercises, she shows us how to navigate the coming transformational decades with informed confidence.

© Hannah Critchlow 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Biological Sciences Science

Critic reviews

The 21st Century Brain is a vital book for understanding how our brains can adapt and thrive in an age of innovation. Boundlessly thoughtful and practical, it will help you make better decisions, become more curious and creative, and foster deeper intelligence and wisdom. Essential reading for anyone thinking seriously about the future. (Joseph Jebelli, author of The Brain at Rest)
Engaging and profoundly positive
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