THE ART OF THINKING (Book).

The article presents information about the book "The Art of Thinking," by Dagobert D. Runes. The main thesis of the book is that the emotional drive lies beneath, aside and above the logic of man. The author attempts to support this thesis by marshalling argument as to how many intellectuals have supported causes of ruthless rulers and dictators. Reasoning power of brilliant and ordinary minds is guided, as Runes points out, time and again, by motives of security, power, greed and hate. Instead of adopting scientific, objective approach to the treatment of this problem area, the author has adopted the journalistic style of presenting evidence selectively in a forceful flamboyant style. The book abounds in many naive generalisations unbuttressed by evidence. The book is also replete with emotionally formulated propositions, with which Runes has accused great thinkers down the ages. Many statements about "untouchables" in India in the year 1981 are motivated by negative attitude of the author, which he himself, has attributed to intellectuals and thinkers.