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Wayfinding

The Art and Science of How We Find and Lose Our Way
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( 710 ratings, 107 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Wayfinding by Michael Bond explores the science behind human navigation. The book investigates how we find our way, the impact of environments on our orientation skills, and the psychological aspects of spatial awareness. Bond delves into stories and studies to reveal how navigation influences our lives.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by how humans navigate and make sense of their surroundings. It explores the science behind our sense of direction, blending psychology, neuroscience, and adventure stories to uncover the mysteries of wayfinding.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A fascinating investigation of our ability to navigate: from the earliest humans, to cutting-edge spatial neuroscience, and the increasing loss, in today's world, of our ability to find our way.

A fascinating investigation of our ability to navigate: from the earliest humans, to cutting-edge spatial neuroscience, and the increasing loss, in today's world, of our ability to find our way.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Wayfinding, Michael Bond takes readers on an intriguing journey through the labyrinth of human navigation. This remarkable work delves into the intricate ways humans orient themselves in their physical surroundings. Navigating through Bond's explorations, you will discover how our brains create 'cognitive maps'—internal representations of the spatial relationships of our environment—that help us traverse unknown terrains, remember visited places, and maintain a sense of direction in the most complex settings.

The book masterfully unfolds how these cognitive maps are not just essential for moving around but also deeply impact our psychology and behaviour. By examining the evolution of navigational skills, Bond reveals how prehistoric humans’ ability to navigate vast landscapes endowed them with survival advantages, subsequently influencing the development of Homo sapiens. We also learn that children, instinctive explorers at heart, naturally develop spatial awareness by engaging with their surroundings, albeit in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology.

Yet, in our modern, technology-dependent era, few of us harness the wayfaring skills passed down by our ancestors, potentially leading to a significant loss of innate human abilities. Through compelling narratives and well-researched insights, Bond unravels why some individuals possess superior navigational talents and investigates the controversial topic of gender differences in spatial navigation. Furthermore, he delves into the profound psychological effects of being lost and its implications on mental health.

Bond's investigative prowess makes Wayfinding a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the symbiotic relationship between human cognition and environment. For readers who admire the narrative style of Robert Macfarlane or the neurological insights of Oliver Sacks, this book offers a transformative perspective on our intrinsic ability to make sense of space, thereby reshaping our self-perception.

In essence, Wayfinding is not merely a book about navigation; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, our evolutionary heritage, and the complex psychological landscapes we navigate every day.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Wayfinding by Michael Bond is highly praised as a compelling and fascinating exploration into human navigation and spatial orientation. Reviewers highlight its beautifully written and well-researched content that delves into how our brains evolved for wayfinding. The book is lauded for its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging, often drawing intriguing connections between navigation skills and broader human intelligence.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509841097

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 234g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Michael Bond, who won the British Psychology Society Prize 2015 for The Power of Others, is a freelance journalist and former senior editor and reporter at New Scientist.

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