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The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention Hardcover – November 10, 2020

by Simon Baron-Cohen (Author)

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A groundbreaking argument about the link between autism and ingenuity.

Why can humans alone invent? In The Pattern Seekers, Cambridge University psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen makes a case that autism is as crucial to our creative and cultural history as the mastery of fire. Indeed, Baron-Cohen argues that autistic people have played a key role in human progress for seventy thousand years, from the first tools to the digital revolution.

How? Because the same genes that cause autism enable the pattern seeking that is essential to our species's inventiveness. However, these abilities exact a great cost on autistic people, including social and often medical challenges, so Baron-Cohen calls on us to support and celebrate autistic people in both their disabilities and their triumphs. Ultimately, The Pattern Seekers isn't just a new theory of human civilization, but a call to consider anew how society treats those who think differently.

Print length

272 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Basic Books
Publication date

November 10, 2020
Dimensions

6.4 x 1.2 x 9.55 inches
ISBN-10

1541647149
ISBN-13

978-1541647145
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Editors' Choice―The New York Times Book Review

One of the Best Science Books of 2020―Amazon.com

A Barnes & Noble Best Psychology Book for 2020―Barnes & Noble

"A thoughtful argument that creativity shares many of the same traits as autism.... Insightful."―Kirkus

"Baron-Cohen's work buttresses the case that aspects of autism can be positive, and that thoughtful guidance can channel some with that diagnosis into productive and meaningful work. Readers interested in accessible and innovative looks at the human mind, such as those of Yuval Noah Harari, will be fascinated."―Publishers Weekly

"Based on massive research, Simon Baron-Cohen argues that most of us are specialized in how we perceive the world around us. There are those who focus on people and those who focus on things. The author makes a compelling case that the second kind of mind -- the pattern seeker -- is at the root of modern human civilization."―Frans de Waal, C. H. Candler Professor of Primate Behavior at Emory University and author of Mama'sLast Hug

"In this ambitious and provocative book, Simon Baron-Cohen goes beyond the usual discussion of 'special gifts' in autism to propose that the diversity of human operating systems has accelerated the advancement of human civilization and culture in ways we can barely imagine."―Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes

"Simon Baron-Cohen has long been a champion of autistic people, and The Pattern Seekers -- a thought-provoking book -- makes a significant contribution to the emerging literature on neurodiversity."
―John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye

"It's rare to come across a surprising new idea that explains important phenomena, but Simon Baron-Cohen's exploration of abstract pattern-seeking in human affairs is one of them. This book sheds light on one of humanity's most distinctive traits, celebrates human cognitive diversity, and in contrast with its subject matter, is rich with empathy and psychological insight."― Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct

"Always years ahead of others, always bolder in mind and in action than others, Simon Baron-Cohen now synthesizes a secret of human creativity born out of difference. Where others saw disability, he saw specialness. Like nature itself, the beauty of the human mind comes from its diversity."―Ami Klin, Bernie Marcus Distinguished Chair in Autism at EmoryUniversity

"The Pattern Seekers is a game-changing book, a passport into exploring the world of innovation and creativity. Most importantly, it celebrates autistic people and is a call for action, to welcome neurodiversity."―David Joseph, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK

"The Pattern Seekers is a book of big ideas and is sure to excite intense discussion and debate, fueled by Baron-Cohen's lively prose and provoking stories."―Daniel J. Povinelli, author of World Without Weight

"Simon Baron-Cohen, an internationally acclaimed authority on human brains, has written a fascinating book that illuminates the 'spectrum' of thinking styles. After reading it, you'll better understand the personalities of your friends and colleagues!"―Martin Rees, author of On the Future

"In an age of increasing specialization, The Pattern Seekers comes as a breath of fresh air. Simon Baron-Cohen is truly a rara avis, able to see hidden links between seemingly unrelated disorders that span the whole spectrum of human nature. He steers clear of simple-minded reductionism as well as touchy-feely psychology. The result is a book that is destined to become a classic. Baron-Cohen does not shy away from speculating on controversial topics like autism that everyone is interested in but no one understands. And although he is usually right on target, he will inevitably annoy a few pundits. But as Lord Reith of BBC put it, there are some people whom it is one's duty to annoy." — V.S. Ramachandran, author of The Tell-Tale Brain

"Simon Baron-Cohen has written a wildly creative and fascinating book. He takes on one of the deepest puzzles in cognitive science by asking a simple question: What makes Homo sapiens so inventive? By combining brain science, evolutionary biology, and the study of autism, Baron-Cohen provides a unique theory of human cognition. It is surely one of the most powerful and eye-opening books about the human mind written this decade."―Andrew N. Meltzoff, co-author of The Scientist in the Crib

"A fascinating account of the mechanisms underlying the related capacities of both autistic individuals and innovators."―Brian Josephson, Emeritus Professor of Physics at University of Cambridge and winner of the Nobel Prize in physics

"Simon Baron-Cohen is one of the greatest thinkers and writers today on the subject of autism. In this erudite new book he explains that autistic people's strongly systematic way of thinking differently is one of the essential elements in the capacity for invention. Baron-Cohen explores how obsessively experimenting with patterns and sequences, whether in music, the visual arts, math, engineering, cooking, or observing the patterns of the ocean waves, led to new inventions and discoveries. He has recalibrated the lens through which autism is understood and redefined it as a rare potentiality, to be valued and celebrated. His bold new idea, that the genes for autism drove the evolution of human invention, places this disability center stage in the story of humans. If you have ever wondered why geniuses spend so much time alone in their sheds, this illuminating book starts to give us an answer to that question."―Jools Holland, musician

"[A] bold argument . . . an impassioned call to action for modern society to do a better job of tapping the inventive power of people with autism."―Claudia Wallis, Spectrum News

About the Author

Simon Baron-Cohen is professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. He is the author of six hundred scientific articles and four books, including The Science of Evil and The Essential Difference.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (November 10, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541647149
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541647145
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.03 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.2 x 9.55 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #539,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #591 in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- #799 in Archaeology (Books)
- #14,065 in Psychology & Counseling

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Daniel Franklin, Ph.D.

Thought provoking and enjoyable

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020

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I have worked in special education for over 30 years and I am thrilled by the publication of two new excellent books on autism, Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant and The Pattern Seekers by Simon Baron-Cohen, the subject of this review. The Pattern Seekers is a very enjoyable read. It is an excellent balance of science, anthropology, anecdote, and education. More importantly, The Pattern Seekers is a celebration of neurodiversity. Baron-Cohen focuses on the wonderful gift of systematizing; a characteristic that he believes is the result of the same trait that causes autism. Indeed, Baron-Cohen contends that a “Systematizing Mechanism evolved in the human brain, between 70,000 and 100,000 years ago,” (p. 17) making humans distinct from all other creatures and capable of extraordinary levels of creation. An important theme in Baron-Cohen’s book is the notion that there are “five types of brains” ranging from highly empathic to highly systematic. For the purposes of science, classification is critical, but in the classroom, we teachers do well by avoiding rigid classification (e.g., brain types, auditory learners, visual learners, etc.). In doing so we run the risk of fixating on an instructional approach that may not be optimal for the student. In the final chapter of his book, Baron-Cohen offers the excellent suggestion that we reform education such that students who want to be specialists have the benefit of a “narrow curriculum” and students who prefer to be generalists have access to a “broad curriculum.” As an educator, I am encouraged by Baron-Cohen’s book. I have always striven to celebrate differences and leverage each student’s interests and strengths. I am eager to know more about how Baron-Cohen views the role of relationships in learning and the creative process. It has long been my observation that teaching and learning, at their best, are the outcome of social interaction and that great achievements of humans are the product of both remarkable levels of systematization and of successful collaboration. I am now convinced that systematization may have set humans apart from all other animals but I also believe our natural ability to learn and teach at a very high level, may ultimately prove to be our most significant defining characteristic.

28 people found this helpful

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bscottv

A tool for parents/teachers of trying to understand these uniquely gifted souls!

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023

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Pattern seekers need everyone to understand how to nurture their unique abilities/gifts. This book is an excellent source of inspiration in discovering how to embrace your child's gifts. Until you can analyze and embrace their unique gifts. I'm a pattern seeker and leaned a lot about my amazing giftedness. It's a true blessing when you can combine this talent in a way that benefits the world.

One person found this helpful

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Kristine Fisher

The Pattern Seekers

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2021

The Pattern Seekers by Simon Baron-Cohen is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early November.

Baron-Cohen theorizes that pattern-seeking is an evolved human response and accurately describes the consistency, even-mindedness, and sense of complete cohesion that those on the autism spectrum crave, as well as the concept that human behavior, interaction, and communication occur far, far away from an orderly, disciplined realm as this.

One person found this helpful

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RTM

Fascinating and Important Book

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020

Verified Purchase

I greatly enjoy reading books by scientists brave enough to venture out onto an intellectual limb and put forward new theories. In this book, psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen proposes a new theory of how the human mind "invents" new ideas, tools, machines ,etc. Drawing upon his studies of autism, Baron-Cohen describes a "Systemizing Mechanism" in human brains which evolved 70,000 to 100,000 years ago, marking a dramatic leap in human invention and creativity which decisively separated homo sapiens from our homolid ancestors. This book bristles with challenging ideas, including details about how the Systemizing Mechanism works, discussions about human genetics, descriptions about differences among human brains (systemizing vs. empathy), and thoughts about human evolution. In addition, the author describes various autistic individuals while making the case for their value to our society. I suspect that some (or perhaps most) academics will react with hostility and suspicion toward the author's ideas, but I found his arguments persuasive.

13 people found this helpful

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JOanna

Interesting concept, badly presented

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is pretty interesting book, however, I have few problems with it:
1. It addresses male autism only, and from perspective of "extreme male theory" which excludes huge part of autistic population
2. It ignores research on animal psychology and presents human as only animal capable of curiosity and experimenting, which is simply not true
3. I am not sure who the audience of this book was supposed to be, general audience or professionals. This book is a mixture of scientific and lay language and because of that feels uncomfortable to read. The tone of the book often feels condescending to the reader, treating them like a "simple folk."

I like the concept and the idea of the book. I definitely DON'T like how it is written.

13 people found this helpful

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eric gregori

My favorite Aspergers book

Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024

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Know thyself. As a recently diagnosed aspie, this book was helped me understand how I fit in.

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Paul D. Sonkin

Excellent and very well written - I highly recommend

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021

Verified Purchase

Ive read several papers of Baron-Cohen’s papers and was excited when this book came out. While autism is not my primary area of focus, a lot of portfolio managers on Wall Street appear to have it, so I wanted to learn more. I was looking for a non-technical book, written by a serious academic which explains the mechanisms behind the condition and this book is perfect. The Pattern Seekers explains the systemization process in a very easy to understand way with interesting little vignettes which makes the book a joy to read. I have already recommended this book to several colleagues and am happy to give this book a glowing review. Paul D. Sonkin - author of Pitch the Perfect Investment

5 people found this helpful

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Tom Hunter

A Towering and Breathtaking Achievement

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is a magnificent work of original research that is full of fascinating, enlightening information, such as the true meaning of autism and the important part it has played in the history of invention and, in fact, human history.
It focuses on the usual and tremendous ability of those with autism to concentrate and focus. Baron-Cohen makes a convincing case that people born with these abilities and this brain type are a central reason why humanity has progressed as far as it has.

Highly and enthusiastically recommended!

2 people found this helpful

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Animelee

Important read for autistic adults

Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2020

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Simon Baron-Cohen once again displays a comprehensive understanding of what autism means, how it works and who may be likely to exhibit signs that point toward systemized behaviour. His if-and-then model accurately depicts the thought process of Type S and Extreme Type S personality types. I received this yesterday and could not put this book down, finishing it within a few hours. Now I have the further reading, notes and references to go through to seek more accounts and the underlying neuroscience of it. Highly recommend, especially if you have autism.

2 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Not bad

Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 27, 2021

Verified Purchase

Good ideas, would be helpful for people who have autistic friends/family.

But the content of the book is shallow. Could be shorter actually.

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