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The 21st Century Brain

How to Future-Proof Your Mind in the Age of AI, from the Sunday Times Bestselling Neuroscientist

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The 21st Century Brain

By: Dr Hannah Critchlow
Narrated by: Hannah Critchlow
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Brought to you by Penguin.

Discover the powerful and practical guide to strengthening your mind for the modern world and thriving in the age of AI, from acclaimed neuroscientist and Sunday Times bestselling author Dr Hannah Critchlow.

How do we nurture our brains – and our children’s brains – so we have the resilience to thrive during the coming wave of technological and societal change? How can we keep up in the face of AI?

The 21st Century Brain provides the answers.

In her empowering and practical new book, bestselling neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow takes you on a journey through the fascinating landscape of the latest neuroscience research, detailing how we can develop the essential human skills that technology cannot replace – and that matter most for personal fulfilment, wellbeing and long-term success.

Grounded in the latest science, you’ll discover how to strengthen and future-proof essential skills, including:

· Emotional intelligence and collaboration

· Imagination, creativity, and flexible thinking

· Long-term thinking and decision-making

· Adaptability and mental resilience

· Intuition, loyalty, and connection


Writing in her informative and accessible voice, Dr Critchlow shows why our greatest strengths lie not in competing with machines, but in becoming more fully human.

Blending fascinating research with practical advice and simple brain exercises, The 21st Century Brain is the must-read guide to navigating rapid technological change with confidence.


'A vital book for understanding how our brains can adapt and thrive in an age of innovation.' – Joseph Jebelli, bestselling author of The Brain at Rest

'Full of fascinating new research. Profoundly empowering.' – Professor Hannah Fry, bestselling author of Hello World

'Fascinating neuroscience that is also a guide to modern life ... Brilliant. - Dr Darragh Ennis, neuroscientist and professional quizzer

© Hannah Critchlow 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Biological Sciences Science Human Brain Memory Improvement
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Critic Reviews

Extensively draws on international research ... convincingly explained.
The 21st Century Brain is an engaging, accessible and optimistic look at how neuroscience can help us navigate the challenges of this century.
Full of fascinating new research. Profoundly empowering. (Professor Hannah Fry, author of Hello World)
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)
The 21st Century Brain combines long-established scientific knowledge and the latest research to build an intriguing picture of our brain and the mind housed within it. With personal anecdotes, clearly explained science and useful exercises to help our brains cope with the challenges of our technological world, Dr. Critchlow has given us a fascinating neuroscience book that is also a guide to modern life. It's a brilliant book that I will read more than once. (Dr Darragh Ennis, neuroscientist and professional quizzer)
Serious and impressive … Critchlow deserves praise for her rigour and optimism …She argues persuasively that we already possess all of the mental attributes we need to survive and thrive … Critchlow covers some fascinating recent science about diet, the gut-brain axis and my favourite organelles, mitochondria … Her tips for honing mental capacity at the end of each of the six chapters are both useful and actionable .. [an} expert, measured manifesto. (Graham Lawton)
Engaging and profoundly positive.
An engaging and wide-ranging tour through modern neuroscience, brought to life with Hannah Critchlow’s trademark clarity and eye for everyday relevance. (Dr Paul Goldsmith, author of The Evolving Brain)
All stars
Most relevant
Hannah explains intriguing ideas in a way that makes sense to the average Joe. With plenty of interesting examples it really kept me engaged.
It made me stop and think about how we learn, adapt and connect with the world around us.
Read by the author, you can hear the enthusiasm and I found her voice quite calming as well.
If you enjoy books that make you think, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a listen.

Fascinating stuff!

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