I've Been Thinking

“For more than 50 years, Daniel C. Dennett has been right in the thick of some of humankind’s most meaningful arguments: the nature and function of consciousness and religion, the development and dangers of artificial intelligence and the relationship between science and philosophy, to name a few… In his new memoir, I’ve Been Thinking, Dennett … traces the development of his worldview, which he is keen to point out is no less full of awe or gratitude than that of those more inclined to the supernatural.  ” – David Marchese - New York Times Magazine“It’s not surprising that few write autobiographies and, when they do, those autobiographies are generally not considered to be of any philosophical importance… . Daniel Dennett’s new memoir, I’ve Been Thinking, challenges this narrative. It sets out to be not just a life story but a kind of model for how to live a philosophical life… . Dennett’s life is as interesting as his mind because the two cannot be separated. His autobiography serves as a kind of demonstration of how the way in which you live reflects and shapes the way you think. The life of the mind is the entire life of the whole thinker. ” – Julian Baggini - Prospect“This is a generous book written by a figure who has made a significant impact on philosophy. Daniel Dennett reveals doubts, worries, and unresolved questions, as well as sharing what he has learned about thinking in a long philosophical life. Anyone interested in contemporary philosophy should read it and consider how he achieved his distinctive voice.” – Nigel Warburton - Times Literary Supplement“At 81, he has lost none of his sense of wonder.” – Joe Humphreys - The Irish Times“Daniel Dennett, one of the most famous and prolific philosophers of his generation, now in his early eighties, has written a memoir recounting the achievements, battles and pleasures of an extraordinarily full life… [his writing] is always lucid, witty, charming, and accessible.” – Thomas Nagel - The Weekend“A delightful memoir from one of our deepest thinkers.” – Kirkus (starred review)“Always an enthusiastic learner with an insatiable curiosity, Dennett’s amiable autodidacticism illustrates a life of the mind intertwined with the rich home life of a true Renaissance man. Highly recommended.” – Booklist (starred review)

Daniel C. Dennett (1942–2024) was University Professor Emeritus at Tufts University and the author of numerous books, including Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking, Breaking the Spell, Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, and Consciousness Explained.