The Chimp Paradox provides the reader with a simple but effective model of how the brain works. Prof Steve Peters is a consultant psychiatrist who works in elite sport - notably with the very successful Sky Pro Cycling Team and Liverpool FC. He has received personal accolades from a long list of famous sports people such as Victoria Pembleton and Sir Chris Hoy (Olympic Gold Medallists), David Brailsford (Principal at Sky Pro Cycling Team), Steve Gerrard (England footballer) and Ronnie O'Sulllivan (Snooker player).
Peters is careful not to wrap himself as a guru but emphasises the science and research behind his model. He is not afraid to admit his model is a simplification of how the brain works. The book offers advice and exercises to improve the effectiveness of how your brain work, but the real power behind the book is explaining how yours and other people's brains work.
The model Peters uses is dominated by the Chimp and how to manage it. The brain is split into three personalities: the Chimp, the Human and the Computer. Put simply, the chimp represents our emotions and therefore it is important to understand not only how to manage our own chimps, but others.
From an education point of view, Peter's model could promote marginal gains within schools and students. It helps teachers empower their students to think constructively and productively, guiding them to become happy, confident and successful people (whilst avoiding being hijacked by their chimps). It provides a useful guide on how to interact with students, especially when their chimps are evident, which I have already found personally useful when dealing with potential conflict or emotional students.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve and have a better understanding of not only themselves, but those around them and the world we live in.
