Jeers for “Thinking Points”

As I’ve already written, there are some very good things to say about George Lakoff’s new book, Thinking Points.

But there are far more things to complain about. Before you plop down your $10, consider this.

1. Has George Lakoff ever actually read a handbook? Thinking Points is billed as “a progressive handbook.” Pick up a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook and compare. They Boy Scout Handbook is full of step-by-step how-to instructions. You want to build a fire, turn to the right page and it’s there. You want to splint an arm? Turn to the right page and it’s there.

Nowhere in Thinking Points is there any sort of step-by-step instruction. You can’t turn to a page for a clear instruction about how to activate “deep frames.” It’s not a handbook, it’s a dumbed-down textbook.

2. Is it true just because Lakoff says it’s true. Thinking Points is full of some pretty bold assertions. “As we look at arguments, we find certain characteristics common to all effective and successful arguments” [emphasis added].

Really, all effective and successful arguments? That’s a bold statement, and there is absolutely no evidence to back it up.

Thinking Points is full of this kind of grandiose statement without anything to back it up. There is no citation of studies to back up his claims of the value of deep frames over surface frames. No examples how how we can test his assertions that the progressive/conservative split is based on two different visions of family. Instead, we’re told to accept it because, well, just because they say it’s true.

3. If you’re teaching effective communication, you yourself should be able to communicate effectively. This book put me to sleep. Repeatedly. Seriously, if Lakoff wants progressives to effectively communicate about our values, he should lead by example. When he talks about values, he leaves me uninspired. When he talks about theory, he leaves me unconvinced. And when I put down the book, I find it hard to say that I’ve actually learned something.

He could have done so much better. George Lakoff has an important lesson for progressives that can help us take back this country, which is exactly why I wish he would take more care in presenting it. Don’t think of an Elephant was focused, effective, and convincing. Thinking Points, however, is bloated, feeble, and meandering. And that’s a shame for all of us.