Do You Think You’re Clever?: The Oxford and Cambridge Questions

John Farndon

I bought the book thinking that it was going to be a light read with frivolous observations and humourous insights from the author. I think it’s because I only read the top two lines of the blurb at the back. I just wanted something to read on the train. It turned out to be quite a different type of book. Despite chapter headings such as “what happens when I drop an ant?” and “what is the population of Croydon?”, it is a relatively serious book. It is written with certain hints of levity and … (show more)

I bought the book thinking that it was going to be a light read with frivolous observations and humourous insights from the author. I think it’s because I only read the top two lines of the blurb at the back. I just wanted something to read on the train. It turned out to be quite a different kind of book. Despite chapter headings such as “what happens when I drop an ant?” and “what is the population of Croydon?” it is a relatively serious book. It is written with certain hints of levity and irreverent but it’s the philosopher’s kind. Which is to say, not everyone will get it. The humour is often found in the self-realizations of the absurdities of our everyday thinking and misconceptions to which the author skillfully draws our attentions.

The book does have a serious philosophical bent in its treatment of most of the subjects. I think the author has done a great service for his readers in effortlessly demonstrating the latent thinking and issues behind some seemingly innocuous everyday questions. A lot of people today do not care enough to dig deeper into social and philosophical issues that surround and affect them. They often don’t see the relevance. Without bashing the concepts over the readers’ heads, Farndon has help to bring these issues to the foreground. People ought to be thinking about some of the topics in the book as they will affect their lives in some ways. If the thoughts lead to constructive actions, I think the book will have done some real good.

The subjects discussed are diverse, including ideas about fate and why can’t you light a candle in space? All the discussions are interesting and well presented. The writing style is elegant and often relieves the gravity and somberness of the topics.

I particularly like the questions, “if you could go back in time to any period of history, when would it be and why?” Farndon’s astute treatment of this simple, hypothetical, almost the kind you asked after several pints in a pub, question was immense fun to read and surprisingly inspirational. In fact, many of his answers to the questions in the book have similar effects but this one stands out for me at this time. I have decided to use it as the sole question to be asked when I interview new job applicants. I want to see what they do with this. This almost brings out the sadist in me and I pity the next person I interview.

Any case, buy and read the book. (9/10)

• ISBN-10: 9781848311329
• ISBN-13: 978-1848311329
• ASIN: 184831132X