The 21st Century Brain

Cutting edge neuroscience to help us navigate the future

By: Hannah Critchlow

Narrated by: Hannah Critchlow

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

Critic reviews

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)

Engaging and profoundly positive.