In his preface Mr Wilson writes 'I feel that a great many adults … would do better to spend less time in simply accepting the concepts of others uncritically, and more time in learning how to analyse concepts in general'. Mr Wilson starts by describing the techniques of conceptual analysis. He then gives examples of them in action by composing answers to specific questions and by criticism of quoted passages of argument. Chapter 3 sums up the importance of this kind of mental activity. Chapter 4 presents selections for the reader to analyse, followed by questions of university entrance/scholarship type. This is a book to be worked through, in a sense a text-book.

‘In this book, Mr Wilson outlines a system of mental engineering to canalise the potentialities of the youthful mind. The result is a work of absorbing interest and a model of clear thought and clear writing.’

Source: London Head Teacher

‘His exposition is fairly elementary … but it is always intelligent, and many readers would certainly be better for learning his lessons. This book could do good, and not only at the relatively humble level of preparation for General Papers.’

Source: Times Educational Supplement