A 5 star read for everyone seriously interested in the subject of information and how the brain (any brain) processes it. I have read this book twice, not because I didn't get much out of it the first time but because I couldn't believe how much more I could get out of it the second time. I need to read it a third time... This book turns the subject of information into a fascinating science. The processing of information becomes logical and understandable. The best news of all is that the parallels between the human brain and the organisations we build using them are so close that lessons learned from one can easily, and effectively, be applied in the other. The late sci-fi author Isaac Asimov once described Victor Serebriakoff as having a 'monstrous intelligence'. This does not mean that the reader needs the same, although the English does require a little getting used to. The author can cram more meaning into one sentence than most writers can get into a paragraph. Read at a leisurely pace (airplanes are best) this begs you to write notes in the margins and chuckle as you understand for the first time why you do what you do, or why you did what you did. This book transformed my life (really!). The next title (The Future of Intelligence) put the cherries on the top.

A 5 Star rating but more for those who want to really understand the nature of intelligence. This is not a bedside book, it is an absorbing trip into the deepest reaches of understanding. Written by a genius, you do have to be a genius to enjoy it. Anyone who plans to get deeply into information management, knowledge management and information management at a level that will blow away the commercial 'experts' should read this book. Better still, but not essential, read 'Brain' (by the same author) first, if you can still find a copy. This is fascination between two covers. Better than an encyclopaedia, heaped with original intellectual thought and combined with the condensed wisdoms from other masters, this is a must read for any budding information expert, especially the aspirant CIO. The parallels between intelligence the way the brain works and intelligence the way any other organisation works means that the lessons are practical and useful. I found it immensely useful in ordering my vision of all variations of information management.

O.K., having been a member of the Society for 16 years now, my only question is this: what does anything in this book REALLY have to do with the current organization? There are a lot of noble ideals expressed here, but I have yet to see how they connect with the reality of the loosely confederated social club currently known as Mensa. This is like the corporate charters of most companies that I've worked for- meaningless boiler plate that nobody ever bothers to read.
Like the "Delta's" in the movie "Animal House", all Mensa can really claim from my experience is "A long history of EXISTANCE to the community...."
The introduction by Asimov can be misleading. While it is true that he had a life membership, I understand that he had pretty well broken his contacts with the organisation before his death.

If you're a member of Mensa, anywhere in the world, please read this book.

It will teach you some M-history. And everyone who wishes to take an active part in Mensa should know some M-history.

The best thing about this book is the number of puzzles is large enough to last a long time. It's good value for money. Good timepass (tp) when one has spare time.