Introducing Think Again: Contrarian Reflections on Life, Culture, Politics, Religion, Law, and Education, a compelling collection of essays by the renowned Stanley Fish. This book brings together a selection of his most influential New York Times columns, written between 1995 and 2013. Fish, a prominent figure in American intellectual discourse, has assembled nearly one hundred of his best pieces, each carefully organized thematically. This arrangement not only highlights his diverse range of topics but also provides readers with a cohesive understanding of his thought process.

The new introduction included in this edition serves a dual purpose. It clarifies Fish’s intentions behind writing these columns and offers an insightful analysis of the reactions they have provoked over the years. Readers often find themselves engaged in passionate discussions about his viewpoints, particularly because Fish deliberately avoids taking a definitive stance on many controversial issues. Instead, he invites readers to grapple with the complexities of topics such as atheism, affirmative action, plagiarism, and postmodernism.

Fish’s approach is distinctly contrarian. He believes that while opinions are ubiquitous and easily accessible, true understanding requires deeper analysis. In his essays, he dissects the arguments presented by various sides in contentious debates surrounding free speech, identity politics, and the gun lobby, among others. Rather than merely providing his own opinions, Fish equips readers with the tools necessary to think critically and analyze arguments effectively. The objective is to teach not what to think, but how to think more clearly.

This collection is both brief and accessible, yet it challenges readers to engage with its content on an intellectual level. Fish’s signature hard-edged analysis shines through, providing the cultural and political commentary that has become synonymous with his name. Additionally, the book features autobiographical essays that reveal personal insights into Fish’s life. In these pieces, readers gain a glimpse into his anxieties, aspirations, and even his eccentricities. He candidly discusses his influences, including cultural icons like Frank Sinatra and Ted Williams, as well as his passion for basketball and his Jewish heritage.

As one of today’s leading critics, Stanley Fish presents his broadest and most engaging work in Think Again. This book is not just a collection of essays; it is an invitation to reflect on our beliefs and the arguments that shape our understanding of the world. Whether you are a seasoned thinker or a curious reader, this collection promises to provoke thought and inspire deeper inquiry into the pressing issues of our time.