Cowen argues that we should all strive to have more autistic cognitive traits. That is, separating autism out into its many aspects - to neurodiversity - and highlighting the parts that society encourages and rewards in the modern age.
This is an empathetic work that treats autism with kindness and specificity. We are stepped through how certain cognitive strengths associated with autism help us to communicate better, appreciate music more, and have an impact on the world. The most delightful part of the book is being exposed to a different mental model of the world, and forced to consider strange statements such as ‘I view schools as teaching people to be just a bit more autistic in their cognitive skills’ or the ties and opposition between meditation and autism.
Cowen’s book is quite far-ranging and perhaps ‘how to be more autistic’ is unmarketable, so we have been left with the title ‘The age of the infovore’ which is utterly lacking in description for the contents of this book.