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Get Smarter by Thinking Dumber

Your weekly guide to unconventional thinking, unique insights, and ridiculous ideas that show how 'dumb' thinking can lead to better solutions.

"Dumbify is my secret weapon. It flips my thinking upside down and reminds me that the ‘weirdest’ ideas often spark the best work.”

Jordan, Creative Director

"It’s so easy to get stuck in the same tired playbooks. Dumbify helps to rewire how I think about solving problems."

Natasha, Startup Founder

"It’s like having someone shake up your brain, but in the best way possible. Dumbify isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a mindset shift."

Jamie, CMO

most recent

The Age of Appstinence

The Age of Appstinence

When deleting your apps turns into your biggest life-upgrade flex.

David Carson
David Carson
Why Boredom Is Brain Fuel

Why Boredom Is Brain Fuel

The genius of being bored out of your mind.

David Carson
David Carson
Steal Like a Genius

Steal Like a Genius

Showing you how to grab what works, twist it sideways, and walk off looking original.

David Carson
David Carson
Kittens, Burritos & Billion‐Dollar Buffoonery

Kittens, Burritos & Billion‐Dollar Buffoonery

Meet Elan Lee, the game‐design renegade who weaponises dumb ideas for maximum joy—and sells a game every 4‐to‐6 seconds while he’s at it.

David Carson
David Carson
Weird Science

Weird Science

How to train your brain to see breakthroughs hiding in plain sight.

David Carson
David Carson
Why the smartest people sound dumb

Why the smartest people sound dumb

And the average sound exhausting.

David Carson
David Carson
Shower Epiphanies

Shower Epiphanies

Why our best ideas show up in the shower—and how to stop scrubbing them away before they see daylight.

David Carson
David Carson
Dejunk Your Head

Dejunk Your Head

A Spring Cleaning for Your Brain, Without the Lemon Scent

David Carson
David Carson
Thoughts Have Left the Building

Thoughts Have Left the Building

Mental flexibility for people who hate stretching

David Carson
David Carson
Mindfulness, but for weird ideas

Mindfulness, but for weird ideas

Or, How I Learned to Stop Freaking Out and Listen to My Brain Without Screaming

David Carson
David Carson
Giving Yourself Permission to Be Ridiculous

Giving Yourself Permission to Be Ridiculous

The creative hack you need.

David Carson
David Carson
What if Your Mind Went Rogue?

What if Your Mind Went Rogue?

How a little "strategic randomness" can fuel your creativity.

David Carson
David Carson
Tired of ‘playing it smart’?

Tired of ‘playing it smart’?

Think Like a Fool, Solve Like a Genius

David Carson
David Carson
Un-complicate Your Life

Un-complicate Your Life

A 'dumb' mental model for cutting through complexity.

David Carson
David Carson
Loosen the Leash

Loosen the Leash

Maybe it's time to ditch the constraints.

David Carson
David Carson
The smartest idiots in the room

The smartest idiots in the room

MSCHF's unique brand of dumb

David Carson
David Carson
Why the Best Ideas Start as Bad Jokes

Why the Best Ideas Start as Bad Jokes

Laughing Your Way to Innovation

David Carson
David Carson
The Guy Who Took Dumb Thinking to the Bank

The Guy Who Took Dumb Thinking to the Bank

Sheel Mohnot doesn’t just embrace the absurd—he thrives on it.

David Carson
David Carson
In a World Obsessed With Smart

In a World Obsessed With Smart

Dumbify isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a survival skill.

David Carson
David Carson
The Magic Middle

The Magic Middle

How to use ‘middle-thinking’ to spark bold, bizarre ideas that stand out.

David Carson
David Carson
The Ugly Truth About Dumb Thinking

The Ugly Truth About Dumb Thinking

Stop Fixing, Start Embracing: How ‘Problems’ Become Brilliant Ideas

David Carson
David Carson
Reframing the Ridiculous

Reframing the Ridiculous

How to unlock magic from the mundane.

David Carson
David Carson
Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing

Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing

The Post-Holiday "Unplanning" Guide

David Carson
David Carson
The Toddler Strategy

The Toddler Strategy

How Asking "Why?" Can Change Everything

David Carson
David Carson
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David Carson

Helping People Use Dumb-Thinking as a Superpower

Carson is a counter-intuitive thinker and creative problem-solver with a knack for uncovering genius where others see nonsense. Known for transforming unconventional ideas into groundbreaking solutions, he has helped global brands like American Express, Nike, Coca-Cola, and IKEA build human connections, captivate audiences, and redefine what’s possible.

As the author of Dumbify and creator of its popular newsletter, Carson inspires individuals and organizations to embrace “dumb” ideas—those that seem foolish at first but often hold the smartest answers. His work blends creativity and strategy, fostering environments where curiosity, fresh perspectives, and bold experimentation thrive.

Get smarter by thinking dumber