“In Search of Mind: Essays in Autobiography” is a thought-provoking book authored by Jerome S. Bruner, published by Harper Collins in 1984. This influential work offers a window into the intellectual journey of Bruner, a distinguished psychologist and one of the key figures in the field of cognitive psychology.

In this collection of autobiographical essays, Bruner reflects upon his extensive career, sharing personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and the evolution of his thought processes. Throughout, he highlights his exploration of the mind and the various influences that have shaped his understanding of cognition and learning.

Bruner emphasizes the importance of cultural and social factors in cognitive development, challenging the then-dominant paradigms which favored a purely biological or environmental explanation. He also explores the role of language in shaping thought, arguing for the transformative power of narrative and storytelling in cognitive and educational processes.

Furthermore, the book gives a unique insight into the development of cognitive psychology and the shift towards cognitive science, reflecting Bruner’s influence on this transition.

In the course of writing his autobiography he is at the same time carefully examining the cognitive process he is engaged in and introducing the reader to earlier research he is reminded of.