General Thinking Tools: 9 Mental Models to Solve Difficult Problems
While there are millions of mental models, I find these the most useful in solving difficult problems. These general thinking tools should be taught in every school.
«Thought experiments can be defined as “devices of the imagination used to investigate the nature of things.”[1]»
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Reciprocity teaches us why win-win relationships are the way to go, why waiters leave candies with the bill, why it’s a good idea to use the least force possible to secure an outcome, and why a lot of…
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
Don't set goals. Passion is bullshit. Mediocre skills are valuable. These are just a few of the unexpected truths you'll discover in Scott Adams' new book. Here are 10 more takeaways.
«You can’t be generous to others if you’re not in a good place. Adams argues that once your needs are met, you can focus on the needs of others.»
Math Makes Life Beautiful.
Math has long been the language of science, engineering, and finance, but can math help you feel calm on a turbulent flight? Get a date? Make better decisions? Here are some heroic ways math shows up…
«Being curious about the world helps us find solutions to problems by bringing new knowledge to bear on old challenges. Math and physics are actually powerful tools for investigating the possibilities of what is out there.»
The Art of Being Alone
Loneliness has more to do with our perceptions than how much company we have. It’s just as possible to be painfully lonely surrounded by people as it is to be content with little social contact. Some…
«“Loneliness, longing, does not mean one has failed but simply that one is alive.” — Olivia Laing»
Focus to Win
Since focus requires saying no, it also means really smart people and good competitors are saying no to really good ideas.
«This sounds really simplistic, but it still shocks me how few people actually practice this, and it’s a struggle to practice, but is this issue of focus.»
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Tit For Tat
Tit for tat is a strategy which, according to game theory, is the most effective choice for iterated games based on mutual cooperation or defection.
«Under tit for tat, a player will begin by cooperating, then in subsequent iterations will replicate whatever their opponent did last time.»
Mental Models - Issue #51
An ancient Greek poet wrote:The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.Isiah Berlin expanded upon this idea in a famous essay. He divided writers and thinkers into two…
Present bias: how instant gratification impacts your long-term goals
The present bias is our tendency to seize short-term opportunities, settling for a small present reward rather than waiting for a larger future reward.
«staying mindful of your long-term goals so you don’t fall prey to the dangers of instant gratification»
Mental Models I Find Repeatedly Useful
Update: Since this post came out, I co-authored a book about it called Super Thinking. Get notified about book updates here (currently…
«you can learn through coursework, mentorship, or first-hand experience.»
Adding is favoured over subtracting in problem solving
People tend to solve problems by adding features.
«Moreover, people could assume that existing features are there for a reason, and so looking for additions would be more effective.»
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