Inversion is a powerful concept that changes our perspective. From a different vantage point, we see things in a new light. Obstacles are removed from our path. It often doesn’t suffice to only think about complex problems in one way; instead, they require us to think about them both forwards and backwards. Carl Gustav Jacob […]
Inversion: The Value of Changing Perspective Read More »
While a large circle of competence might indicate intelligence, knowing exactly where the boundary of the circle is exemplifies wisdom. As such, knowing the locations of the boundary of the circle trumps the size of the circle. That doesn’t mean we cannot grow our circle. But we should stay within our circle of competence to improve our chances of making good decisions.
Circle of Competence: Stick to What You Know Read More »
Do things or events make up our lives? Carlo Rovelli distinguishes the difference between the two in one of his books. The implications of each can have a profound impact on the quality of our lives and the relationships within them.
Reality: Things or Events? Read More »
Hanlon’s Razor reminds us that we do not know what the intent of others is; we assume it. When we assume others are acting with malice, the dynamic between us is defensive and strained. We struggle to trust. This is the opposite of Hanlon’s Razor. If we practice Hanlon’s Razor, it can help us see the world in a better light and can improve our relationships.
Hanlon’s Razor: Don’t Assume the Worst Read More »
We can often see much of the world as mutually exclusive: either something is one way or it isn’t. But we do this despite knowing full well that the world is not black and white. There are infinite shades of gray called nuance. While it may be easier to see the world in binary terms, it can be detrimental. Thinking spectrally and probabilistically can help combat the effects of binary thinking, but just how wide reaching can illusions of mutually exclusivity be?
Misperceptions of Mutual Exclusivity Read More »
Biases affect how we interpret and process information. Everyone has them; we cannot fully eliminate biases in our lives. But we can mitigate their impacts on our lives.
Biases: An Overview of Mental Malfunctions Read More »
Learning how to think is one of the most important skills one can develop in this life. Mental models are tools that help you think better.
Mental Models: An Overview of Thinking Tools Read More »