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The art of thinking clearly by Rolf Dobelli: The secrets of perfect decision-making
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The art of thinking clearly by Rolf Dobelli: The secrets of perfect decision-making

Big Ideas from the book The art of thinking clearly by Rolf Dobelli

This book will change the way you think about decision-making.

If you want to lead a happier, more prosperous life, you don't need shiny gadgets, complicated ideas or frantic activity.
You just need to make better choices.

From why you should not accept a free drink to why you should keep a diary, from dealing with a personal problem to negotiating at work, The Art of Thinking Clearly is a simple, straightforward and always surprising guide to a better, smarter you.

Making better choices will transform your life at work, at home, forever.

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Here are some key lessons from The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli:

  • Avoid Cognitive Biases: The book explains how various cognitive biases, like confirmation bias and anchoring, affect our decision-making. Being aware of these biases allows for clearer thinking and better decisions.

  • Don’t Rely on Intuition Alone: While intuition can be useful, it often leads to poor decisions. Dobelli suggests using logical reasoning and evidence-based thinking instead of simply going with your gut.

  • Be Skeptical of Experts: Experts often fall prey to biases too. The book encourages questioning expert opinions and making independent decisions based on available data and facts.

  • Think in Probabilities: Rather than viewing situations in terms of absolutes, consider probabilities. Thinking probabilistically helps you make more rational decisions, especially when outcomes are uncertain.

  • Learn from Mistakes: Failure is a natural part of decision-making. The book emphasizes learning from past mistakes and not letting them prevent future growth or lead to regret.

  • Avoid the Sunk Cost Fallacy: The sunk cost fallacy occurs when you continue an endeavor because of the time, money, or effort already invested. Instead, focus on future benefits and costs, not past investments.

  • Separate Emotion from Decision-Making: Emotional reactions often cloud judgment. Dobelli advises separating emotional responses from logical thinking to make better, more objective decisions.

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