3 Things That Will Help You Think More Clearly
Good Morning team,
This week I want to offer you some reflections on the book we read in my Underliners book club in January. It was a good start to the year. The book was "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli
In this short article, I will cover what the book was about and also some of the main things I learnt from the book.
I’ve spent a lot of time studying the concept of thinking clearly. My undergraduate degree, master’s degree and the start of my PhD encompassed formal logic and clear thinking. After reading numerous research articles, studies, books, and varying opinions I noticed It’s actually pretty simple. Clear thinking is about avoiding biases and working hard to keep thought processes simple and straightforward.
Most of us are born with the ability to process thought. It’s called a brain. However, after reviewing current news releases and social media posts, it makes me wonder if society is losing its ability to think things through.
A synopsis of the book
"The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli is a book that provides readers with a concise overview of common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that can distort our thinking and decision-making processes. The book is divided into 99 short chapters, each of which covers a different bias or fallacy. It felt at times like a glossary of logical fallacies. The exploration was at times shallow but it was still good for flicking through.
The book starts with an introduction that explains why understanding cognitive biases and fallacies is important for making better decisions. Dobelli argues that our brains are wired to take shortcuts and make quick judgments, which can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making. He explains that by learning to recognize these biases and fallacies, we can improve our ability to think critically and make better decisions.
Each chapter of the book covers a specific cognitive bias or fallacy and provides examples of how it can manifest in our thinking and decision-making. Some of the biases and fallacies covered include confirmation bias, sunk cost fallacy, availability heuristics, and the halo effect. The book also provides practical advice for how to overcome these biases and think more clearly.
Throughout the book, Dobelli emphasizes the importance of being aware of our own cognitive biases and being willing to question our assumptions and beliefs. He also stresses the value of taking a more rational and analytical approach to decision-making, rather than relying on intuition or emotion.
What were my top three takeaways?
Recognize your cognitive biases
One of the most important lessons from the book is the need to recognize our cognitive biases. These biases are mental shortcuts that our brains use to make quick judgments and decisions, but they can also lead to errors and distortions in our thinking. By becoming aware of our biases, we can start to take steps to overcome them and make more informed decisions.
Some of the most common cognitive biases discussed in the book include the confirmation bias (the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs), the sunk cost fallacy (the tendency to continue investing in something that is not working), and the availability heuristic (the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events that are more easily remembered).
Question your assumptions
Another key takeaway from the book is the importance of questioning our assumptions and beliefs. Many of us are prone to taking things at face value or accepting information without critically evaluating it. However, this can lead to flawed decision-making and missed opportunities.
Dobelli suggests that we should adopt a more sceptical mindset and be willing to question our assumptions and beliefs. By doing so, we can avoid being misled by misinformation or incomplete information.
Take a rational approach to decision-making
The final takeaway from the book is the importance of taking a rational and analytical approach to decision-making. Dobelli suggests that we should avoid relying solely on our intuition or emotions and instead take a more systematic approach to decision-making.
This involves breaking down complex decisions into smaller parts, evaluating the pros and cons of each option, and using objective criteria to evaluate the best course of action. By doing so, we can avoid being swayed by our emotions and make more informed and objective decisions.
Overall, "The Art of Thinking Clearly" provides valuable insights into how we can improve our thinking and decision-making skills. By recognizing our cognitive biases, questioning our assumptions, and taking a rational approach to decision-making, we can make better choices and achieve greater success in all aspects of our lives.
Masterclass this weekend
This month, I’m restarting my Self Authoring Masterclass series. On Saturday 25th of February 2023 from 10am - 12pm, we will be hosting an event in person and online.
The first topic we are going to be tackling In person (London) and online is Building Discipline.
In the session, we will get intimate and very personal about discipline and cover areas for growth and development. We are going to dip into the literature about discipline, I will share lots of personal experiences and you will also get the chance to hear from others in this community about how they are navigating this journey. I hope to see mums, students, business people and working professionals attending. If you aren’t in that list, you can of course come too.
Places are limited because we have chosen an intimate venue, so please grab a ticket now or let me know if you want to come before tickets are sold out.
Need Some help?
If, because of any reason, you cannot afford the ticket, we want to help you out. Drop us an email at hello@mikeomoniyi.com and we can explore what support is available to you.
I really hope you will join me on his journey and I look forward to seeing you on the 25th of February 2023
Have an amazing week,
M.T. Omoniyi