The Thinking Bat Newsletter

The Thinking Bat Newsletter focuses on enhancing decision-making, critical thinking, and personal growth through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and various mental models. It explores strategic thinking, the role of emotions and biases in decision-making, the impact of technology on modern life, and strategies for personal development and well-being.

Philosophy Psychology Critical Thinking Personal Growth Decision-Making Strategic Thinking Mental Health Technology and Society Cognitive Biases Emotional Intelligence

The hottest Substack posts of The Thinking Bat Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Passionless Age of The Internet

196 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. The internet has created an age of doubt and uncertainty.
  2. Academically intelligent people can struggle due to overthinking.
  3. Being more assertive and confident is important in arguments and pursuing goals.

The Pygmalion Effect

196 implied HN points • 16 Jun 22
  1. The story of Pygmalion teaches how your expectations of others can influence their actions and personality.
  2. The Pygmalion Effect shows that teachers' expectations of students can impact their performance and learning.
  3. Applying the Pygmalion Effect in management and parenting involves setting high expectations, communicating positively, and creating self-fulfilling prophecies.

Death of God and The Denial of Antifragility

216 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
  1. Modern science led to disbelief in God as explanations for natural phenomena became more logical.
  2. Humans gained more control over the world with scientific progress, making man the new God.
  3. Intervening too much can disrupt natural systems, sometimes it's better to let things recover on their own.
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Story of Stoicism and the Birth of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

157 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
  1. Embracing pain and challenges can lead to strength and growth.
  2. Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium, laid the foundation for cognitive behavioral therapy.
  3. Cognitive distortions identified by cognitive behavioral therapy have roots in Stoic philosophy.

Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci

176 implied HN points • 14 Sep 21
  1. Leonardo Da Vinci was a true genius, a Renaissance-era polymath.
  2. Be a T-shaped genius - be an expert in at least one thing while having knowledge in multiple areas.
  3. Embrace scientific thinking by observing, questioning, and exploring various subjects.

GAME THEORY: The Ultimate Tool for Strategic Decision-Making

275 implied HN points • 01 Dec 20
  1. Game theory is the study of strategic interactions among rational decision-makers.
  2. In Game Theory, a Nash Equilibrium occurs when no player has an incentive to change their strategy.
  3. Cooperative and non-cooperative games demonstrate the importance of understanding other players' payoffs and forming alliances.

CREATE YOUR OWN MENTAL MODELS

196 implied HN points • 15 Jun 21
  1. You can create your own mental models.
  2. Mental models are shortcuts that make your thinking efficient.
  3. To create a mental model: Assume, Act, Analyze.

Analogical Cognition: Thinking Outside Experience

216 implied HN points • 16 Feb 21
  1. Analogical thinking applies insights from different industries to improve business strategies.
  2. Analogical thinking makes new ideas familiar or puts the familiar in a new light.
  3. To think in analogies, nurture curiosity by exploring unrelated domains.

Think Like Jeff Bezos

98 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
  1. Jeff Bezos built a trillion-dollar empire with intellect and boldness.
  2. Self-reliance was instilled in Bezos during his childhood, making him resourceful.
  3. Bezos believed in minimizing regrets and making choices based on long-term stable factors.

Hedonic Treadmill of Happiness

196 implied HN points • 02 Mar 21
  1. Our happiness tends to return to a baseline level after highs and lows - known as the Hedonic Treadmill.
  2. Disability initially reduces life satisfaction, but people tend to adapt over time.
  3. The pursuit of happiness can be shallow; true fulfillment comes from meaningful activities beyond just seeking pleasure.

Deal With Your Inner Conflicts

137 implied HN points • 17 Aug 21
  1. Deal with your inner conflicts to maintain harmony in your mind.
  2. Cognitive dissonance can arise from inconsistencies between beliefs and actions.
  3. Resolve cognitive dissonance by changing beliefs, actions, adding new beliefs, or trivializing the inconsistency.

Mental Model: The Supplementary Layer of Friction

98 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
  1. Objects in an ideal world can move at uniform speed without force, but in reality, friction requires constant force for motion.
  2. In life, including forming new habits, persistence is key despite the friction of reality.
  3. Countries progress faster when they have diverse professions and balanced distribution of citizens, avoiding 'traffic jams' in development.

Are You a Critical Thinker?

176 implied HN points • 16 Mar 21
  1. On social media, people often portray a specific version of themselves.
  2. Being a critical thinker means analyzing ideas thoroughly and questioning assumptions.
  3. As humans, we are influenced by cognitive biases, but critical thinking involves identifying and overcoming them.

Mental Model: Rock Logic vs. Water Logic

117 implied HN points • 05 Oct 21
  1. Rocks symbolize permanence; they reflect stability in thoughts, values, and culture.
  2. Water represents adaptability and exploration; it flows, explores new territories, and adapts to its surroundings.
  3. Choosing between rock logic and water logic depends on the situation; different problems require different approaches.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating High-Impact Systems

78 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
  1. Most people quit their goals due to blockers like activation energy, dysfunctional processes, and undefined milestones.
  2. To create a successful process, focus on replicability and scalability.
  3. Staying persistent means setting realistic milestones, embracing self-authorship, and avoiding boredom.

Thinking on Paper

176 implied HN points • 29 Dec 20
  1. The invention of paper revolutionized human history by being affordable and light.
  2. Writing on paper enhances memory, creativity, and emotional stability more than typing.
  3. Handwriting helps in retaining information better by engaging visual and spatial memory.

utility of the unreal

98 implied HN points • 09 Nov 21
  1. Language and other societal constructs are unreal but serve a purpose.
  2. Human rights, legal systems, and constitutions are human-made but essential for order.
  3. Focus on utility over real vs. unreal, rational vs. irrational in social contexts.

36 Life Advice From Sam Altman

98 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
  1. Prioritize close relationships with family and friends.
  2. Choose work that makes you happy and work hard at it.
  3. Money can buy freedom and reduce stress; prioritize financial discipline.

Four Horsemen of Science

157 implied HN points • 09 Feb 21
  1. Science is young and has limitations
  2. Politics and science are intertwined
  3. Be skeptical of science used as a marketing tool

Logistical Thinking

98 implied HN points • 13 Oct 21
  1. Logistical thinking involves following a network of thoughts to create strong arguments.
  2. When using logistical thinking, consider ideas as branches in a system, not just a linear chain.
  3. Logistical thinking helps you explain, understand, and test your opinions by creating a network of reasons within a framework of truth.

5 Mental Models of Military and War

117 implied HN points • 06 Jul 21
  1. Militaries know how to make critical decisions in high-stakes situations.
  2. Using multiple tactics simultaneously can lead to more efficient problem-solving.
  3. Adaptability is crucial - what worked in the past may not work in the future.

Tame the Beast

137 implied HN points • 06 Apr 21
  1. Anger triggers your Amygdala, overpowering your prefrontal cortex and leading to rash decisions.
  2. Suppressing anger is unhealthy and can lead to long-term grudges and health risks.
  3. Analyze your anger to understand its triggers and boundaries, and communicate effectively to prevent destructive outcomes.

8 Gospels of Contrarian Ideas

78 implied HN points • 05 Jan 22
  1. Having a spirit of skepticism for mainstream ideas can lead to new insights and personal growth.
  2. Challenge the notion of being better than average and embrace humility to continue learning and improving.
  3. Question the validity of mainstream psychological studies and be open to exploring different perspectives.

5 Lessons for Superhuman Thinking

117 implied HN points • 22 Jun 21
  1. Be careful when forming new beliefs, as it's easier to believe than to un-believe.
  2. Test your beliefs by being open to opposing evidence and listening to different perspectives.
  3. Be aware of your cognitive biases, as they can lead to making irrational decisions.

Mental Model: Occam's Razor

137 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
  1. Occam's Razor states that the simplest explanation is usually the right one.
  2. Simple answers involve fewer assumptions and entities.
  3. Choosing explanations with fewer assumptions can lead to wiser decisions.

System Thinking: a holistic approach to problem solving

117 implied HN points • 01 Jun 21
  1. System thinking emphasizes the inter-dependence and inter-connectivity of a system's parts.
  2. External variables influence a problem, and system thinking helps identify and address these factors.
  3. System thinking allows for a holistic approach to problem-solving by considering the larger interconnected system.

The Top Idea in Your Mind — Paul Graham

98 implied HN points • 31 Aug 21
  1. Ideas that come to your mind involuntarily can be crucial for problem-solving.
  2. Be mindful of what dominates your thoughts, as it can impact your productivity.
  3. Avoid letting disputes and thoughts about money take over your mind.

The Death of Passion

117 implied HN points • 11 May 21
  1. If you're not having fun, don't do it - avoid sunk-cost bias.
  2. It's normal to need a push to start, so don't doubt your passion.
  3. If something bores you for a long time, it's okay to let go - don't force it.

How to Think Like a Scientist

117 implied HN points • 04 May 21
  1. Scientists formulate hypotheses and collect data to derive objective conclusions.
  2. Pseudo-science arises when researchers manipulate data to fit preconceived conclusions.
  3. Scientific theories should be falsifiable and open to being disproved.

Pratfall Effect: How your imperfections make you more likeable

78 implied HN points • 23 Nov 21
  1. Imperfections can make you more relatable and likeable.
  2. Being flawless might make you intimidating in relationships and as a content creator.
  3. For business leadership, occasional sharing of imperfections can enhance employee connection and retention.

9 Cognitive Biases That Make You Think Irrationally

117 implied HN points • 20 Apr 21
  1. Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts for quick decisions in uncertainty.
  2. Cognitive biases can be harmful by causing focus on certain information, overlooking the rest.
  3. Developing self-awareness and questioning authority figures help in avoiding cognitive biases.

Thinking Bat's Reading List

157 implied HN points • 13 Oct 20
  1. Reading diverse books and blogs can broaden your perspective and challenge your beliefs.
  2. Negotiation is about collaboration and empathy, not manipulation.
  3. Many great literature classics are still impactful and enjoyable to read.

Jungian Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

117 implied HN points • 13 Apr 21
  1. Carl Jung's work influences various fields beyond psychiatry.
  2. Human psyche is divided into conscious and unconscious parts.
  3. Integration of archetypes and conscious psyche is crucial for psychological well-being.

Restorative Breaks: Pauses That Recharge Your Mental Energy

117 implied HN points • 23 Feb 21
  1. Distractions are primarily a mind game, not just influenced by the environment.
  2. Human brains are wired to constantly shift between attention and distraction.
  3. Taking breaks throughout the day helps maintain performance and energy levels.

Batman: The Real Thinking Bat

157 implied HN points • 11 Aug 20
  1. Batman is the least powerful but most important Justice League member due to his intelligence and tactical thinking.
  2. Batman's role in Justice League is as the mastermind behind all mission plans, known as the world's greatest detective in many comics.
  3. Despite lacking physical superpowers, Batman's intelligence and strategic planning make him a formidable superhero and superior to many others in the Justice League.

Connection Circles

78 implied HN points • 24 Aug 21
  1. Analyzing events as a part of a smaller system can help identify causes, recurrence likelihood, and role in other events.
  2. Connection circles are a useful tool to visualize relationships in a system and understand cause-and-effect.
  3. Creating a connection circle involves drawing a circle, identifying key elements, finding relationships, and analyzing cause and effect.

Here's to 365 Days of Our Curiosity Caravan! 🎉

78 implied HN points • 12 Aug 21
  1. The newsletter has been a valuable learning resource for the past year.
  2. Curiosity and exploration have been key themes in the newsletter's content.
  3. Sharing a compilation of internet resources for further exploration.