The hottest Mental models Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

How to feel bad and be wrong

Experimental History • 40381 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Biases Decision-making Mental models Human behavior Self-reflection
  1. Our brains often take shortcuts when facing tough questions, making it easier to answer simple ones instead. This can lead us to overlook important issues in our lives.
  2. Many people measure their worth and productivity based on how hard they feel they are working, instead of setting clear goals. This can cause unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy.
  3. When assessing things like the state of the economy or the quality of a school, we tend to rely on popular opinion rather than personal experience. This leads to judgments that may not reflect reality.

The Map is not the Territory

do clouds feel vertigo? • 59 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🚌 Education Mental models Cognitive Science Learning Strategies Critical Thinking Decision-making
  1. Understanding the difference between perception and reality is important. Different people have various ways to see the world, and it helps to have multiple perspectives.
  2. Mental models are valuable thinking tools that can help us make sense of complex situations. Organizing these models by subject can guide our decision-making.
  3. Learning about complex adaptive systems can provide a solid foundation for understanding how different parts of a system interact. It's a good starting point for anyone new to the topic.

The Two Creatures Inside Us

The Ruffian • 184 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📖 Philosophy Mental models Choices Balance Frameworks
  1. Life is full of trade-offs between exploring new opportunities and exploiting current knowledge.
  2. The 'explore/exploit' trade-off is a common dilemma faced by individuals, organizations, and organisms.
  3. Understanding and balancing the 'explore/exploit' trade-off can help in personal, work, and social situations.

Great Investors See Things Differently (Are Mental Models Actually Pointless?)

Neckar’s Notes • 153 implied HN points • 19 May 23
💰 Finance Investing Mental models Knowledge Curiosity Experience
  1. Great investors have a unique perspective that allows them to know more and perceive better than others.
  2. Accumulating knowledge and remaining open-minded are key traits for successful investing.
  3. Successful investors are curious, open-minded, and willing to update their beliefs based on new information.
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On Education

Smarter Thinking • 39 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🚌 Education Mental models Knowledge Skills
  1. Getting a degree is important, but education is an ongoing process beyond school.
  2. Building accurate mental models through education is crucial for better reasoning.
  3. Education not only imparts knowledge but also equips you with skills to apply what you've learned.

A Kingdom of Wisdom

CTOrly • 39 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Logic People Mental models
  1. Leadership requires philosophy, not just logic, to navigate people's irrationality.
  2. Being reasonable often trumps being purely rational in dealing with people.
  3. Mental models are better tools than logical formulas for understanding and interacting with people.

#9: Tradeoffs

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 01 Jan 20
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Decision Theory Critical Thinking Mental models
  1. Life is full of tradeoffs. When you want something, like a stable job or a big house, you may have to give up other freedoms, like moving easily or having more free time.
  2. It’s important to clearly define what tradeoffs you are okay with. This helps you make better decisions, whether it’s about what to eat or where to live.
  3. Instead of just asking what you want, think about what you are willing to sacrifice. This question helps you understand your priorities and can lead to clearer choices.

Novitate

Vic's Verdict • 4 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief systems Programming Mental models
  1. Conformity in the contemporary paradigm is rooted in fear, but we can renew our minds by understanding and using Girard's mimetic theory to shift beliefs from fear to faith.
  2. Our beliefs are shaped by causal mechanisms such as mimetic desire and programming, as well as acausal mechanisms that introduce new ideas seemingly out of nowhere.
  3. To combat fear and find faith, we must actively question our beliefs, select positive mimetic models, filter mental models, and work on deprogramming negative conditioning through reflection and manipulation of our unconscious beliefs.

On the Importance of Mental Models in Investing

Equal Ventures • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
💰 Finance Investing Mental models Venture Assets Decision-making
  1. Venture investing can be unstructured with limited data, requiring investors to develop independent conviction in opportunities.
  2. Successful investors use mental models to structure thoughts and make better decisions, developing a unique approach based on a latticework of models.
  3. Leveraging mental models inspired by seasoned investors can significantly impact professional growth and decision-making, creating structure in the chaotic venture environment.

Book Review: "The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts" Vol. I - by Farnam Street 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🚌 Education Mental models Decision-making Problem Solving
  1. The book presents 9 mental models with many examples and illustrations.
  2. It's the first volume in a series focusing on general thinking concepts, serving as a great introduction to the world of mental models.
  3. Implementing these concepts can enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills, benefiting personal growth and understanding.

Book Review: "The Great Mental Models: Physics, Chemistry and Biology" Vol. 2 - by Farnam Street 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🔬 Science Physics Chemistry Biology Mental models
  1. The second volume of 'The Great Mental Models' explores physics, chemistry, and biology, offering practical and timeless concepts that can improve our thinking.
  2. The second book maintains the high quality aesthetic of the first volume but feels more practical and grounded in the laws of nature.
  3. Exploring concepts from various scientific branches, such as those presented in the book, supports multidisciplinary thinking, helping us solve problems better and avoid repeating mistakes.

Be aware: Linear Thinking

Marcio Klepacz • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognitive Biases Human behavior Critical Thinking Mental models
  1. Linear thinking is when people keep using the same solution, hoping for better results, but that often doesn't work. It can even lead to worse outcomes when pushed too far.
  2. Just because you put in more effort doesn't guarantee you will get more results. Sometimes, it's about working smarter, not harder.
  3. Be mindful of the limits of things that seem positive, as pushing them too far can lead to unexpected negative results. Always consider possible consequences before acting.

✋If you want to avoid costly mistakes

The Wisdom Project • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Mental models Decision-making Personal Growth Wisdom Self-Improvement
  1. To make better choices in life, focus on avoiding mistakes instead of just trying to achieve goals. This means thinking about what to stay away from.
  2. Instead of asking how to be fitter, richer, or happier, ask what habits or choices can lead you to be unfit, poor, or sad.
  3. Use the idea of 'inversion' to guide your decisions. If you know what leads to negative outcomes, you can avoid those paths to improve your life.

⏪︎ 2024 Recap

The Wisdom Project • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning Techniques Self-Improvement Mental models Personal Growth Decision-making
  1. First principles thinking helps you break down complex problems into basic elements. It makes finding solutions easier.
  2. Slow productivity encourages focusing on important tasks without rushing. This approach helps you work more effectively and avoid burnout.
  3. Using a decision matrix can help you make better choices. It organizes your options and clarifies which path to take.