How We Decide
The surprising science that reveals why thinking less—and feeling more—can actually help you make smarter, braver choices in life
About This Book
Discover how to hone your decision-making by understanding the invisible battles inside your brain. Learn why quick gut reactions sometimes outpace careful analysis and how trusting your instincts, when properly trained, can lead to astonishing breakthroughs. Challenge the myth that emotion is the enemy of reason: instead, explore how your feelings are actually packed with the wisdom of experience. From NFL quarterbacks on the field to teachers, students, and even financial counselors, you’ll see real-world stories that debunk conventional thinking and empower you to make smarter, more confident choices under any circumstance.About the Author
Jonah Lehrer is a celebrated science writer and thinker whose work explores the bridge between neuroscience and daily life. Known for bringing clarity and warmth to complex topics, Lehrer has written for leading publications and delivered talks around the globe. With a background in neuroscience and literature, he distills the latest discoveries into practical stories that empower readers to make better decisions. His style is approachable, engaging, and grounded in real-life examples drawn from sports, business, art, and everyday experiences.
Biggest Takeaway
By embracing the new science of decision-making, you’ll learn how to use both emotion and reason to your advantage. Expect to discover practical tools for improving under pressure, escaping the fear of mistakes, and building habits that turn setbacks into growth. You’ll gain fresh insight into your own biases, recognize hidden patterns in your choices, and develop resilience against common decision-making traps. Whether navigating big life changes or daily dilemmas, you’ll turn uncertainty into a source of wisdom, growing more self-aware, adaptable, and effective in your actions.
Key Insights from This Book
Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.
Why Relying Only on Logic Can Backfire—How Feelings Guide Faster, Smarter Choices
The Wise Power of Mistakes—Why Learning to Fail Creates True Expertise
How Dopamine and Surprises Secretly Shape Every Choice You Make
Don’t Fall for Random Streaks—Why Your Brain Sees Patterns Where None Exist
The Danger of Over-Analysis—How Too Much Thinking Can Make Choices Worse
Harness Self-Control Like A Muscle—How the Rational Mind Builds Willpower Over Time
When Rationality Fails—Why Emotion-Free Decisions Can Destroy Morality and Empathy
When to Trust Your Gut—and When to Slow Down: Using the Right Decision System for the Context
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