In 'How We Decide,' Jonah Lehrer explores the intricate science behind our decision-making processes, blending psychology, neuroscience, and real-life examples. He reveals the surprising interplay between emotion and reason, challenging the traditional belief that logical thinking is paramount. Through engaging anecdotes, Lehrer uncovers how our subconscious influences choices in ways we often overlook. The book invites readers to reconsider the dynamics of their own decisions and the factors that shape them. Ultimately, it poses a tantalizing question: are we truly in control of our choices?
By Jonah Lehrer
Published: 2009
"The best decisions aren’t made by the prefrontal cortex. They aren’t made with careful deliberation and logical calculations. They are made unexpectedly, often in the blink of an eye, when we follow our intuition."
The first book to use the unexpected discoveries of neuroscience to help us make the best decisions Since Plato, philosophers have described the decision-making process as either rational or emotional: we carefully deliberate, or we "blink" and go with our gut. But as scientists break open the mind's black box with the latest tools of neuroscience, they're discovering that this is not how the mind works. Our best decisions are a finely tuned blend of both feeling and reason--and the precise mix depends on the situation. When buying a house, for example, it's best to let our unconscious mull over the many variables. But when we're picking a stock, intuition often leads us astray. The trick is to determine when to use the different parts of the brain, and to do this, we need to think harder (and smarter) about how we think. Jonah Lehrer arms us with the tools we need, drawing on cutting-edge research as well as the real-world experiences of a wide range of "deciders"--from airplane pilots and hedge fund investors to serial killers and poker players. Lehrer shows how people are taking advantage of the new science to make better television shows, win more football games, and improve military intelligence. His goal is to answer two questions that are of interest to just about anyone, from CEOs to firefighters: How does the human mind make decisions? And how can we make those decisions better?
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“The best decisions aren’t made by the prefrontal cortex. They aren’t made with careful deliberation and logical calculations. They are made unexpectedly, often in the blink of an eye, when we follow our intuition.”
How We Decide
By Jonah Lehrer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jonah Lehrer is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful explorations of science, creativity, and the human mind. He gained significant attention with his best-selling books, including 'Proust Was a Neuroscientist', which blends literature with neuroscience, and 'How We Decide', where he examines the intricacies of decision-making. Lehrer is recognized for his clear and engaging writing style that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, his work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and Wired, further establishing him as a prominent voice in the intersection of science and culture.
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