Farsighted

256 pages, 2018

Steven Johnson

Takeaways

Description

The hardest choices are also the most consequential. So why do we know so little about how to get them right?

Big, life-altering decisions matter so much more than the decisions we make every day, and they're also the most difficult: where to live, whom to marry, what to believe, whether to start a company, how to end a war. There's no one-size-fits-all approach for addressing these kinds of conundrums.

Steven Johnson's classic Where Good Ideas Come From inspired creative people all over the world with new ways of thinking about innovation. In Farsighted, he uncovers powerful tools for honing the important skill of complex decision-making. While you can't model a once-in-a-lifetime choice, you can model the deliberative tactics of expert decision-makers.

These experts aren't just the master strategists running major companies or negotiating high-level diplomacy. They're the novelists who draw out the complexity of their characters' inner lives, the city officials who secure long-term water supplies, and the scientists who reckon with future challenges most of us haven't even imagined.

The smartest decision-makers don't go with their guts. Their success relies on having a future-oriented approach and the ability to consider all their options creatively and proactively.

Through compelling stories that reveal surprising insights, Johnson explains how we can most effectively approach the choices that can chart the course of a life, an organization, or a civilization. Farsighted will help you imagine your possible future and appreciate the subtle intelligence of the choices that shaped our broader social history.

The Importance of Long-Term Decision Making

In Farsighted, Steven Johnson emphasizes the importance of making long-term decisions. He suggests that we often focus on immediate results, but it's the decisions that impact our future that truly matter. So, next time you're faced with a decision, think about how it will affect you in the long run.

The Power of Diverse Perspectives

Johnson's book encourages us to seek out diverse perspectives when making decisions. He argues that by doing so, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and make better choices. So, don't be afraid to ask for others' opinions, they might just offer a viewpoint you hadn't considered.

The Role of Emotions in Decision Making

Farsighted explores the role of emotions in our decision-making process. Johnson suggests that while we often see emotions as a hindrance to rational thinking, they can actually provide valuable insights. So, don't dismiss your feelings, instead, try to understand what they're telling you.

The Use of Predictive Models

Steven Johnson's book introduces us to the concept of predictive models. He explains how these models can help us anticipate the potential outcomes of our decisions and choose the best course of action. So, if you're unsure about a decision, try creating a predictive model to see the possible results.

The Value of Storytelling in Decision Making

In Farsighted, he highlights the value of storytelling in decision making. Johnson believes that by creating narratives around our choices, we can better understand the potential consequences and make more informed decisions. So, next time you're faced with a tough choice, try telling a story about each possible outcome.

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Farsighted is a fascinating read that delves into how we make decisions that require us to think long-term, and how we can improve those processes.

Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Farsighted is a riveting exploration of how we make up our minds, short-term and long-term. You'll see the process, and your own decisions, in a whole new light.