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You Are Not So Smart

320 pages, 2012

science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
self-improvement

self-improvement

909 books
psychology

psychology

705 books
Takeaways
Description

Drawing on research from psychology and cognitive science, McRaney explores how we’re all deluded in different ways. Whether you’re deciding which smartphone to purchase or which politician to believe, you think you are a rational being whose every decision is based on cool, detached logic. 

But here’s the truth: You are not so smart. You’re just as deluded as the rest of us—but that’s okay because being deluded is part of being human. Growing David McRaney’s popular blog reveals that every decision we make, every thought we contemplate, and every emotion we feel comes with a story we tell ourselves to explain them. 

But often these stories aren’t true. Each short chapter—covering topics such as Learned Helplessness, Selling Out, and the Illusion of Transparency—is like a psychology course with all the boring parts taken out.

The Illusion of Confidence

In 'You Are Not So Smart', David McRaney explores how we often overestimate our abilities and knowledge. We tend to be overly confident in our beliefs and decisions, even when we're wrong. It's a good idea to check this confidence and question our assumptions more often.

The Power of Confirmation Bias

McRaney digs into the concept of confirmation bias. This is when we only pay attention to information that supports our pre-existing beliefs and ignore anything that contradicts them. It's a reminder to actively seek out different perspectives and challenge our own views.

The Influence of Cognitive Dissonance

The book also explores cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort we feel when we hold two conflicting beliefs. To ease this discomfort, we often twist the facts to fit our beliefs. McRaney encourages us to recognize this tendency and strive for objectivity.

The Fallacy of Procrastination

In 'You Are Not So Smart', we find that procrastination isn't just about laziness. It's a complex psychological issue where we prioritize immediate gratification over long-term goals. Understanding this can help us develop strategies to overcome procrastination.

The Impact of Normalcy Bias

Lastly, the author looks into normalcy bias, our tendency to underestimate the possibility of disaster and assume things will always function the way they normally do. This can lead to complacency, so it's important to prepare for unexpected events.

Recommendations

1
Terry Crews

Terry Crews

activistcomedianactor

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