- Publisher : Mariner Books
- Publication date : January 14, 2010
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- Print length : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0547247990
- ISBN-13 : 9780547247991
- Author : Jonah Lehrer
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer is about how humans make decisions with some ideas on how to make better decisions.
In Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow , there is the idea of two different mental systems, one that is very fast, based on emotional impacts and quick rules of thumb, and the other slower and more methodical, based on rational thought and measured decisions. Lehrer covers some of this same ground in the context of decision making, but he also shows that it is usually not one or the other that is the better decision maker, but perhaps the best is a combination of the two. The slower processes taken to gather the information you need over the long haul. The growing expertise from measured study and rational consideration builds the underlying basis for good decisions in those areas you have studied. But once you gain that expertise, often the quick unconscious emotional judgement can serve better than a slower rational measurement. In fact, he shows that often considering too many variables in a slow measured approach leads to worse decisions than when fewer are considered.
The book also has several stories of real world decisions and how they may have been made. He gives summaries of various studies and experiments that support his decision making theories. It is a well-written combination of stories, experiences, explanations and science. He gives good explanations as to the importance of emotions in making decisions and in particular, the importance of emotions in making good decisions. Often, especially in areas where we have a good deal of expertise, it is better to trust the ‘gut-feel’ choices.
Of course, don’t forget to take the Dunning-Kruger effect into consideration. Just because you think you have expertise, doesn’t mean you really do. Do trust your feelings, but do your research first.
Matt Truxaw’s newest book is Monster, which released on 1/12/2026. This urban fantasy, horror, thriller will keep you turning the pages.
He is also the author of the hard science fiction thrillers: “Plastiphobia/Plastivore” and “Anthrophobia: A Teacher’s Tale”
You can find them all on Amazon in Paperback, Hardback, Kindle and/or free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
When you read any of them, he would really appreciate a review/rating on Amazon or your favorite book seller/book reader site.
More about Matt:
He was born in Orange County California many years ago and he still lives there. He has been reading books for most of those years and writing up book reviews for the last few years. He gets most of his books out of the library so expect a lot of old science fiction classics book reviews and other science related reviews in addition to newer books he comes across.
If you want to be ‘in-the-loop’ on these and other works, you can follow his author’s page on Amazon or his Facebook page.
For more reviews and articles by Matt here on Amazing Stories (Click here).
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