Mind WondersPlay

Famous ExperimentsCurse of Knowledge

The Curse of Knowledge

Once you know something, you can't imagine not knowing it

Can a rhythm sound unmistakable in your head while the person across the table hears nothing but scattered taps?

You'll find out

  • Spot the missing part of the tune
  • See a surprising tapping result
  • Make your directions easy to follow

Why it matters

Give directions people can use the first time by spotting the information they don't already have.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 44 · Zone 5

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More in this zone

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  2. 38ThinkingThe Bat and Ball QuestionA bat and a ball cost $1.10; most smart people get this wrong
  3. 39PerceptionBelieving Is SeeingYour brain sees what it expects, then calls it proof
  4. 40Negativity BiasWhy Bad News SticksOne insult can outweigh a dozen compliments
  5. 41Bias Blind SpotThe Mistake Everyone Else MakesWe spot bias in others easily and almost never in ourselves
  6. 42AttributionBlaming the Person, Not the SituationWhen others mess up, it's who they are; when you do, it's the situation
  7. 43OverconfidenceWhy Everyone Thinks They're Above AverageMost drivers say they're better than average, which can't be true
  8. 45ProbabilityThe Linda ProblemA more detailed story feels more likely, even when it can't be