Mind WondersPlay

How Your Brain ThinksThinking

Two Systems in Your Head

One part of your mind is fast and sure of itself; the other is slow and lazy

Your screen says the bus leaves at eight. What detail could make that obvious answer cost you your morning?

You'll find out

  • When speed is your ally
  • The shortcut that misses a detail
  • The smallest useful double-check

Why it matters

Keep the speed of a first impression and catch expensive mistakes with one targeted check.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 37 · Zone 5

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More in this zone

  1. 38ThinkingThe Bat and Ball QuestionA bat and a ball cost $1.10; most smart people get this wrong
  2. 39PerceptionBelieving Is SeeingYour brain sees what it expects, then calls it proof
  3. 40Negativity BiasWhy Bad News SticksOne insult can outweigh a dozen compliments
  4. 41Bias Blind SpotThe Mistake Everyone Else MakesWe spot bias in others easily and almost never in ourselves
  5. 42AttributionBlaming the Person, Not the SituationWhen others mess up, it's who they are; when you do, it's the situation
  6. 43OverconfidenceWhy Everyone Thinks They're Above AverageMost drivers say they're better than average, which can't be true
  7. 44Curse of KnowledgeThe Curse of KnowledgeOnce you know something, you can't imagine not knowing it
  8. 45ProbabilityThe Linda ProblemA more detailed story feels more likely, even when it can't be