The Art of Thinking Clearly: How to Avoid Biases and Logical Fallacies

Some pleasant things you encounter may easily validate your feelings. However, it does not mean that all of them can be the truth. This concept is relevant to the idea discussed in the book "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli. In this book, Dobelli discusses how many thinking errors we often make, one of which is confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek and accept information that confirms our feelings or beliefs without considering contradictory evidence. Interestingly, this book also explores how experiences that seem pleasant often do not reflect the truth objectively. We tend to more easily accept what is in accordance with what we want to believe as if it has been "validated" by certain experiences or situations. 

At the end of 2024,
Some people will start to reflect on how the journey has been so far, then after that do an evaluation for the following year. Reading this book at the end of 2024 made me realize again that cognitive bias is the first step to improving the way we think and act.

Three interesting concepts that I got from this book include:

Cognitive Bias

One of the main implementations of this book is awareness of cognitive bias, such as confirmation bias or availability bias. By being aware of the existence of these biases, we can be more critical in evaluating information especially when making important decisions in life.

Paralysis by Analysis

This book also explains the importance of making rational decisions without getting caught up in paralysis by analysis or thinking too much to the point of not taking action.

Survivorship Bias

This concept reminds us to not only focus on visible successes, but also consider the often hidden failures. Survivorship bias explains the importance of considering all factors to get an objective picture.