Thinking, Fast and Slow

Why This Matters

Kahneman’s framework for understanding the two systems of thought—intuitive/fast and deliberate/slow—fundamentally changed how I approach strategic decision-making. The concept of cognitive biases and heuristics is essential for anyone working in strategy or research.

Key Takeaways

• System 1 vs System 2: Understanding when we’re operating on autopilot vs. deliberate thinking
• Anchoring effects: How initial information disproportionately influences decisions
• Loss aversion: We feel losses more intensely than equivalent gains
• Overconfidence: We systematically overestimate our ability to predict outcomes

How It Influenced My Work

This book made me more skeptical of my own initial reactions to data and more deliberate about seeking disconfirming evidence. It’s shaped how I design research studies and how I present strategic recommendations—always accounting for the cognitive biases of stakeholders.