Super Thinking: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Super Thinking, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Mental models improve thinking
Weinberg and McCann argue that mental models, simple ideas from many fields, help people think more clearly.
Collecting a range of models lets you approach problems from different angles. It also helps avoid using the same tool for every problem.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Invert the problem
The authors describe inversion, thinking about a problem backwards.
Asking how to fail can reveal how to succeed. Instead of asking how to achieve a goal, you ask what would make it fail, and then avoid those things.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Start from first principles
The authors encourage reasoning from first principles, breaking problems down to basic truths.
This avoids relying on assumptions. Like a builder checking the foundation, you ask what is surely true and build up from there.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Prefer simple explanations
The authors describe Occam's razor, the idea that simpler explanations are usually better.
It helps avoid unnecessary complexity. When two explanations fit the facts equally well, the one with fewer extra assumptions is the better guess.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Every choice has a cost
The authors explain opportunity cost, the value of what you give up when choosing.
Considering it improves decisions. For example, an hour spent scrolling is an hour not spent studying or resting, so the true cost is more than it seems.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Think about consequences of consequences
The authors describe second-order thinking, considering the effects of effects.
Many problems come from ignoring these. A quick fix may solve today's problem but cause a new one later, so it is wise to ask what happens next.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Understand before removing
The authors describe Chesterton's fence: before removing a rule or barrier, understand why it exists.
This prevents mistakes. The fence may have been put there for a good reason that is not obvious at first glance.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Small changes can tip systems
The authors describe critical mass, the point at which change becomes self-sustaining.
Understanding it helps predict trends. Once enough people have taken part, an idea or habit spreads on its own without much extra push.
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