Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better

1. Understand the cognitive traps that can lead to poor decisions.
Ahn identifies several cognitive traps that can lead to poor decision-making, such as confirmation bias, sunk cost fallacy, and the planning fallacy. By understanding these traps, we can avoid falling prey to them.
2. Develop a healthy skepticism.
Questioning information and assumptions is essential for critical thinking. Don't be afraid to doubt what you hear or read, and always seek out multiple sources of information.
3. Embrace uncertainty.
The world is a complex and uncertain place, and we don't always have all the answers. Embrace uncertainty and be comfortable with not knowing everything.
4. Think probabilistically.
Probability is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us. Learn to think about risks and rewards in terms of probabilities, and use this information to make informed decisions.
5. Value evidence over emotion.
Emotions can cloud our judgment and lead to poor decisions. Learn to detach from your emotions and make decisions based on evidence and logic.
6. Be open to new information and perspectives.
Don't be afraid to change your mind when presented with new evidence or a different perspective.
7. Be mindful of your biases.
Everyone has biases, but we can become more aware of them and minimize their impact on our thinking.
8. Think about the long-term consequences of your decisions.
Don't just focus on the short-term gains or losses of a decision. Consider the long-term consequences as well.
9. Seek out diverse perspectives.
When making decisions, it is important to seek out the perspectives of others, even if you disagree with them.
10. Consider the ethical implications of your decisions.
Think about how your decisions could affect others, and make choices that are aligned with your values.
11. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Don't let the fear of making mistakes prevent you from taking risks.
12. Learn from your mistakes.
Reflect on your mistakes and try to identify the root cause. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
13. Cultivate a growth mindset.
Believe in your ability to learn and grow, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
14. Practice critical thinking skills regularly.
Critical thinking is a skill that improves with practice. Make a conscious effort to use critical thinking skills in your everyday life.
15. Be patient with yourself.
Learning to think critically takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.