Mental models are rules of thumb that simplify decisions. 12 most powerful mental models I've found:

Mental models are rules of thumb that simplify decisions.

12 most powerful mental models I've found: 

The Bloom-Bilal Rule:

When bored and lacking ideas, keep walking until the day becomes interesting. (via @sahilbloom + @bzaidi) 

Perell's Hotel Bathroom Principle:

Dress well enough to enter any hotel bathroom unnoticed.

h/t -- @david_perell 

Social Proof Razor:

When Sylvan Goldman invented shopping trolleys, people initially thought they were silly.

To change this perception, he paid actors to use trolleys in his stores, and others quickly followed suit. 

Cosmic Schmuck Principle:

In this world, there are two types of people: those who worry they're a moron and morons.

To avoid idiocy, treat yourself like one. 

Walt Disney's Rule:

When struggling to think, draw it out.

This is Walt Disney's iconic 1957 drawing of his Media Empire. 

Deutsch's Rule: If it doesn't defy physics, it's possible.

Don't confuse society's current lack of knowledge with its impossibility.

For example, smartphones seemed impossible in the 1800s due to a lack of knowledge. 

Serial-Position Effect:

We remember beginnings (Primacy Effect) and endings (Recency Effect) better than middles.

If you do any performance, focus on the beginnings and endings. 

Licensing Effect:

Believing you're good can make you act bad.

Being self-righteous leads to moral lapses.

When people believe they are virtuous, they become less concerned about their behavior. Ironically, this often leads to immoral actions. 

Groupthink:

A psychological phenomenon where individuals prioritize consensus and conformity within a group.

They sacrifice personal beliefs to appease the collective, resulting in silent opposition and faltering decision-making. 

Ad Hominem:

An attack on the person instead of an argument.

Instead of engaging with the merits of an argument, we resort to discrediting the opposition based on personal traits.

Sadly, this tactic is all too prevalent in politics and Twitter debates. 

The Texas Sharpshooter:

A Texan fires a gun at a barn wall and then paints a target around the closest cluster of bullet holes.

We select evidence that supports the conclusion while ignoring evidence that may refute it.

Differences are ignored, similarities are highlighted. 

Mental Models are the cornerstones of every field of science.

Once mastered, you have a powerful toolkit for navigating challenges and making better decisions.

For a comprehensive collection of mental models, check out this product below.

https://gumroad.com/a/940620755/AxfYH

I hope you've found this thread helpful.

Follow me @Feynmanism_ for more.

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