The Art of Thinking Clearly — Review & Summary (Rolf Dobelli)
Overview
- Author: Rolf Dobelli
- Published: 2013
- Genre: Decision Making, Psychology
- Length: ~384 pages
- Language: English
Short Summary
Dobelli catalogs common cognitive errors—from survivorship bias to social proof—and shows how they mislead choices in business and life.
Key Takeaways
- Biases are predictable—and avoidable with awareness.
- Slow down: better decisions need deliberation.
- Use checklists to counter mental blind spots.
- Seek disconfirming evidence actively.
Notable Quotes
“We systematically overestimate our knowledge and abilities.”
“If you’re not sure, say no.”
Who Should Read This Book?
Managers, investors, and readers who want bias-resistant thinking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Short, memorable chapters.
- Broad bias coverage.
- Easy to dip in and out.
Cons:
- Limited depth for each bias.
- Occasional overlap between entries.
Final Verdict
A fast, useful tour of thinking traps—and how to avoid them.
Buy on Amazon
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