Welcome to FS
Upgrade your thinking.
Farnam Street (FS) helps you master the best of what other people have already figured out.
Packed with timeless mental models, FS will teach you the mental tools you need to deal with whatever life throws at you.
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Recent Articles
Illusion of Transparency: Your Poker Face is Better Than You Think
November 04, 2019
We tend to think that people can easily tell what we’re thinking and feeling. They can’t. Understanding the illusion of transparency bias can improve relationships, job performance, and more. *** “A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” ― Charles Dickens, […]
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How to Use Occam’s Razor Without Getting Cut
October 28, 2019
Occam’s razor is one of the most useful, (yet misunderstood,) models in your mental toolbox to solve problems more quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to use it. *** Occam’s razor (also known as the “law of parsimony”) is a problem-solving principle which serves as a useful mental model. A philosophical razor is a tool used […]
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Ayn Rand on Why Philosophy Matters
October 21, 2019
Nearly four decades after her death, many of Ayn Rand’s works remain controversial and divide people into two camps: love them or hate them. Her lesser known book on philosophy provides broad, timeless insights. Here are her thoughts on the value of philosophy. *** A note on keeping an open mind: Ayn Rand is a […]
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The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts
The old saying goes, “To the man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” But anyone who has done any kind of project knows a hammer often isn’t enough.
The more tools you have at your disposal, the more likely you’ll use the right tool for the job — and get it done right.
The same is true when it comes to thinking. The quality of your outcomes depends on the mental models in your head. And most people are going through life with little more than a hammer.
Until now.
The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts is the first book in The Great Mental Models series designed to upgrade your thinking with the best, most useful and powerful tools, so you always have the right one on hand.
This volume details nine of the most versatile, all-purpose mental models you can use right away to improve your decision making, productivity, and how clearly you see the world. You will discover what forces govern the universe and how to focus your efforts so you can harness them to your advantage, rather than fight with them or worse yet— ignore them.
Upgrade your mental toolbox and get the first volume today!
What People are Saying
I'm really glad this exists in the world and I can see that I will be recommending it often.
Matt Mullenweg
CEO of Automattic and founding developer of Wordpress
The Bible for better learning and decision making
