Book: Thinking Fast & Slow; Step-2
Published: 2011 & Pages: 500
14x Step Learning
Step-2
Miracles of Lazy Mind
Let’s explore how our two thinking systems work with a classic problem: a bat and a ball together cost $1.10. The bat costs a dollar more than the ball. What’s the cost of the ball? Many people think it’s 10 cents, but that’s a quick, intuitive answer from System 1, and it’s incorrect. The right answer is 5 cents. Why the mix-up?
Our impulsive System-1 (Fast Thinking) likes to take shortcuts and answer fast. Normally, when it’s unsure, it asks System-2 (Slow Thinking) for help. But in the bat-and-ball problem, System 1 thinks it’s simple and tries to solve it alone. This issue reveals our mental laziness. We often use the least effort possible, known as the law of least effort. Checking with System 2 is more work, so our brain usually skips it.
But using System-2 (Slow Thinking) is crucial for intelligence. When we practice System-2 tasks, like focusing and self-control, it boosts our intelligence. In the bat-and-ball problem, if our minds used System 2, we’d avoid this common error. Being lazy and avoiding System 2 limits our intelligence’s strength. So, let’s remember to put in the effort to think and avoid mental shortcuts.
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اس کا ترجمہ جلد شئیر کیا جاےَگا،انشاءاللہ
10x Short Questions
1. What's the famous bat-and-ball problem, and why is it tricky?
The problem is about a bat and a ball that cost $1.10, and the ball’s cost is tricky because our quick thinking can give the wrong answer.
2. What's the intuitive answer many people think is right for the bat-and-ball problem?
Most people think the ball costs 10 cents.
3. What's the correct answer to the bat-and-ball problem?
The correct answer is that the ball costs 5 cents.
4. Why does our quick System 1 thinking often make mistakes?
System 1 likes to answer fast and might not ask for help from System 2 when it should.
5. What is the "law of least effort" in our thinking?
It means our brain tends to use the least amount of effort, which can lead to mistakes.
6. Why is using System 2 important for our intelligence?
Using System 2 for tasks like focus and self-control can boost our intelligence.
7. How could we avoid making mistakes in the bat-and-ball problem?
We could avoid mistakes by engaging System 2 and putting in more effort to think.
8. What happens when our brain is lazy and avoids using System 2?
Being lazy limits the strength of our intelligence and can lead to errors in thinking.
9. What's the main lesson from the bat-and-ball problem?
The main lesson is that we should be mindful of our thinking, avoid quick answers, and engage our more deliberate thinking when needed.
10. What's the message for us in everyday life regarding thinking and avoiding mental shortcuts?
The message is to be aware of our mental shortcuts and make an effort to think more carefully, especially when a problem seems too simple.
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10x MCQs
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