You have less control over the world than you think.
We're not good at figuring out what things are worth because we often rely on what's easily available and make unfair comparisons.
Making decisions can weaken your willpower, especially when you have too many choices to pick from.
Are you ready to discover how to change your thinking patterns for a healthier mind? Let's get started!

Lesson 1: Sometimes, you believe you can change things even if you can't control them.

The illusion of control is a bias that happens when we believe we can control things that are actually impossible to control. We tend to do this because thinking we have the power to change our situation gives us hope. But don't be discouraged, because your life is not fixed and you can make improvements in many areas. Let's look at some things that we mistakenly believe we can control.

Lesson 2: You use availability and comparison to determine value rather than looking at actual pros and cons.

We, humans, tend to struggle with making absolute judgments. Instead, we rely on comparisons to make decisions. We choose the option that appears better without thoroughly considering the actual pros and cons. This is known as the contrast effect, which is also why discounts on products are so effective. When a $100 item becomes $70, we perceive it as superior to an item that normally costs $70, solely because of the comparison.
Similarly, companies utilize the concept of scarcity to encourage customers to make purchases. By using phrases like "today only" or "limited time offer," they trigger the fear of missing out in our brains, leading us to buy the product. If you want to overcome these biases of scarcity and comparison, focus on evaluating the value of the items. When you encounter a 30% discount or an offer that's available "while supplies last," consider only the costs and benefits of buying the item.

Lesson 3: Having too many options makes decision-making difficult.

when we have numerous options it makes decision-making difficult, which is known as the paradox of choice. Instead of struggling to choose among many options, we often find it easier to avoid making a decision altogether.
studies have shown that decision-making in general can drain our energy. Researchers refer to this as decision fatigue. For instance, a study focused on dating sites examined the impact of the stress caused by selecting from a wide range of potential partners. The findings revealed that due to decision fatigue, men tend to prioritize physical attractiveness as the sole criterion for evaluating their options.

The key lesson of "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli is that humans are prone to many cognitive biases and errors in thinking, which can lead to poor decisions and negative consequences. The book highlights these biases and provides practical advice on how to identify and avoid them. Some of the key takeaways include the importance of being aware of our own biases and limitations, as well as the need to gather diverse perspectives and information when making decisions. The book also emphasizes the value of simplicity, clarity, and avoiding excessive information overload. Ultimately, the central lesson of "The Art of Thinking Clearly" is that critical thinking and self-awareness are vital skills for success in both personal and professional pursuits. By understanding and overcoming our own cognitive biases, we can make better decisions, and avoid mistakes.