This is an efficient and effective way for our minds to operate because we have limited mental energy. System 2 only takes over when System 1 fails because of difficulty, time pressure, or novelty (new information). Splitting thinking between System 1 and System 2 usually works well.

System 2 is more thorough and logical but also slower and more resource intensive. System 1 lets us respond quickly and instinctively to a wide range of fast and ever-changing inputs. We also use it to intentionally control our behavior, like staying polite when we’re angry. It uses logic to tackle complex computations that are too difficult or unfamiliar for System 1, like math problems. System 1 requires little effort and can make quick decisions. We also use it to intuitively process information we need quickly, like discerning emotions from facial expressions. We use it to rapidly recall facts we know well, like the capital of France. Kahneman tells us we use two systems for thinking. Thinking, Fast and Slow Summary The Two Systems: System 1 & System 2

There’s no way to summarise a good book without losing important information, so I strongly recommend reading the original.įor now, though, here’s TAoL’s book summary of Thinking, Fast and Slow… Which will help you question your assumptions and start making better decisions. You may even feel defeated as Kahneman reveals just how deep our biases run, and how flawed our sense of voluntary control really is.īut you’ll also quickly learn to identify the type of thinking you’re applying to situations. Why? Because changing mental processes is hard. But this is one book you don’t want to race through! I recommend taking it slow (yes – I’m already putting the book’s insights into practice!) so you have time to digest its ideas, and consider how they apply to your psychological nature. It’s packed full of economic science, behavioral studies, and personal anecdotes.ĭespite this, Kahneman’s conversational style makes it easy to keep turning pages. But if you’re interested in challenging the basis of your thinking, then it makes for a fascinating read.Īs you might expect from a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, the book is information-rich. It examines the fundamental cognitive processes we use day-to-day. Thinking Fast and Slow cuts to the heart of decision-making. Note: This Thinking, Fast and Slow summary is part of an ongoing project to summarise the Best Books on Critical Thinnking and Best Self Help Books of all time.

Thinking fast and slow