Problem Solving Archives | The Mind Collection

Dunning-Kruger Effect: How to Cringe Yourself to Success

A reflection on the infamous Dunning-Kruger Effect, a cognitive bias that leads poor performers to grossly overestimate their abilities.

A reflection on five useful decision-making heuristics, mental shortcuts designed to solve problems fast and make thinking more efficient.

A reflection on the peculiar phenomenon of Cargo Cults, a belief that things of value can be obtained through mere mimicry.

A reflection on Cobra Effects and how fateful interventions and perverse incentives can lead to unintended negative consequences.

Explore a selection of my reading list with insightful books on critical thinking, decision-making, philosophy, storytelling and more.

An exploration of the Law of Unintended Consequences, an adage about undesirable or unexpected side-effects of our life’s decisions.

Revisit the critical thinking, philosophy and storytelling posts of the past with The Mind Collection Quiz #12

A reflection on Chesterton’s Fence, a cautioning principle about reforms. How can we steer clear of the law of unintended consequences?

A reflection on Atwood’s Duck, a cunning manoeuvre to keep a manager from making unnecessary changes to a project. But it’s not without risk.

An exploration of the Four Stages of Competence, a learning model that details how we progress from mindless ignorance to effortless mastery.

A reflection on St George in Retirement Syndrome, a sneaky condition that can make us addicted to solving increasingly trivial problems.