Jonah Lehrer is an American author and journalist known for exploring the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and human behavior. Educated at Columbia University, he has written several books, including "How We Decide" and "Imagine: How Creativity Works." Lehrer's work often delves into the cognitive processes behind decision-making and creativity. Despite controversies surrounding his work, Lehrer continues to contribute to discussions on science and the mind.
The best decisions occur when we know what we want and when we are most aware of the relevant information.
The first step in good decision making is to gather as much information as possible about the choices.
Emotion is not the enemy of reason. It is essential to reason. It leads us to pay attention to the right things.
Our gut feelings are not random; they are based on past experiences and deep-rooted patterns of perception.
Making decisions is not always about finding the right answer; sometimes, it's about finding the best answer given the constraints.
The brain is wired to detect patterns and find connections, even when none exist. We must be cautious of false associations.
Trust your instincts, but also verify them with careful analysis and evaluation.
Our decisions are influenced by the context in which they are made. Changing the context can lead to different choices.
Fear and anxiety can cloud our judgment. It is important to manage these emotions to make better decisions.
Sometimes, the best decision is to delay making a decision. Taking time to reflect can lead to better outcomes.
We are more likely to make impulsive decisions when under the influence of strong emotions. Take a step back and think before acting.
Trusting your gut doesn't mean ignoring reason. It means listening to your intuition while also considering logical analysis.