Indexed episode14 mentions

Modern WisdomMay 6, 2019

#069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions on Modern Wisdom.

Guest

George MacGill

Books mentioned

Why Not to Start a Startup Forgotten Highlander Psychology of Human Misjudgment+1 more

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#069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions mentions Why Not to Start a Startup by Paul Graham, Forgotten Highlander by Alasdair Urquhart, Psychology of Human Misjudgment by Charlie Munger, and Origin of Species by Charles Darwin with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Why Not to Start a Startup Forgotten Highlander Psychology of Human Misjudgment Origin of Species

3 books from this episode

Why Not to Start a Startup

Paul Graham

Paul Graham has like an unbelievable essay called like, why not to start a startup?

Forgotten Highlander

Alasdair Urquhart

Alasdair Urquhart, book is fantastic.

Psychology of Human Misjudgment

Charlie Munger

Charlie Munger, it's called The Psychology of Human Misjudgment, where he's talking about the frog in boiling water.

Guest: George MacGill

Episode summary

I'm joined by long time friend of the show and all round interesting individual George MacGill to break down how we can make better decisions in all areas of our lives by using Mental Models. If you imagine that your mind is an operating system, Mental Models are the apps you install into it which improve your ability to effectively make decisions. Today we are upgrading our minds by thinking about thinking, as we delve into some of mine & George's favourite mental models along with a mass of our best examples and resources. Huge thank you to Social Chain for letting me record in their beautiful studio and Video Guy Ollie from SC HQ for filming everything. Extra Stuff: Follow George on Twitter - https://twitter.com/george__mack Farnam Street Blog - https://fs.blog/ Farnam Street's 109 Mental Models - https://fs.blog/mental-models/ The Great Mental Models Book by Shane Parrish - https://amzn.to/2VijWDE Shane Parrish on Art Of Manliness - https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/mental-models-decision-making/ The Psychology Of Human Misjudgement by Charlie Munger (full speech) - https://youtu.be/pqzcCfUglws Why Not To Start A Startup by Paul Graham - http://www.paulgraham.com/notnot.html Check out everything I recommend from books to products and help support the podcast at no extra cost to you by shopping through this link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact

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Why Not to Start a Startup

Paul Graham

The host mentions Paul Graham's essay 'Why Not to Start a Startup' to emphasize the importance of thoroughly analyzin…

Card

Forgotten Highlander

Alasdair Urquhart

The host mentions 'Forgotten Highlander' to illustrate the extreme contrasts in life experiences and how they can pro…

Card

Psychology of Human Misjudgment

Charlie Munger

The host mentions 'Psychology of Human Misjudgment' to illustrate the importance of recognizing subtle negative influ…

Card

Origin of Species

Charles Darwin

The host mentions 'Origin of Species' to illustrate the concept of the Lindy effect, emphasizing that works which hav…

Card

The Last Highlander

Alasdair Urquhart

The host mentions 'The Last Highlander' to illustrate the extreme contrasts in human experiences, particularly in rel…

Card

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The host mentions 'Man's Search for Meaning' to highlight the extreme contrasts in human experiences and the search f…

Card

Hardwiring Happiness

Rick Hansen

The host discusses the impact of toxic relationships on happiness and references Rick Hansen's book 'Hardwiring Happi…

Card

Atomic Habits

James Clear

The host discusses the importance of systems over goals in achieving success, referencing James Clear's insights from…

Card

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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions on Modern Wisdom.

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These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for #069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions.

The conversation centers on contrast in life experiences.
A second recurring theme is avoiding mistakes in twenties.
Referenced books include Why Not to Start a Startup by Paul Graham and Forgotten Highlander by Alasdair Urquhart.
The strongest audience signal points to Aspiring entrepreneurs and business students and Readers interested in memoirs and personal resilience.

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Which books are mentioned in #069 - George MacGill - Mental Models 101 - How To Make Better Decisions?

Why Not to Start a Startup by Paul Graham, Forgotten Highlander by Alasdair Urquhart, and Psychology of Human Misjudgment by Charlie Munger are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers

contrast in life experiences(3)avoiding mistakes in twenties(1)classic literature relevance(1)double think concept(1)embracing being weird(1)goals versus systems(1)importance of classic books(1)importance of classic literature(1)

Mention sentiment

Deep Dive(9)Passing Reference(4)Highly Recommended(1)

Audience signals

Aspiring entrepreneurs and business studentsReaders interested in memoirs and personal resilienceYoung adults in their twentiesReaders interested in timeless literature and critical thinkingReaders interested in memoirs of survival and resilienceReaders interested in personal growth and resilience

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Why Not to Start a Startup

Paul Graham

Best for Aspiring entrepreneurs and business studentsOften cited around startup advice

“Paul Graham has like an unbelievable essay called like, why not to start a startup? He basically recommends assessing a situation by breaking down the reasons stopping you from doing something.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: startup advice

For: Aspiring entrepreneurs and business students

Key quote: “Paul Graham has like an unbelievable essay called like, why not to start a startup?”

The host mentions Paul Graham's essay 'Why Not to Start a Startup' to emphasize the importance of thoroughly analyzing one's motivations before embarking on a business venture. This approach aligns with the concept of first principles thinking, encouraging individuals to break down their reasons into valid components.

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Forgotten Highlander

Alasdair Urquhart

Best for Readers interested in memoirs and personal resilienceOften cited around contrast in life experiences

“Mentioned as a fantastic book detailing extreme experiences of a soldier during wartime, including suffering and survival.”

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: contrast in life experiences

For: Readers interested in memoirs and personal resilience

Key quote: “Alasdair Urquhart, book is fantastic.”

The host mentions 'Forgotten Highlander' to illustrate the extreme contrasts in life experiences and how they can provide perspective on one's own challenges. The book serves as a powerful memoir that highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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Psychology of Human Misjudgment

Charlie Munger

Best for Young adults in their twentiesOften cited around avoiding mistakes in twenties

“Charlie Munger's Psychology of Human Misjudgment was basically what triggered Shane Parrish to start up this blog, fs.blog, which is one of the most popular blogs in the world.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: avoiding mistakes in twenties

For: Young adults in their twenties

Key quote: “Charlie Munger, it's called The Psychology of Human Misjudgment, where he's talking about the frog in boiling water.”

The host mentions 'Psychology of Human Misjudgment' to illustrate the importance of recognizing subtle negative influences in life, akin to the metaphor of the frog in boiling water. This book serves as a guide to understanding how gradual changes can lead to significant negative outcomes, particularly in the context of personal relationships and decision-making.

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Origin of Species

Charles Darwin

Best for Readers interested in timeless literature and critical thinkingOften cited around importance of classic literature

“The excerpt discusses the longevity of books and mentions 'Origin of Species' as an example of a book that has been around for a couple of hundred years.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: importance of classic literature

For: Readers interested in timeless literature and critical thinking

Key quote: “If let's say a book's been around, like the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, it's been around for a couple of hundred years.”

The host mentions 'Origin of Species' to illustrate the concept of the Lindy effect, emphasizing that works which have stood the test of time are likely to remain relevant. This serves as a critique of modern content that lacks longevity and foundational value.

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The Last Highlander

Alasdair Urquhart

Best for Readers interested in memoirs of survival and resilienceOften cited around contrast in life experiences

“Recommended reading that contrasts personal experiences with extreme suffering and survival, similar to Viktor Frankl's work.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: contrast in life experiences

For: Readers interested in memoirs of survival and resilience

Key quote: “For anyone who's read, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, like imagine that and make it extreme.”

The host mentions 'The Last Highlander' to illustrate the extreme contrasts in human experiences, particularly in relation to suffering and survival. This book serves as a powerful example of resilience and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

Best for Readers interested in personal growth and resilienceOften cited around contrast in life experiences

“Referenced as a comparison point for the extreme experiences described in Alasdair Urquhart's memoir.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: contrast in life experiences

For: Readers interested in personal growth and resilience

Key quote: “For anyone who's read, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, like imagine that and make it extreme.”

The host mentions 'Man's Search for Meaning' to highlight the extreme contrasts in human experiences and the search for meaning in suffering. This comparison serves to illustrate the profound insights gained from enduring hardship, as exemplified by both Viktor Frankl and the subject of 'Forgotten Highlander.'

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Hardwiring Happiness

Rick Hansen

Best for Individuals seeking to improve their mental health and happinessOften cited around toxic relationships and happiness

“Rick Hansen, a New York Times bestseller, is mentioned as the writer of 'Hardwiring Happiness'.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: toxic relationships and happiness

For: Individuals seeking to improve their mental health and happiness

Key quote: “So I spoke to Professor Rick Hansen, New York Times bestseller, writer of Hardwiring Happiness, and his most recent book, Resilience.”

The host discusses the impact of toxic relationships on happiness and references Rick Hansen's book 'Hardwiring Happiness' to highlight the importance of mental well-being. This connection emphasizes how understanding our emotional landscape can help mitigate the effects of negative influences in our lives.

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Atomic Habits

James Clear

Best for Individuals seeking personal development and effective habit formation.Often cited around goals versus systems

“The excerpt mentions 'Atomic Habits' in relation to systems versus goals in achieving personal objectives.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: goals versus systems

For: Individuals seeking personal development and effective habit formation.

Key quote: “One that does goals, one that does systems.”

The host discusses the importance of systems over goals in achieving success, referencing James Clear's insights from 'Atomic Habits.' They emphasize that focusing on daily systems leads to more sustainable progress and happiness than merely setting goals.

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Resilience

Rick Hansen

Best for Individuals seeking personal development and mental strength strategies.Often cited around importance of resilience

“Rick Hansen's most recent book, 'Resilience', is mentioned in the context of discussing human happiness.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: importance of resilience

For: Individuals seeking personal development and mental strength strategies.

Key quote: “So I spoke to Professor Rick Hansen, New York Times bestseller, writer of Hardwiring Happiness, and his most recent book, Resilience.”

The host discusses the concept of resilience in relation to modern existential crises and the challenges faced by knowledge workers today. They reference Rick Hansen's book 'Resilience' to highlight the need for mental fortitude in navigating these complexities.

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1984

George Orwell

Best for Individuals interested in cognitive psychology and decision-making strategies.Often cited around double think concept

“The mention of '1984' is in the context of discussing classic books that have stood the test of time.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: double think concept

For: Individuals interested in cognitive psychology and decision-making strategies.

Key quote: “double think, which comes from George Orwell's 1984, right? which is the whole two contradictory beliefs in your head at the same time.”

The host references George Orwell's '1984' to explain the concept of double think, which involves holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously. This idea is used to illustrate the importance of black and white thinking in achieving clarity and focus in decision-making.

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Zero to One

Peter Thiel

Best for Individuals seeking personal development and successOften cited around embracing being weird

“The speaker mentions reading a book by Peter Thiel called Zero to One, emphasizing that becoming a billionaire is about daily practice rather than just reading.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: embracing being weird

For: Individuals seeking personal development and success

Key quote: “No, it's about what you drill every single day.”

The host mentions 'Zero to One' by Peter Thiel to illustrate the misconception that simply reading a book can lead to success. Instead, they emphasize the importance of consistent practice and training to achieve extraordinary results.

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Understand Myself

Jordan Peterson

Best for Individuals interested in personal developmentOften cited around self-authoring exercises

“Jordan Peterson's understandmyself.com is mentioned in relation to self-authoring and personal development exercises.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: self-authoring exercises

For: Individuals interested in personal development

Key quote: “Jordan Peterson's understandmyself.com is mentioned in relation to self-authoring and personal development exercises.”

The host briefly mentions Jordan Peterson's website, understandmyself.com, as a resource for personal development. This reference highlights the importance of self-authoring in the journey of self-improvement.

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Persuasion

Robert Cialdini

Best for Entrepreneurs and business professionalsOften cited around importance of classic books

“The excerpt discusses Robert Cialdini's book 'Persuasion' and its impact, including its recognition by notable figures.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: importance of classic books

For: Entrepreneurs and business professionals

Key quote: “That's why when you hear Rory Sutherland, he cites Bob Caldini all the time.”

The host mentions 'Persuasion' by Robert Cialdini as an example of a classic book that has had a significant impact on understanding persuasion techniques. He highlights its relevance in both historical and modern contexts, particularly in business and politics.

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War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy

Best for readers interested in timeless literatureOften cited around classic literature relevance

“The mention of 'War and Peace' is in the context of discussing classic books that have stood the test of time.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: classic literature relevance

For: readers interested in timeless literature

Key quote: “That's why the classic books are the classics, right? Yeah. That's why War and Peace or 1984 is a good read.”

The host mentions 'War and Peace' as an example of a classic book that has stood the test of time. This serves to illustrate the importance of consuming content that has proven its value over the years.

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