490. What Do Broken-Hearted Knitters, Urinating Goalkeepers, and the C.I.A. Have in Common?

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

City of Champions explores the history of Detroit by linking iconic sports events to the city's shifting fortunes, from the rise and fall of the car industry to political upheavals and recent renewal. The book highlights how sports mirror society and create community narratives that define a city's identity. It covers legendary figures like Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, Joe Louis, and the Bad Boys.

Stuart Vyse's "Believing in Magic" delves into the psychological underpinnings of superstition and magical thinking. The book explores various forms of superstition, examining their prevalence across cultures and throughout history. Vyse investigates the cognitive biases and emotional needs that contribute to superstitious beliefs. He also discusses the potential adaptive functions of superstition, while acknowledging its potential downsides. The book is a comprehensive overview of the topic, suitable for both students and general readers interested in the psychology of belief.