Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Canal, the Crash and the Ketamine - Pushkin's Reign of Error
64 snips
Oct 17, 2025 
Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and author, joins Sheila Heti, a celebrated writer, to delve into the complexities of mistakes and regret. They explore how inaction often stings more than bold choices, revealing insights from poker about decision-making under pressure. Sheila shares her own blunders, including a costly mishap with a grant and an unexpected encounter with ketamine. Together, they reflect on the nuances of regret and its role in personal growth, underscoring how both momentous and minor errors shape our lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Forgotten Plug Drains A Canal
- Workers dredging the Chesterfield Canal pulled up a heavy chain and later discovered the canal had drained away into a historic plug hole.
- The crew had unknowingly removed a long-forgotten structural restraint that kept the canal section intact.
Resistance Can Signal Hidden Design
- If something resists movement strongly, leaving it alone may be wiser than forcing it.
- Mechanical resistance can signal hidden dependencies or safety features worth preserving.
Judge Decisions By Process, Not Outcomes
- Separate decision process from outcomes by focusing on expected value and proper inputs.
- Calibrate confidence and weighting instead of judging choices solely by results.
