If Books Could Kill

Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink"

90 snips
Jul 17, 2025
Discover the mixed reception of Malcolm Gladwell's 'Blink,' packed with anecdotes yet criticized for its pseudoscientific claims. The hosts delve into the intriguing concept of 'thin slicing,' highlighting how first impressions can be surprisingly accurate. They discuss the impact of priming on decision-making and skepticism about its scientific support. The TSA's flawed use of microexpressions for detecting deception reveals the dramatic consequences of misapplied psychology. And finally, the nuances of bias and storytelling in leadership choices are put under the microscope.
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ANECDOTE

Gottman's Marriage Prediction

  • Psychologist John Gottman can predict with about 90% accuracy if couples will stay married after analyzing brief interactions.
  • His method uses extensive coding of emotional signals, not just thin slicing quick judgments.
INSIGHT

Expert Intuition Requires Validity

  • Expert intuition works well only in environments with reliable, learnable cues.
  • Experience is necessary to develop effective split-second decisions from pattern recognition.
ADVICE

Avoid Intuition Without Expertise

  • Develop deep knowledge in a field to reduce bias in quick judgments.
  • Avoid relying on intuition when lacking expertise or practice.
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