36. Which Matters More, a First or Last Impression?

In 'Practical Wisdom', Barry Schwartz and Kenneth Sharpe discuss the essential human quality of practical wisdom, a concept identified by Aristotle. This wisdom combines individual experiences, empathy, and intellect to help individuals understand 'the right way to do the right thing in a particular circumstance, with a particular person, at a particular time. ' The authors argue that our reliance on rules and incentives has eroded this wisdom and propose ways to cultivate it, introducing concepts like 'canny outlaws' and 'System Changers' who work around conventional norms to achieve better outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom in daily life and institutional settings to make us healthier, wealthier, and wiser.

In 'Blink', Malcolm Gladwell explores the concept of 'thin-slicing', the ability of our unconscious mind to make rapid decisions based on limited information. The book delves into both the strengths and pitfalls of this process, using examples from various fields such as psychology, medicine, sales, and law enforcement. Gladwell discusses how these snap judgments can be both incredibly accurate and sometimes tragically wrong, influenced by factors like prejudice, stereotypes, and psychological priming. He also examines how experts develop their intuitive judgment through experience and training, and how stressful situations can affect our decision-making abilities.