The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish cover image

#42 Atul Gawande: The Path to Perpetual Progress

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

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How Did the Breakthrough Drug Come About?

Breakthrough innovation often captivates our attention, but follow-through innovation is equally crucial. The latter can be seen as mundane and focused on practicality, rather than brilliant ideas. However, it is necessary to recognize that we have the power to influence and control our surroundings. Understanding complex systems at a cellular level has led to breakthroughs in medicine, such as finding cancer drugs. By unraveling the intricacies of human systems and applying mental models, we can achieve remarkable results. For example, persuading people to wash their hands may seem mundane, but it saves lives and requires intelligent strategies. Shouting at people to wash their hands does not work, and evidence proves it.

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