The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts (ePub)

A cult bestseller in the US, available around the world for the first time, The Great Mental Models introduces the simple tools we all need to see the world clearly.

• The New York Times bestselling author of Clear Thinking, Shane Parrish is one of the biggest self-help writers in the world.
• The Great Mental Models is a self-published classic, which has sold 200,000 copies in the US
• We expect support from some of the world's most influential self-help writers, from Mark Manson to James Clear to Ryan Holiday

Time and time again, great thinkers like Warren Buffett have credited their success to mental models: simple representations of how the world works that can be applied in a wide array of contexts. Mastering a small number of these concepts enables you to rapidly grasp new information, identify patterns others don't, and better anticipate outcomes.

The Great Mental Models introduces the most powerful models from across economics, mathematics and science, and explains how anyone can use them right away to improve decision making and productivity. Some of the mental models covered include:

• Leverage: When the application of a small force to one end results in a larger force at the other end.
• Occam's Razor: When faced with competing hypotheses, the simplest explanation is often the best one.
• Circle of competence: We operate optimally in the territory we know best and the quality of our thinking decreases as we venture too far outside our areas of expertise.

Building a latticework of mental models is one of the most powerful things you can do to become a better thinker, leader, or creator. The Great Mental Models is the accessible guide you need to unlock this ability.


Shane Parrish is the creator of Farnam Street, the world's most read blog on the art and science of decision-making. His first book, Clear Thinking, was an instant New York Times bestseller and was described by James Clear as 'a masterwork'.