4-Point Weekend #85
On second-order thinking, meaning, and loss
Hi everyone,
Please enjoy this week’s post!
1) Second-order thinking
We all want to be better thinkers and decision-makers.
I recently read The Great Mental Models Vol. 1 by Shane Parrish, which is a masterclass in how to think. Second-order thinking was an example of one model to think more effectively:
Almost everyone can anticipate the immediate results of their actions. Second-order thinking is thinking farther ahead and thinking holistically. It requires us to not only consider our actions and their immediate consequences but the subsequent effects of those actions as well. Failing to consider the second-and third-order effects can unleash disaster.
It is easy to find examples of when second-order thinking didn’t happen - when people did not consider the effects of the effects. When they tried to do something good, and instead brought calamity, we can safely assume the negative outcomes weren’t factored into the original thinking. Very often, the second level of effects is not considered until it’s too late.
We see examples of this throughout history. During their colonial rule of India, the British government began to worry about the number of venomous cobras in Delhi. To reduce the numbers, they instituted a reward for every dead snake brought to officials. In response, Indian citizens dutifully complied and began breeding the snakes to laughter and bring to officials. The snake problem was worse than when it started because the British officials didn’t think at the second level.
2) The meaning of life
Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who is one of today’s leading scientists take on meaning:
The meaning of life is if something that you did made something better.
Like, I get an email from a parent: Thank you so much. My kid is now employed because I read one of your books.
That is a little piece of the meaning of life right there.
3) Importance of loss
Loss amplifies the value of what remains.
It pushes you (and may force you) to take stock of what you have, allowing you to liberate yourself from petty or irrelevant matters and celebrate your assets.
-Harvard Business Review: Mental Toughness
4) Quote of the week
I need to listen well so that I hear what is not said.
-Thuli Madonsela
Thank you for your time and attention this week.
Much love,
Kyle