So, things have been even more hectic in my life lately. Balancing things out has been a challenge but I still get to read in those times. I mix classic literature and self-improvement in between because those are the types of books that I enjoy reading. When I set my reading list, I also anticipated that my life can be a roller coaster ride so, I also set the book based on those unexpected events that may occur. Much like the previous book, this book is something I have personally reviewed and read in the past. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli is a must read for anyone who wants to learn how to minimize cognitive biases and how to look at common societal problems in a new light. As the book also argues that our cognitive biases sometimes can cost us dearly in either our individual relationship or as a part of society.

This book has more than 30 essays that discuss in-depth about some of our common misconceptions and cognitive biases that will make you experience an AHA moment. Personally, I think that resonates the most would be his essay about “ Why New Year’s Resolutions Don't Work”. Dobelli argues that even a new year’s resolution won’t help you achieve anything or start anything if you procrastinate. But fixing procrastination alone isn’t gonna help either. He mentioned a combining approach that includes setting a fixed date and making a commitment to erase distraction. All these make sense because for example, last year Ray and I decided that we both go to the gym and lose weight. I had no external pressure to lose it all but Ray was given a time because he wanted to apply for the military academy. We both worked at the same time but because Ray was having a fixed time, he ended up having more willingness to watch what he eats and exercised more. In the end, Ray lost more than me even though he did not end up going to the military because his body proportion wasn’t fit enough for it. Meanwhile I lose only about 26 pounds. But the result that Ray has achieved helped him get fit and made his life easier to apply to jobs and in the end, he works at a national bank.

Another one that I re-read a couple of times is “ Why You Go With The Status Quo”. Status quo can be anything in your life. It’s that convenience that according to Dobelli, despite having disadvantage, you still go with it because it just works. Perhaps you experienced this moment in your life that, like Dobelli said, you have a default phone setting rather than modifying the ROM and customizing it. But much like him, I agree that questioning the status quo, perhaps we can change some things around us.

This book makes you think and do not expect any how-to’s but you learn from the story and deduce the ideas on it. It can be worth reading and a week actually isn’t enough because one essay in this book will make you think over and over especially if you are young and don't have that many experiences with life. This book is also fitting to read for anyone below 20’s just to learn some of cognitive biases early and I am certain, it would help nurture critical thinking at an early age. But either way, I do recommend this for all ages, just in case you want to learn or finally find more examples about why your life happens the way it is or why some things happen. Just like I have found Why New Year’s Resolutions Don't Work and in goal setting, it helped me redefine the way I look at it.

Anyway, week 3 is closer than I’d like to expect and I am halfway reading pride and prejudice. If you want to read my previous book journal, you can check it out here Book Journal Week 1 : Brave New World or see my reading list over hereReading List 2023 .