No. 558 — Jan 7, 2024 — Read on FS.blog — Free Version

Thank you to everyone who purchased a copy of Clear Thinking in 2023. I'm thrilled you found it useful and shared it with friends. If you're not aware, a bunch of bonuses are available (including a cheat sheet, a guide on applying the ideas to parenting, a guide to positioning yourself to master your circumstances, and more). To claim the bonuses, purchase a copy (any format or retailer) and forward your purchase receipt to clearthinkingbonus@farnamstreetblog.com.

FS

These principles work via near-automatic response – a “nearly mechanical process by which the power within these weapons can be activated, and the consequent exploitability of this power by anyone who knows how to trigger them.”

— A Brief Summary of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Insight(s)

1.

“The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you.”

— Carl Jung

2.

“We tend to take every precaution to safeguard our material possessions because we know what they cost. But at the same time we neglect things which are much more precious because they don’t come with price tags attached: The real value of things like our eyesight or relationships or freedom can be hidden to us, because money is not changing hands.”

— Peter D. Kaufman

Tiny Thought(s)

1.

The most important thing you can do in 2024 is to distinguish between what is within your control and what is not — and focus all your energy on what is within your control.

(Share this on Twitter)

2.

Thinking long-term is the biggest overlooked advantage hidden in plain sight.

(Share this on Twitter)

3.

It can be difficult to appreciate just how much avoiding the standard ways of failing dramatically increases the odds of success.

(Share this on Twitter)

Farnam Street Members get exclusive content, access to an online community, hand-edited podcast transcripts, ad-free everything, first dibs on events, and more. See what you're missing and sign up today.

Thanks for reading,

— Shane
Author of Clear Thinking

P.S. The best unedited photographs.

P.P.S. Interested in sponsoring Brain Food and reaching over 600,000 people?