The Great Mental Models - Farnam Street

The Great Mental Models Project​

The Great Mental Models project is the clearest way to change the way you see the world, avoid problems before they happen, and make better decisions.

The series consists of four volumes that cover the core, timeless, ideas that you should have learned in school and applies them to real life.

This instant Wall-Street Journal bestseller is the breakthrough guide you need to improve your thinking.

A Look Inside Volume 1​

General Thinking Concepts covers the first 9 mental models in the series. A thorough understanding of these 9 models will, without a doubt, improve the way you approach problems, consider opportunities, and make difficult decisions.

A chapter is dedicated to each model (see a sample chapter on Probabilistic Thinking), dissecting it in three ways. First, we define it. Second, we provide real-world examples where this model has been used, (or in some cases, show the consequences of where it was ignored.) And last, we offer suggestions for how these models can be applied in your own life — where they really matter.

Volume Two: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology​

Building on the idea that learning worldly wisdom improves our decisions and our outcomes, volume 2 of The Great Mental Models explains the foundational concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology, demonstrating the value of having these models in your toolkit.

These fundamental concepts are everywhere, and if you want to make decisions based on how the world really works, thereby improving your chances of success, then these are critical models to understand. Each chapter explains the key concepts and then explores how to use them as a model by examining historical examples.

Volume Three: Systems and Mathematics​

The Great Mental Models: Volume 3 covers essential models from mathematics and systems.

In part one, you’ll learn mental models from systems, helping you see unexpected connections and avoid costly mistakes. You’ll discover how these concepts govern the behaviors and interactions in your life.

In part two, you’ll learn mental models from mathematics that reveal logical patterns in the world. This isn’t your high school math class.

Real World Reviews​

Here is what some people have said about volume 1, 2 and 3 so far:

“I’m really glad this exists in the world and I can see that I will be recommending it often.”
— Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, founder and CEO of Automattic

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