Kluge
By Gary Marcus, a professor of psychology at New York University who studies child development, neuroscience, and language acquisition
Buzzword
In engineering, a "kluge" is a clumsy or inelegant solution to a problem. Here it refers to the evolved human brain.
Ideal Audience
People who want to make the most of their quirks, and anyone convinced that people were designed intelligently.
Nugget of Wisdom
Recognizing that our modern brain is a jerry-rigged contraption can help us deal with it. Set goals with a workable plan for achieving them, prepare against short-term impulses, and always have a Plan B. If you are saving for a big purchase, make a timeline and budget.
Nudge
By Richard H. Thaler, a professor of behavioral science and economics at the University of Chicago & Cass R. Sunstein, a legal scholar specializing in constitutional law, regulatory policy, and economic analysis of law
Buzzword
"Libertarian paternalism" is the oxymoronic term that reconciles the liberal impulse for regulation with the conservative effort to maximize liberty.
Ideal Audience
Policymakers and potential "choice architects"—people who can redirect our collective small choices into radical improvements for society.
Nugget of Wisdom
Nudges are better than mandates. When devising policies, factor in the irrationality of human behavior. The authors argue that 401(k)s and organ donation should be things that you have to opt out of, not into.
Sway
By Ori Brafman, an entrepreneur and co-author of a book on business and social organizations & Rom Brafman, a California-based clinical psychologist
Buzzword
"Blockers" are the often helpful naysayers who save us from the psychological biases that sway our judgment and sabotage
our rationality.
Ideal Audience
Workplace organizers, business people, and public officials seeking to sharpen their decision-making skills.
Nugget of Wisdom
We subconsciously seek validation of our preconceptions and like people similar to ourselves. Office hiring managers can more objectively evaluate job candidates by using ability tests and work samples, and asking fact-based questions during interviews.
Tags:
behavioral science,
bookshelf,
brain,
buzzword,
clinical psychologist,
flaws,
gary marcus,
human brain,
irrationality,
language acquisition,
legal scholar,
naysayers,
new york university,
quirks,
review,
social organizations
