Loserthink

Scott Adams latest book gives advice on how to avoid unproductive thinking, Loserthink is the term he coins.  Perhaps the most common type of loserthink is to believe one can read minds.  For example, when someone says they are opposed to illegal immigration, critics invariably accuse the person of racism.  The critic presumes what is in the mind of the border control advocate.  Such does not advance opposing sides to a reasonable solution but only hardens differences and makes a compromise more difficult.  That is a key factor in loserthink; it doesn't lead toward resolution and is thus unhelpful.

Each chapter proposes that one think like a different kind of professional: economist, entrepreneur, historian, psychologist, leader, etc.  Each has a particular way of viewing issues that is unique to them and a cure for various types of loserthink.  Some of the suggestions are:

- Use ego as a tool, not an identity.  Too often ego prevents one from recognizing errors.

- The past is gone.  Don't let it influence current thinking.  Don't throw good money after bad.

- If the big picture is good, don't get caught arguing over the little things.
- Fairness is subjective.  The best you can do is equality under the law.
- Arguing by coincidence/anecdote is usually just confirmation bias.
- Analogies are good for explaining, not predicting.

There are many and all far more thoroughly discussed.  Everyone is in a bubble of their own biases and these are tools to help recognize when you are in a bubble and also how to pop the bubble of others.  He freely admits to committing loserthink on a regular basis himself but these techniques have helped to identify when or, in many cases, have it shoved in his face by others who have read the book.

 

Worthwhile read.