# I Thought I Was Rational...
! [ rw-book-cover] (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1633697720291704832/GBmxTCa6.jpg)
URL: https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656538049196547
Author: @itsolelehmann on Twitter
## AI-Generated Summary
None
## Highlights
> I thought I was rational.
> Then I read Daniel Kahneman's Nobel Prize-winning work on human decision-making.
> He routinely asks 8 questions to expose cognitive traps you fall into daily.
> Test yourself with these questions (it's the ultimate BS detector for your brain):
> 
>  ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656538049196547))
> Question 1: Am I thinking fast or slow?
> Kahneman's not impressed by your lightning-fast decisions.
> Why? Because your brain has two systems:
> • Fast: Intuitive, emotional, unconscious
> • Slow: Analytical, logical, conscious
> Guess which one Kahneman trusts for big decisions? ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656551110226014))
> Think about it: You're offered a new job. Exciting, right?
> Fast thinking says: "Take it! More money!"
> Slow thinking asks: "How does this align with my long-term goals?"
> This question is your brake pedal in a world of snap judgments. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656563043053867))
> Question 2: Am I too stressed to think clearly?
> Stress is kryptonite for your decision-making superpowers.
> This question is your stress detector.
> Why it matters:
> • Stress narrows your focus (hello, tunnel vision)
> • It amplifies negative emotions ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656574770327968))
> • It makes you more likely to take unnecessary risks
> So before a big decision, check your stress levels.
> Heart racing? Palms sweaty? Mind spinning?
> Pause.
> This question is like a mental health check for your choices.
> It's the difference between a panic move & a power move. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656586816368741))
> Question 3: Is this a reversible decision?
> Kahneman wants you to know your exit strategy before you even enter.
> This question is your decision flexibility test.
> Some choices are set in stone.
> Others are written in pencil.
> Knowing which is which changes everything. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656598707151033))
> Buying a house? Pretty irreversible.
> Trying a new hairstyle? Totally reversible.
> This question helps you:
> • Allocate the right amount of mental energy
> • Take calculated risks
> • Avoid decision paralysis
> It's like having a safety net for your choices. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656610619011481))
> Question 4: What would you think about this if it were someone else's decision?
> This isn't just a thought experiment. It's a superpower.
> Here's why Kahneman loves this question... ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656622421815690))
> Our brains are wired with an "inside view" - we're too close to our own choices.
> But imagine your best friend facing the same dilemma.
> Suddenly, you're a genius of objectivity.
> For example:
> You're considering quitting your job to start a business.
> Risky, right? ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656634190995688))
> Now imagine your friend wants to do the same.
> You'd probably ask about their savings, market research, and backup plan.
> See the difference?
> This question turns your emotional decision into a logical analysis.
> It's like having a personal board of directors in your head. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656646140604700))
> Question 5: What would I think about this a year from now?
> Kahneman knows our brains are time-traveling fools.
> We overvalue the present and underestimate the future.
> This question is your time machine.
> Think about it:
> Remember that "urgent" work crisis from last year? ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656657989513669))
> Yeah, neither does anyone else.
> But that small investment you made? It's grown into something beautiful.
> This question helps you see the forest, not just the trees.
> It's your shield against short-term thinking and knee-jerk reactions. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656670018703738))
> Question 6: What would I advise a friend to do in this situation?
> Kahneman knows you're smarter than you think... when it comes to other people's problems.
> This question taps into that hidden wisdom. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656681771212941))
> Why?
> 1. You're emotionally detached
> 2. You want the best for your friends
> 3. You see their blind spots
> Imagine your friend is considering a major career change.
> What advice would you give?
> Now apply that sage wisdom to yourself.
> Boom. You just became your own best advisor. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656693473251723))
> Question 7: What's the quality of the evidence?
> Kahneman doesn't trust your "trustworthy" sources.
> He wants you to put on your detective hat and investigate. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656705494200671))
> Ask yourself:
> 1. Where did this information come from?
> 2. Is it peer-reviewed or just someone's opinion?
> 3. Are there conflicting studies or viewpoints?
> For example:
> You read a headline: "Coffee cures cancer!"
> Before you start chugging espresso, dig deeper. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656717284380975))
> Is it a single study or a meta-analysis?
> Who funded the research?
> What do other experts say?
> This question turns you from an information consumer into a critical thinker.
> It's your BS detector in a world of misinformation. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656729586176165))
> Question 8: What are the opposing arguments?
> Kahneman knows your brain loves to play favorites.
> This question forces you to consider the other side.
> Why it matters:
> 1. It challenges your assumptions
> 2. It prepares you for potential pitfalls
> 3. It might change your mind (gasp) ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656741439320549))
> Try this:
> Before your next big decision, play devil's advocate.
> List all the reasons why it might be a terrible idea.
> You'll either strengthen your resolve or avoid a costly mistake.
> Win-win. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656753472844057))
> Remember: Your brain is trying to trick you. These questions are your secret weapon.
> Use them wisely. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656765418111009))
> RT the quote below if you found this thread valuable.
> Follow me @oledoteth for more threads on investing, entrepreneurship, and health. ([View Tweet](https://twitter.com/itsolelehmann/status/1867656777455874285))