An interesting book about how people think. Talented people who can anticipate events effectively “chunk” data together and look for themes as a way to decide what to do. Wayne Gretzky the famous hockey player did NOT have size, speed, or a great shot. What he had was the ability to anticipate what was going to happen.
The authors use a number of different examples to show how raw data alone does not make for good decision making. It is the ability to chunk large amounts of data into a decision that often “feels” right.
Looking at data that “happened” is not as powerful as looking at data that is “happening now”. Creating computer software that anticipates a power grid that may go out, is better than software that repairs a power grid that went out.
Pretty interesting book and confirms a couple of my beliefs:
1. more data does not necessarily mean better decisions
2. you need to practice and work hard so that you are familiar with how things work. “The harder you work, the luckier you get” idea.
3. as in the Happenstance Theory, trusting your hunches is a key component in decision making.
All in all, it was a good thought provoking book.
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