Thinking Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman presents his book as an accessible introduction to experimental psychology, summarizing key findings from the past four decades. He explains the scientific method applied in social science, including hypothesis creation, clever experiments, and data analysis. He explores the historical roots of the field, mentioning influential thinkers like Bernoulli and David Hume. Ultimately, Kahneman reveals that while our brains are highly efficient for many tasks, they often struggle with accuracy in certain mental processes, leading to behavioral fallacies. This vulnerability exposes us to manipulation, not through overt means, but through subtle influences and small steps. The book highlights how social media platforms, governments, media, and populist leaders exploit these cognitive weaknesses, effectively exerting a form of collective mind control.