Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

By Malcolm Gladwell

Book Overview

Discover the landmark book about the power of first impressions that has revolutionized the way we understand intuition and decision making, from #1 bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell.

In his breakthrough bestseller The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell redefined how we understand the world around us. Now, in Blink, he transforms the way we understand the world within.

Blink is a book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant--in the blink of an eye--that actually aren't as simple as they seem. Why are some people brilliant decision makers, while others are consistently inept? Why do some people follow their instincts and win, while others end up stumbling into error? How do our brains really work--in the office, in the classroom, in the kitchen, and in the bedroom? And why are the best decisions often those that are impossible to explain to others? In Blink we meet the psychologist who has learned to predict whether a marriage will last, based on a few minutes of observing a couple; the tennis coach who knows when a player will double-fault before the racket even makes contact with the ball; the antiquities experts who recognize a fake at a glance. Here, too, are great failures of "blink" the election of Warren Harding; "New Coke"; and the shooting of Amadou Diallo by police. Blink reveals that great decision makers aren't those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of "thin-slicing"--filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316010669
• ISBN13: 9780316010665
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Little, Brown Paperbacks
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Close but no cigar.

Malcolm Gladwell is a great speaker and brings up many subjects related to “the power of thinking without thinking.” From his writing, it is clear he is well-read. If you have not read most of the books he references, you will need to spend more time looking things up than reading what he has to say. However, during his presentation, you realize that, even though n-o-b-o-d-y can know everything, there are some significant gaps. An example is when he talks about the military having a red team play a blue team and make quick decisions rather than over-informed ones; he does explain that the quick decision-makers have also had lots of training. Yet what he is trying to say and has overlooked is that the main military training is to carry out the commander’s intention. It is keeping in mind the commander's intention, not just spur-of-the-moment actions, that is the real advantage of quick and independent decision-making. Of course, there is also the target of opportunity. We also have a long dissertation on Coke Vs. Pepsi. His point is well taken about asking people directly which they like best. Yet, New Coke was a calculated 1984 plan to wean people off a sugar-based drink and replace it with a corn-based drink. Coke Classic is not Coke Original. Another impression is that he thinks Knott's Berry Farm is at the top of his jam list. One time at Knott's Berry Farm, I lost a fortune in quarters playing the Asteroids Arcade Machine. I still like their Jam. There is a drawn-out section on mind-reading (he means facial expression recognition). It does make a point, but it makes it the hard way. It is spooky how, in temporary autism, he mentions the phenomenon of time slowing down in a shooting situation. I have been in that situation (Vietnam), but did not realize it was common, as I never heard anyone else describe it that way. Setting aside my interpretations, I guess Malcolm deserves that cigar for a well-put-together presentation with no side fluff.

Fascinating

An excellent read, fascinating how the mind works subconsciously

re-ignited my interest in psychology.

Gave it a 4 star because at times the points were somewhat redundant. However, I've read a lot of good reviews on this author and cannot wait to get my hands on some of his other work.

Great author.

No exception to other great books by Malcolm Gladwell. Excellent.

Without a Thought !

Blink is a " must read " about the power and accuracy of our first impressions and intuitions about people and events. Malcolm Gladwell skillfully presents several case studies that inspire me to recognize my own intuitive talent and also to notice my tendencies to dismiss my intuitive knowing in favor of analysis and self-doubt. He cleverly examines stereotyping and predjudice, and demonstrates how this influences and distorts our intuition. As a result of this book, I feel more confident and freer to express myself spontaneously! Tuning in to my first impressions is fun and actually gives me a greater sense of well-being and living in the moment, wow! Another great source of well-being and Instantaneous Transformation is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment by Ariel and Shya Kane. This lovely anthology gives me a window into living with ease and transforms everyday circumstances into life giving opportunities. I can experience enlightenment now! Without any complicated discipline, Guru, or hoops to jump through. Thanks to the Kanes and Gladwell for giving us modern day access to a truly satisfying life.

Entretenido e interesante

Un libro diferente, que aunque trata de investigaciones científicas resulta muy ameno y fácil de leer. Muy bien escrito. Absolutamente recomendable.