Insights from ‘Think Again’ by Adam Grant Flashcards
When was the last time you changed your mind? Why is changing one’s mind beneficial according to Adam Grant?
Changing one’s mind, especially after careful reasoning, accelerates progress in any field and is a trait seen in successful individuals like superforecasters and highly ranked U.S. presidents.
True or False: Superforecasters change their minds less frequently than other forecasters before making predictions.
False
Fill in the blank: College students who reconsider their answers before submitting exams tend to have ______.
higher scores
What is the cycle that causes people to reinforce their beliefs without questioning them?
The overconfidence cycle: Form an opinion, seek supporting information, feel validated, and express the opinion confidently.
Name one of the three modes in which overconfidence is often displayed.
Preaching, Prosecuting, or Politicking
Define the ‘Preaching’ mode in the overconfidence cycle.
In preaching mode, people assert their beliefs with certainty to persuade others, which increases their own confidence in these beliefs, often ignoring contradictory data.
How does the ‘Prosecuting’ mode affect how people handle opposing beliefs?
In prosecuting mode, people dismiss good ideas from opponents and focus on disproving them, which can lead to missed opportunities for learning or growth.
Explain the concept of ‘Politicking’ in the context of overconfidence.
Politicking involves adopting others’ beliefs for acceptance or popularity, rather than based on evidence, often seen in political environments where popular opinions are adopted for support.
Who is the scientist Adam Grant quotes to illustrate the ‘Think Like a Scientist’ mindset?
Daniel Kahneman
Fill in the blank: Scientists view beliefs as _______, not fixed truths, and see new data as an opportunity to refine their understanding.
hypotheses
True or False: In scientist mode, changing one’s mind is considered intellectual integrity.
True
How does the ‘scientist mode’ differ from ‘preacher,’ ‘prosecutor,’ and ‘politician’ modes?
In scientist mode, changing one’s mind shows intellectual integrity and is based on logic and data, while in the other modes, it may signify moral weakness, defeat, or pandering.
What process can help maintain a cycle of rethinking?
The rethinking cycle: Doubt, Curiosity, Discovery, Confident Humility, and renewed Doubt.
What is ‘Confident Humility,’ and how does it relate to learning?
Confident humility is the recognition of one’s capacity to learn while remaining aware of what one doesn’t know, fostering a continuous learning mindset.
What is one practical way to keep oneself in the rethinking cycle?
Update a note with lists like ‘Things I don’t know’ and ‘Things I’ve learned recently.’
