Title: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Format: Paperback
We are at a point in time when the interaction period between two people is shortening and information passes between two people at an increasingly rapid rate. The global reach of individuals is now extensive and continues to grow with technology. Due to these advancement in interaction between people, first impressions are imperative.
In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell, composes an astounding analysis and study of first impressions. Referred to as “thin-slicing”, Gladwell cites dozens of examples of situations that, for better or worse, were greatly changed due to thin-slicing and first impressions.
This book is a must-read. It flows very smoothly. Gladwell has the ability to extend profound knowledge while keeping a conversational vocabulary. This makes it interesting and educational to everyone, which is quite important because an underlying theme to this book is that thin-slicing is something everybody should consider. Gladwell also keeps the analysis flowing smoothly by using dozens of everyday examples to which everyone can relate.
My understanding of the conclusion in Blink is that there are two types of quick decision-making that should be used in two different ways. First, there is instinctive decision making. This is often done subconsciously. Gladwell argues that this should be used in very large, quick-decision matters, such as choosing a mate, deciding on a job, or even life-and-death decisions. These also work best in areas where you have been trained and tested extensively. If you are a policeman and have been shot at many times, when you are shot at again, you are better off trusting your instincts rather than thinking through the situation.
On the other hand, if you are not trained and tested to make an important decision (such as shooting back at someone shooting at you), you may be better off trying to think it through correctly. Thinking it through carefully is the second type of first-reaction decision making. Gladwells argument as I understand it is that if the decision is fairly simple and straightforward, then it can be of greater reward to think it through. A decision such as what attire to wear to a job interview is probably best done after a bit of thought or even testing (what does your roommate think of your outfit).
While these two conclusions are important to understand, I do not give them the justice they deserve. His book is written to explain every part of these decisions. Most importantly, he dives into facial expression first impressions and social recognition, which is extremely interesting. He even explains how most of us hold a racial bias, whether we think we are racist or not. He studies the subconscious from a very broad, simple, research-proven stance.
This book will improve your life. Although it may only be for breif periods of realized decision-making, it is worth understanding when those decisions are life-changing.
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