Blink: First Impression

One of the books I've been reading today is Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell. This new book, by the author of The Tipping Point is a well-written journalist's view of the phenomenon psychologists call thin slicing.

Says Gladwell:

"Thin-slicing" refers to the ability of our unconscious mind to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience.

Thin slicing is, if you will, a small sampling which, when quickly measured against our previous experiences and knowledge, yields a snap decision.

While so far, Gladwell appears intent on commending a greater confidence in our subconscious decision-making powers, he also is aware that there is "dark side" to thin-slicing. To my mind, this is exhibited when people with insufficient experience or unfair prejudices make snap judgments. According to Gladwell, snap judgments are those made by informed people for reasons they may not be able to empirically explain, but which are later supported by empirical inquiry.

As I continue to make my way through this fascinating book, I'll present other ideas it contains and the ideas it spawns in me. Meanwhile, read the book!