Blink

The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

By: Malcolm Gladwell

Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The landmark book that has revolutionized the way we understand leadership and decision making - from number-one best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell.

In his landmark best seller The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell redefined how we understand the world around us. Now, in Blink, he revolutionizes 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.

Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology and displaying all of the brilliance that made The Tipping Point a classic, Blink changes the way you understand every decision you make. Never again will you think about thinking the same way.

Don't miss any of Malcolm Gladwell's books, articles, and interviews.

©2005 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2005 Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

2005 Quill Award Nominee

"Gladwell's groundbreaking explication of a key aspect of human nature is enlightening, provocative, and great fun to read." (Booklist)

"Entertaining and illuminating." (Publishers Weekly)

Definitely worth the listen

Entertaining and interesting audio book. If you like Gladwell's style of writing, storytelling and explaining this book is no different.

Flip what you know upside down

As always, Malcolm Gladwell brings what you think the world looks like to a whole new light. Right when you thought you understand how the world works, and even yourself a little bit, he holds your hand and shows you...we have a lot left to learn.

Prepare yourself for a journey you won't forget.

Inspired

This book is very well written, I enjoy that he can tackle very sensitive subjects in America today and without bias and uses facts and studies to support what he thinks happens. This book supports understanding people and using that understanding to be better rather than bitter

great book. very informative.

I simply love the style in which Mr. Gladwell writes. This book does not disappoint.

Great stories

Interesting take on how the whole is not always the sum of its parts. Recommend.

Enthralling by Gladwell

Gladwell does it again. I see no reason to not ferociously recommend this book

inspiring and interesting

I love that kind of book. A lot of not obvious interesting put nicely together data based on research and makes you thoughtful.
This book encouraged me to actually practice not being racist or sexist. Which of course I'm not, in my perfect universe. But in fact, I am as we all are. Uncomfortable and inspiring truth about the human mind.

Blink, a slice of perfection

Thoughtful, data-driven and honest, Blink guides the reader into reflective analysis and understanding of first impressions, biases and human nature. This is my second Gladwell read and I am hooked! (A must read for HR professionals and any hiring authority.)

very insightful

it is beautiful. I appreciate the insights into the unconscious power of humanity. worth it

Great Use of My time

Some of the better audio books I’ve listen to are by Malcolm Gladwell. He speaks clearly and at a pace that isn’t boring and keeps me from speeding it up.

Blink taught me the basics of thin slicing, which was a concept that is completely new to me. Also going deep into improving your snap judgement & fast decision making power.

I’ll likely remember for a long time the section on racial bias and Malcom’s antidote. Giving your mind’s computer better data to work off of and making sure you give every race good people & experiences to associate them with. It can be hard personally to acknowledge your flaws, here in this book it has acknowledged that it can be hard but necessarily for balance.

Last note is maybe 3 times while listening to this audio book I came across seconds that jump and repeated, tried going back over them but they seem to occur every time I listen to those 5 - 10 second sections.

OUTSTANDING