Thinking, Fast and Slow

By: Daniel Kahneman

Narrated by: Patrick Egan

Length: 20 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The guru to the gurus at last shares his knowledge with the rest of us. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's seminal studies in behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, and happiness studies have influenced numerous other authors, including Steven Pinker and Malcolm Gladwell. In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman at last offers his own, first book for the general public. It is a lucid and enlightening summary of his life's work. It will change the way you think about thinking.

Two systems drive the way we think and make choices, Kahneman explains: System One is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System Two is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Examining how both systems function within the mind, Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities as well as the biases of fast thinking and the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and our choices. Engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, he shows where we can trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking, contrasting the two-system view of the mind with the standard model of the rational economic agent.

Kahneman's singularly influential work has transformed cognitive psychology and launched the new fields of behavioral economics and happiness studies. In this path-breaking book, Kahneman shows how the mind works, and offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and personal lives - and how we can guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 Daniel Kahneman (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A tour de force... Kahneman’s book is a must read for anyone interested in either human behavior or investing. He clearly shows that while we like to think of ourselves as rational in our decision making, the truth is we are subject to many biases. At least being aware of them will give you a better chance of avoiding them, or at least making fewer of them.” (Larry Swedroe, CBS News)

“A major intellectual event... The work of Kahneman and Tversky was a crucial pivot point in the way we see ourselves.” (David Brooks, The New York Times)

“[Thinking, Fast and Slow] is wonderful, of course. To anyone with the slightest interest in the workings of his own mind, it is so rich and fascinating that any summary would seem absurd.” (Michael Lewis, Vanity Fair)

A book about human biases

I learned about so many biases that occur in our thinking process. The book defines two fictitious systems and use them to tell the findings of researchers in psychology and economics about decision making. I wish there was a summary of those biases at the end of the book.

Excellent story telling about many research projects

I really enjoyed reading this book, but I do think the author had some challenges in writing to a group of “non-PhD’s.” Even though some of it was difficult to follow, I would highly encourage anybody to read this book as it can have so many applications in your career and personal lives.

Excellent information with contradictory nuances

The delivery of the content both the reader and structure of the information are both excellent. The ideas and theories are interesting and logical. I do think there are points made it in the book where biases that the author had pointed out, at least from my interpretation of the information seemed to conflict with other ideas mentioned on the book as well. However, maybe while digesting the information I missed parts that would clear up my understanding of ideas portrayed.

I think this was worth spending the time to listen, and I'll definitely listen to it again to refresh my memory and understand some of the concepts better. I'm sure time and experience will change my viewpoint as well.

As a neuroscience, this book is incredible

This book is truly a must read for any psychologist, or behavioral neuroscientist. Incredibly thoughtful and precise, thinking fast and slow is one of the best, if not the best book I have ever read

Fantastic and Enlightening Read

It's one of the most eye-opening books I've read on human behavior. It really puts a mirror to yourself and others on how we act and think. While I've known loosely about these concepts, the details of what goes on in the human mind is pretty astounding especially the errors it makes. Overall, it's a great read. My only complaint would be that it's quite long for an audio book and might cause you to lose interest after a while. As far as the reader performance, I at first didn't like Patrick Egan's unusually monotone reading of the book; however, you get used to it. It's still a really good reading of the book.

A Modern Masterpiece

This book will transform the way you think about thought itself. It should be required reading for every college student.

A timeless definition of Human decision making

Humans have different modes. some have 2..some have more. essentially every aspect of your life and every decision made depends on two factors.. please read this to understand your mind. great research..good narration

A Book For Life Long Decision Making

I studied and absorbed this book over a period of four days. I could not get enough. I found myself in deep conversation about the book with every person I spoke with. I have several pages of notes and ideas of which I plan to explore and integrate into my life.

Good but tedious

Excellent book. Well documented. A bit over my head in terms of being able to apply.

Fascinating

Absolutely fascinating. Definitely worth every second of listening. Learned a lot about what influences my decisions.