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James Clear

What James Clear thinks about mental models

@james-clear · 23 positions · 0 changes of mind

Writer on habits and decision-making; author of Atomic Habits and the 3-2-1 newsletter, and publisher of long-running book recommendation lists.

Everything they publish, on ppll ↗

James Clear did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

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Only James Clear on mental models. See everyone on mental models

6 dated positions, 2017, in their own words. Our reading of what James Clear has said — not written or endorsed by them.

  1. by

    Our readingA mental model is an explanation of how something works, and each one helps in understanding a different part of life, such as markets, trust or decay.

    Their wordsMental models help you understand life. For example, supply and demand is a mental model that helps you understand how the economy works. Game theory is a mental model that helps you understand how relationships and trust work. Entropy is a mental model that helps you understand how disorder and decay work.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 1st of 6 in this piece

  3. by

    Our readingLearning a new mental model can give a person a new way to see the world, much as a new math technique does.

    Their wordsMental models also guide your perception and behavior. They are the thinking tools that you use to understand life, make decisions, and solve problems. Learning a new mental model gives you a new way to see the world—like Richard Feynman learning a new math technique.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 2nd of 6 in this piece

  5. by

    Our readingMental models are imperfect but useful: no single one explains everything, yet the best of them have let people build and travel.

    physics

    Their wordsMental models are imperfect, but useful. There is no single mental model from physics or engineering, for example, that provides a flawless explanation of the entire universe, but the best mental models from those disciplines have allowed us to build bridges and roads, develop new technologies, and even travel to outer space.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 3rd of 6 in this piece

  7. by

    Our readingThe best mental models are the ones with the most utility, and a broad base of them is needed to think clearly, rationally and effectively.

    Their wordsThe best mental models are the ideas with the most utility. They are broadly useful in daily life. Understanding these concepts will help you make wiser choices and take better actions. This is why developing a broad base of mental models is critical for anyone interested in thinking clearly, rationally, and effectively.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 4th of 6 in this piece

  9. by

    Our readingOf the thousands of mental models, the ones worth having are those that apply broadly to life.

    Their wordsThere are thousands of mental models, but the best ones apply broadly to life and are useful in a wide range of situations.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 5th of 6 in this piece

  11. by

    Our readingA few dozen mental models are enough to get a firm grasp of how the world works.

    Their wordsOf all the mental models humankind has generated throughout history, there are just a few dozen that you need to master to have a firm grasp of how the world works.

    ↗Mental Models: Learn How to Think Better and Gain a Mental Edgejamesclear.com 6th of 6 in this piece