Book Freak 135: How to Think Straight
Four pieces of advice from Darius Foroux's "Think Straight"
Book Freak is a newsletter with mental tools you can use to improve the quality of your life and the lives of others. In this issue: four pieces of advice from Think Straight by Darius Foroux.
Why your first reaction isn't always the most honest
“It’s a common belief that your first reaction is the most honest, but I disagree. Your first reaction is usually outdated. Either it’s an answer you came up with long ago and now use instead of thinking, or it’s triggering a knee-jerk emotional response to something that happened long ago.”
Why it's important to double-check small things
“Always double check. Small things can become big things.”
Get to know your brain
“If there is any instrument you must fall in love with and fetishize, it is the human brain—the most miraculous, awe-inspiring, information-processing tool devised in the known universe, with a complexity we can’t even begin to fathom, and with dimensional powers that far outstrip any piece of technology in sophistication and usefulness.”
Reduce mental clutter by focusing on what's within your control
“If you want to have useful thoughts, here’s a rule of thumb: Only think about things you can control. That automatically eliminates about 99% of your thoughts because there’s very little you control in life.”
Become a Book Freak Supporter!
You can subscribe to Book Freak at 50% off the standard rate for a limited time. Click the button below to get this special offer.
Unclassifieds
Buy a Book Freak Unclassified ad for $50 and reach over 11,700 readers!
I use a fantastic app called Reader, the first read-it-later / newsletter / RSS-reading / web-highlighting app for power readers. Save everything to one place, highlight like a pro, and replace several apps with Reader. Book Freak readers can try it free for 60 days.
***
The Magnet is Book Freak editor Mark Frauenfelder’s newsletter of curiosities across space and time. Subscribe here for a special Book Freak reader discount!
***
1440 is the daily newsletter helping 2M+ Americans stay informed — it’s news without motives, edited to be unbiased as humanly possible. Culture, science, sports, politics, business, and everything in between - in a five-minute read each morning, 100% free. Sign up now!
***
Setapp is a hand-picked collection of quality software, packed with prime apps. There’s no store — just a folder on the Mac, and no hidden costs — just a flat monthly fee. It’s simple, and users love it. Try it here!
***
Powerful ideas in 15 minutes. Join Blinkist and start upleveling your small talk game. Get access to over 5,000 book titles alongside 20 million other readers. Get Your Free Trial Now
Book Freak is published by Cool Tools Lab, a small company of three people. We run the Cool Tools website, a video reviews YouTube channel, and other newsletters, including Gar’s Tips & Tools, What’s in my NOW?, and Recomendo. You can support our work by becoming a patron via Patreon.