Less (Information) Is More

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  Posted By: Alpha @ 11/30/2007 12:29:08 AM

  Gut feelings aren't really "quick and dirty". They are the result of our pre-cognitive lowewr brain structures processing massive amounts of information and sending signals to our conscious minds to eliminate choices incongruent with our prior learning or desires. Neuroscientist A. Damasio calls them "somatic markers". The Franklin method is a very left-brain approach. 1. Left brain just cannot process the amount of information available to the lower brain structures 2. When you eliminate items from the pro/con list, you are using somatic markers anyway. Conclusion: we should not throw out the left brain but train it to be tuned into the non-cognitive input. Then you get the best of both worlds.

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  Posted By: DMVL @ 11/28/2007 10:07:41 PM

  Snap decisions probably work for shopping, i.e., check Consumer Reports if you are buying electronics and just go with their "best buy" or what color to paint your walls. However, you might want to take a bit more time to consider your situation if it involves a medical decision, a new job, or a dropping a load of money on a house or car. Still, you need to consider how much time and information really is necessary. At some point you just have to make a decision and live with it.

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  Posted By: Ron Paul For Pope @ 11/28/2007 5:08:28 PM

  Hear, hear. Well said. Let's throw Intelligent Design into that pot, too.