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The 25 Cognitive Biases: Uncovering The Myth Of Rational Thinking
We humans applaud our ability to be rational, objective thinkers. In reality this is not the case at all. We all have the tendency to overestimate our rationality to the point of denying reality. The many ways in which we do this are collectively called cognitive biases. Our brain may be the most complicated thinking machine but it is not without limitations. In our attempt to understand the world around us through our lens we simplify things and fall prey to cognitive biases. Sometimes these biases are caused by heuristics or mental shortcuts which help us reach quick judgments when we have little time. At other times our judgment is clouded by situational factors and inner motivations and emotions. However we are not completely helpless in this aspect. Knowing these biases exist can help us avoid them through conscious efforts. We need to be able to recognize these biases in our decision making. They are inevitable in most cases but they are not impossible to bypass.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2015
87 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2021
I was having fun reading this but the book is very short.
July 12, 2022
This is a very short book, 32 pages, containing a list of 25 cognitive biases. There is no profound explanation of cognitive biases and why they exist. If you're OK with that and want the list to learn more about biases, this book is for you.
January 8, 2022
A informative yet compact read.
Highlights the systematic deviations in our thinking that prevents us from having accurate insights and from making rational judgement.
Usefully explains what the bias is, gives examples and also touches on practical steps to avoid each bias.
Highlights the systematic deviations in our thinking that prevents us from having accurate insights and from making rational judgement.
Usefully explains what the bias is, gives examples and also touches on practical steps to avoid each bias.
September 22, 2024
Someone asked if I’d take a look at this and recommend or not.
Not.
Many problems. Let’s start with “The” 25 cognitive biases. There are more than 25, and many of the ones included here aren’t even the “good” ones. The descriptions and examples provided are bare bones and sometimes don’t actually follow. I couldn’t find anything on the author (admittedly, I only searched for 20 minutes or so), but at times I felt as if English is not the native language (that’s not a problem, ever, just that some phrasing and those examples again don’t click.)
Extra star because any book, however short, about the subject and which is not total nonsense is still good … enough to serve as a jumping off point. Type “cognitive biases” in a search engines and you’ll be far better served.
Not.
Many problems. Let’s start with “The” 25 cognitive biases. There are more than 25, and many of the ones included here aren’t even the “good” ones. The descriptions and examples provided are bare bones and sometimes don’t actually follow. I couldn’t find anything on the author (admittedly, I only searched for 20 minutes or so), but at times I felt as if English is not the native language (that’s not a problem, ever, just that some phrasing and those examples again don’t click.)
Extra star because any book, however short, about the subject and which is not total nonsense is still good … enough to serve as a jumping off point. Type “cognitive biases” in a search engines and you’ll be far better served.
October 31, 2017
This book is a great overview of the 25 cognitive biases that make human beings much less rational than we think we are.
I would like the authors to go a bit more in depth than he did with more examples. However, this is a great start for understanding the surface levels of each of our cognitive biases.
I would like the authors to go a bit more in depth than he did with more examples. However, this is a great start for understanding the surface levels of each of our cognitive biases.
October 9, 2018
Awesome, informative and concise
It was short concise and informative. It spoke about what are the biases and what can be done to do a better job of not falling into the trap of each specific biases listed.
It was short concise and informative. It spoke about what are the biases and what can be done to do a better job of not falling into the trap of each specific biases listed.
November 20, 2018
Solid Information
If you are expecting granular information in this book, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for exposure to the 25 biases that you will understand and absorb, you will get value from this short read.
If you are expecting granular information in this book, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for exposure to the 25 biases that you will understand and absorb, you will get value from this short read.
April 4, 2020
Quick read and a good resource
If you’re looking for a resource on cognitive biases that isn’t filled with jargon, this text is a great choice. Each bias presented contains a definition, an explanation, an example, and steps you can take to avoid making the mistake.
If you’re looking for a resource on cognitive biases that isn’t filled with jargon, this text is a great choice. Each bias presented contains a definition, an explanation, an example, and steps you can take to avoid making the mistake.
January 27, 2022
A quick must read for anyone with a brain. Knowledge of cognitive biases should be at the core of our education system. And recent world events remind us of how cognitive biases, in the past, and still today plague our societies
June 19, 2017
just amazing
August 5, 2018
Short but useful
A very quick read but clearly got the messages across. Although very short, it is also packed with advice and stories.
A very quick read but clearly got the messages across. Although very short, it is also packed with advice and stories.
February 22, 2019
Good summary of cognitive bias.
Quick read. Very easy to understand. Would make a great desk reference with which to check your thinking. Would use it myself.
Quick read. Very easy to understand. Would make a great desk reference with which to check your thinking. Would use it myself.
August 19, 2019
Succinct
Tidy little treatise on bias. You’ll know most of these but the explanation is useful to recognize them in yourself.
Tidy little treatise on bias. You’ll know most of these but the explanation is useful to recognize them in yourself.
January 15, 2020
Pretty short.. Will give you shallow understanding of each biases but its enlightening in some way also
July 9, 2020
Concise and handy. Keeping track of our own biases can be straightforward.
January 11, 2021
This is really short (32 pages), and I'm a little embarrassed at how helpful it is.
Worst bias: projection bias.
Worst bias: projection bias.
August 14, 2022
Short and simple introductory examples of different types of biases.
August 13, 2023
A thin book
Nice to get a listing of these biases but found chapters a bit lacking. Some more examples would be nice
Nice to get a listing of these biases but found chapters a bit lacking. Some more examples would be nice
October 9, 2025
Interesante lectura que te menciona brevemente 25 sesgos cognitivos para que los tengas en cuenta al momento de tomar decisiones.
Read
February 24, 2018Xoxo
Very knowledgeable and thought provoking type ..helps to understand world and human nature minding the business of your life and working it
Very knowledgeable and thought provoking type ..helps to understand world and human nature minding the business of your life and working it
March 15, 2016
Over the years I have heard and referred to many of the 25 cognitive biases. Yet I had never sat down and actually read through each and every one to understand what they are and how they can impact on our day to day lives. Charles Holm put together a short book which reviews each of the 25 the cognitive biases, provides a definition and provides examples of how they relate in the workplace, at home or in the various relationships we have.
What I found beneficial is that I was able to better understand the common cognitive biases such as the anchoring effect, halo effect, self-serving bias than I previously did. Moreover I was able to take some of the other biases and think about how they impact me on a daily basis.
I would recommend this book as it is a very quick read and provides a nice introduction into this topic where more books/information would delve deeper.
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. The "Bias Blind Spot" cognitive bias is really a culmination of many of the biases. Essentially we create blind spots in our thinking and communication based off biases.
2. The "Hyperbolic Discounting" cognitive bias is used massively in marketing using the temporal proximity effect. Essentially taking a smaller reward sooner versus waiting for the larger reward.
3. The "Curse of Knowledge" cognitive bias. I have been using the term academic creep for quite some time to describe how our knowledge on a topic increases over time. In turn this leads us to believe others trying to learn this knowledge become increasing dumber. It helps that we put ourselves in their perspective and realise that we had to start somewhere as well.
What I found beneficial is that I was able to better understand the common cognitive biases such as the anchoring effect, halo effect, self-serving bias than I previously did. Moreover I was able to take some of the other biases and think about how they impact me on a daily basis.
I would recommend this book as it is a very quick read and provides a nice introduction into this topic where more books/information would delve deeper.
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. The "Bias Blind Spot" cognitive bias is really a culmination of many of the biases. Essentially we create blind spots in our thinking and communication based off biases.
2. The "Hyperbolic Discounting" cognitive bias is used massively in marketing using the temporal proximity effect. Essentially taking a smaller reward sooner versus waiting for the larger reward.
3. The "Curse of Knowledge" cognitive bias. I have been using the term academic creep for quite some time to describe how our knowledge on a topic increases over time. In turn this leads us to believe others trying to learn this knowledge become increasing dumber. It helps that we put ourselves in their perspective and realise that we had to start somewhere as well.
July 19, 2016
Great book, would like to see more real world examples
Concise, nice structure. Would really like to see more real world examples and questions to the reader to reinforce the chapter bias. Tying it to faulty arguments would be a nice addition. Example, in confirmation bias talk about "cherry picking." Also would like to see a quick summary of the biases. Altogether a lot of info in a small space.
Concise, nice structure. Would really like to see more real world examples and questions to the reader to reinforce the chapter bias. Tying it to faulty arguments would be a nice addition. Example, in confirmation bias talk about "cherry picking." Also would like to see a quick summary of the biases. Altogether a lot of info in a small space.
January 29, 2016
Simple fast and accurate
Quick and easy read of the biases. Highly recommended for everyone who wants to improve their life. He shows examples and stores to help you understand.
Quick and easy read of the biases. Highly recommended for everyone who wants to improve their life. He shows examples and stores to help you understand.
February 4, 2016
الكتاب مختصر ورائع يتكلم عن المغالطات الفكرية أو التمييز الادراكى ويمكن انهاؤه فى يوم
April 9, 2020
Very great summary of some (not all!) cognitive biases we have.
January 28, 2021
A list of cognitive biases we all should be aware of. The list is by no means complete, but it gives us great insight as to why we make wrong decisions and stupid mistakes all the time.
October 18, 2024
I wish I would've known about cognitive biases and logical fallacies in my teenage years. I could've avoided sooooooo many blunders.
April 11, 2016
a yes yes book
April 18, 2017
Good introductory source on the subject, apparently in consonance with what is presented in books about social engineering, Psychology 101 manuals and such.
Just hope my evaluation isn't biased...
Just hope my evaluation isn't biased...
April 4, 2018
If you read this book and apply it to your personality type, the ones around you and start recognizing it in strangers you are hooked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews