Rolf Dobelli on the challenge of youth

Our sample sizes are too small, our decisions rushed - or, in the language of statisticians, not representative.  We rely on a false impression of reality, believing that with a few random spot tests we can find the man or woman of our dreams, our ideal job, the best place to live.  Sure, it might work out - if so, then I'm thrilled for you - but if it does, it will only be by a stroke of good fortune, and nobody should pin their hopes on that.

The world is much bigger, richer and more diverse than we imagine, so try to take as many samples as you can while you're still young.  Your first years of adulthood aren't about earning money or building a career.  They're about getting acquainted with the universe of possibility.  Be extremely receptive.  Taste whatever fate dishes up.  Read widely, because novels and short stories are excellent simulations of life.  Only as you age should you adapt your modus operandi and become highly selective.  By then you'll know what you like and what you don't.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, "The Secretary Problem," pp. 192-193

Rolf Dobelli on world improvers

The notion than an individual can change the world is one of the greatest ideologies of our century - and one of its grandest illusions.  In it, two cognitive biases are intertwined.  One is the focusing illusion, which we saw Daniel Kahneman explain in Chapter 11: "Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it."  When you peer at a map through a magnifying glass, the areas you're looking at are enlarged.  Our attention functions in much the same way: when we're engrossed in our campaign to change the world, its significance appears much greater than it actually is.  We systematically overestimate the importance of our projects.

The second cognitive bias is known as the intentional stance, a term coined by the American philosopher Daniel Dennett.  Under the intentional stance we assume an intention behind every change - regardless of whether or not it was actually intentional.  So when the Iron Curtain fell in 1989, it was because somebody had deliberately brought about its collapse.  The end of apartheid in South Africa would not have been possible without a campaigner like Nelson Mandela.  India needed Gandhi to gain independence.  Smartphones needed Steve Jobs.  Without Oppenheimer, no atomic bomb.  Without Einstein, no relativity theory.  Without Benz, no cars.  Without Tim Berners-Lee, no World Wide Web.  Behind every global development we posit a human being willing it into existence.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life (2017), "The Illusion of Changing the World - Part I," p. 163

Rolf Dobelli on long-term thinking and persistence

Once you've identified your circle of competence, stick to it as long as possible.  Likewise if you find a good spouse, a suitable place to live or a rewarding hobby.  Perseverance, tenacity and long-term thinking are highly valuable yet underrated virtues.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, "The Secret of Persistence," p. 61

Rolf Dobelli on the dogma trap

In sum: think independently, don't be too faithful to the party line, and above all give dogmas a wide berth.  The quicker you understand that you don't understand the world, the better you'll understand the world. 

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, "The Dogma Trap," p. 149

Rolf Dobelli on the value of inflexibility

The second reason inflexibility is so valuable has to do with reputation.  By being consistent on certain topics, you signal where you stand and establish the areas where there's no room for negotiation...  If you lead a life consistent with your pledges - whatever those look like - people will gradually start to leave you in peace.  Legendary investor Warren Buffett, for instance, refuses on principle to negotiate.  If you want to sell him your company, you've got exactly one shot...  Buffett has acquired such a reputation for inflexibility that he's now guaranteed to be offered the best deal right from the word go, without wasting any time on haggling.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, p. 11