Making Decisions Without Thinking

I am reading a book titled "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell that deals with the power of thinking without thinking. It is diagnosing making decision in a blink of eyes literally. What is so interesting about this book is that it tell stories about how gut feelings is often used in making decisions and how these decisions are often right, yet unable to be rationalise or explained, just that the previous book i read on Black Swan.

There have been numerous studies on how we use the conscious part of our brain to rationalise and comprehend the actions and feelings we have. But this book is about looking into our adaptive consciousness, where it can be prim without us knowing it. It also drill into how our unconsciousness will play a major role when we draw decisions and how bias and prejudices will come into us without us knowing. In one example, Gladwell referred to one of the President of USA - Warren Harding.

Warren Harding is the 29th President of the United State. He is arguably one of the most handsome Presidents. Often people got so carried away by his looks that they automatically build and impression of him unconsciously and block out other factors that are way more important when it comes to electing a President. During his 2 years tenures as the President, he has done little good for the country and was more into drinking, having fun and chasing over women. But what is that that has made him stood out? Because subconsciously we relate white males as good, intelligent, capable and handsomeness as the quality of a leader, whether or not intelligent level matters. Warren was quoted as the worst President ever. Has there not anymore more capable leader around to be the President? There was, but Warren stood out because of all the qualities mentioned.

In another study, it was found that approximately 55% of the CEOs in America is more than 6 feet tall and they are all white males. Another study revealed that the taller you are, the higher your salary will be, approximately a $700 more for any inch taller. Amazing isnt it? And there are studies that revealed that no matter how un-bias or un-prejudice we said we are, subconsciously we are. Just like how we have always related troubles and bad to darker skin races. Just like how we always relate qualities such as sensitive, caring, loving to women. I wouldnt want to admit that but i remembered how frightful i was when i was in San Francisco when i was younger. Did something bad happened to me? No, nothing. It just the thought of being surrounded by Black Americans frighten me. And a few months ago when i was in the airport waiting to check in, i was afraid as well, all because there were many Black Americans queuing same as me, boarding the same flight. What a shame.

For those who wants to test out if they are really un-bias or un-prejudice, check out this website www.implicit.harvard.edu and try the on-going study they are conducting. If your results show that you are indeed a very neutral person, congratulations to you. If not, then it's time for you to rethink of yourself and be less bias and prejudice.

I think i will have plenty to think about starting today onwards.