A four volume mental models book series that explains thinking tools from science, math, economics, and art.
Shane Parrish and the Farnam Street team built this series as an encyclopedia of big ideas from core disciplines.
The chapters are short, use real examples, and focus on how each idea applies to daily decisions.
The set works as a reference for decision making, not a one time read.
Volume 1 covers nine general thinking concepts. You get inversion, second-order thinking, first principles, and Occam's Razor, among others.
Volume 2 takes more than 20 ideas from physics, chemistry, and biology, including leverage, inertia, activation energy, and ecosystems.
Volume 3 covers over 24 concepts from systems theory and math, such as feedback loops, equilibrium, churn, irreducibility, and surface area.
Volume 4 adds 24 ideas from economics and art, including monopoly and competition, audience, plot, and optimization.
What you will learn:
How to spot hidden connections and avoid common pitfalls that trap smart people.
How to solve problems backward with inversion and anticipate cascading effects with second-order thinking.
How to spot root causes and use activation energy to start a project or habit.
How to tell healthy change from destructive change using feedback loops, equilibrium, and churn.
How to spot emerging opportunities and craft compelling narratives.
Ideal for: readers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates who want practical thinking tools.