Book #11: Blink

Blink by Malcom Gladwell

This book fascinated me. Gladwell explores the idea that our gut instincts are (usually) dead-on, but because most of us don't know how to interpret our feelings, we end up over-analyzing and making mistakes in judgement. A fully executed blink lasts around two seconds, and according to Gladwell, this is the amount of time it takes to truly get a first impression of someone or something.

I heard Gladwell speak at a conference last year, and his lecture was mesmerizing. His writing is much the same. He doesn't use so much scientific jargon that you can't easily understand his point, and he uses interesting subjects to illustrate his points.

The power of the subconscious truly is amazing - how many times have we met someone and thought "Hmmm...I really don't like that guy/girl," but can't put a finger on why? Or been in a situation and suddenly realized that it wasn't a good one? Blink attempts to answer just how we intuitively know these things, and gives some ideas on how to hone that intuition so we can use it to our best ability.

I have to admit...I felt a little smarter after I read this book. And slightly psychic.