How We Decide

About the Author

Jonah Lehrer, an editor-at-large for Seed magazine, is a distinguished writer and thinker in the field of neuroscience. He is the author of Proust Was a Neuroscientist and runs two influential blogs, Mind Matters and The Frontal Cortex. Lehrer's academic journey includes graduating from Columbia University and being a Rhodes Scholar. His work in the laboratory of Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel has significantly influenced his writing. Lehrer has also contributed to prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge. His unique ability to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives makes him a powerful voice in modern science communication.

Main Idea

The core premise of How We Decide is that decision-making is a complex interplay of emotional and rational processes within the brain. Lehrer posits that understanding these processes can lead to better decision-making in both personal and professional contexts. He challenges the traditional view that rational thinking should dominate our choices, highlighting instead the critical role of emotions. By exploring various real-world scenarios and scientific studies, Lehrer illustrates how our brains navigate the intricate pathways of making decisions, often in ways that defy purely logical analysis.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Power of Decisions
• Chapter 1: The Emotional Brain
• Chapter 2: The Rational Brain
• Chapter 3: The Power of Intuition
• Chapter 4: The Limits of Reason
• Chapter 5: Decision-Making in Practice
• Chapter 6: The Future of Decision-Making

In-Depth Analysis

The Emotional Brain

Lehrer opens his exploration with the concept of the emotional brain, emphasizing the significant impact of emotions on our decision-making processes. He uses the metaphor of a quarterback in football to illustrate how decisions are often felt rather than consciously thought out. This metaphor is not just a literary tool but a reflection of how our brains operate under pressure. The quarterback, in the heat of the moment, relies on a blend of instinct and learned responses to make split-second decisions. Lehrer argues that this is a microcosm of how all human decisions are made.