Heuristics from Lindy Books

How do we make good decisions in a world of uncertainty, limited time, and incomplete information? The answer, as many timeless books suggest, is not more data or more complex models — it's simpler rules that have stood the test of time. In this session, we'll explore cognitive heuristics as they appear across lindy books — from Herbert Simon's concept of bounded rationality and satisficing, to Gerd Gigerenzer's research on fast-and-frugal rules that often outperform complex calculations, to the practical decision-making wisdom found throughout Nassim Taleb's Incerto. We'll discuss questions like: Why do simple rules of thumb often beat elaborate analysis? What makes a heuristic ecologically rational — and when do heuristics fail? How do lindy books across different centuries and cultures converge on similar decision-making principles? What heuristics from timeless books do you apply in your own life?

Whether you've read Gigerenzer's Gut Feelings, Taleb's Antifragile, Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow, or ancient works full of practical wisdom — or none of the above — you're welcome to join. Bring your favorite heuristics, real-world examples, or questions. All levels welcome.