Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

Blink investigates what happens when people make decisions almost instantly. Malcolm Gladwell argues that the mind can process subtle information rapidly and unconsciously, allowing people to reach conclusions before they are able to consciously explain their reasoning.

Using examples involving art experts, psychologists, police officers, firefighters, relationships and other everyday situations, Gladwell explores how intuition can produce remarkably accurate results. At the same time, he examines the dangers of unconscious bias, misleading first impressions and decisions based on incomplete information.

The book ultimately presents intuitive thinking as a powerful but complicated mental process. Rather than simply encouraging readers to “trust their instincts,” Gladwell asks them to understand when rapid judgments work well, when they fail and how greater awareness can improve decision-making.