Binding: Paperback
EAN: 9780141014593
Format: Import
ISBN: 0141014598
Label: Penguin
Manufacturer: Penguin
Number Of Pages: 288
Publication Date: January 01, 2006
Publisher: Penguin
Release Date: February 23, 2006
Studio: Penguin
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Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
Malcolm Gladwell's Blink is about how unconscious thought, maybe can referred as instinct, affects human behavior and decision making.
For example, professionals do what they do without thinking because they have conditioned themselves on the basics so much so that they no longer have to think about it - they just do it. It is like chewing gum and walking at the same time. Two of those things are so basic that most people can do it without thinking about it and moreover while thinking about something else. It is these unthinking thoughts is what Blink describes.
Blink also describes about gut feelings. Gut feelings compel people to do or not to do things. Because of the nature of gut feelings, people cannot really describe why they have them. Blink discusses these undescribable gut feelings and how they help us and harm us.
Also, Blink talks about situations of TMI (Too Much Information) and how sometimes people who rely on gut and experience can survive and outsmart those who are armed with TMI. I thought the part about TMI was pretty good. Sort of makes me wonder if people who try to integrate TMI really know what they are doing.
I have read Outliers, The Tipping Point, and What the Dog Saw. To me, the story about panic and choking from the What The Dog Saw was an extension from Blink. Blink ranks about 2nd best from his books, Outliers being the best. From reading this book, it sort of makes me wonder how how he thinks and how he notices common subtleties of human life. Blink was a different book - it relates more to thought than behavior or effort.
Blink was a good book. I was left still thinking about the unconscious thoughts that Blink describes.
Rating: -
"Blink," one in a series of excellent books by Malcolm Gladwell, is one of those rare publications that actually makes you think about how you think. This concept, covered in an engaging and entertaining voice by Gladwell, may seem confusing, strange, boring, or all of the above at first glance. Rest assured -- this book is anything but boring, strange, or confusing -- it is a wonderful publication that entertains and teaches in equal measure.
With a rhetorical style akin to that conveyed by Michael Pollen in In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, Gladwell presents readers with data and hypotheses. He carefully and logically supports his conclusion(s), but does not force his perspective on his readers. Gladwell's style, rather, is one of engaging and involving the reader on a journey of learning.
For the interested reader, Gladwell offers stories and characters that engage, and ideas and perspectives that stimulate thought. This is a wonderful book that is well worth a read.
Rating:  -
This was an interesting point of view. I think it was well researched, but does not share any of the counter-point to his position.
Rating:  -
Just a long list of antedotes. Interesting for the first two seconds at best. Not useful reading.
Rating: -
This book is a great read. Very engaging and thoughtful. The author provides some wonderful new insights into how we make decisions from the gut or at the blink of an eye. From this insight you can start making more intelligent decisions on how you take advantage of your instincts.
My only complaint and the reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the author doesn't give enough definitive advice about what we can do to better ourselves with the knowledge he provides. There are suggestions and hints but any conclusion is a little weak. Regardless, I have read this book twice and will read it again so I can continue to understand my own gut instincts and make better decisions in the blink of an eye.
If you enjoy this book, check out Emotional Intelligence. Although a little dry, Emotional Intelligence reflects some of the points made by Malcolm Gladwell in Blink.
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