mental-models

Fredkin’s Paradox

Overthinking similar alternatives.

3 hrs ago • Michał Poczwardowski

The secretary problem: the probability of selecting the best choice.

Jul 23 • Michał Poczwardowski

Lindy Effect – Things That Last

A useful heuristic for predicting the future.

Jun 11 • Michał Poczwardowski

Circle of Competence - Mental Model

The best solution might be outside of your expertise.

May 28 • Michał Poczwardowski

Atrophy - Mental Model: Use It or Lose It

A reminder that we are biological creatures.

May 14 • Michał Poczwardowski

Irreducibility - Mental Model: Find the Floor

When we can't simplify any further.

Apr 30 • Michał Poczwardowski

The Physics of Starting and Stopping

How to start what matters and stop what doesn’t, with mental models.

Apr 9 • Michał Poczwardowski

Map Is Not Territory - Mental Model: What Is Hidden From Me?

Abstractions aren't reality.

Mar 19 • Michał Poczwardowski

Reversibility: The Joy of Starting From a Saved State

Save your game state, and Load when you need it.

Feb 19 • Michał Poczwardowski

Scale - Mental Model: Imagine the Future

Understand scale before it breaks.

Dec 4, 2025 • Michał Poczwardowski

Replication - Mental Model

The copying mechanism that keeps us alive.

Oct 30, 2025 • Michał Poczwardowski

Catalysts - Mental Model: Accelerating Change

Speeding up reactions.

Oct 16, 2025 • Michał Poczwardowski

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