Mental Models : Inspired by Charlie Munger

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Serendipity. That is what I have to say when I first read about Mental Models. I came to know about this through blogs which I am super passionate about, like professor Sanjay Bakshi, Safal Niveshak & Farnam Street.  I had a desire to study in one of the best schools for my masters, primary reason being – Rub off effect. Just by seeing those great minds who teach and also come to study there, probably I will learn and try to become smart. But every time when I see an exceptional thinker in amazement, I never saw how they became so smart. I read autobiographies of many people to see what is the pattern that made them successful. Other than the hard work, persistence , discipline & Commitment etc. there is something that is helping them think and apply solutions in different situations so extraordinarily.
Was reading Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger. What an amazing thinker he is, but he has given a big chit for how to really start thinking by developing our mental models. Mental models plainly put is just what is going on in our mind for what is happening in real world. We constantly form this in our mind on different areas we work.  We definitely spend a lot of time and build expertise in one or may be two areas, and we use those mental models fairly well in relevant situations. But what we lack is a repertoire of large number of mental models and also the connections between multiple mental models and use it fairly well the combination in situations.
You must know the big ideas in the big disciplines and use them routinely–all of them, not just a few. Most people are trained in one model–economics, for example–and try to solve all problems in one way. You know the old saying: ‘To the man with a hammer, the world looks like a nail.’ This is a dumb way of handling problems.” – Charles Munger
There has been many fascinations for me at various points in time, there was a time I was super passionate about database systems, finance, economics, behavioral sciences,  nutrition and health, data analytics , technology etc. So the idea of having a diverse set of mental models has appealed to me. But the key Munger called out was also a lattice work of mental models.
“What you need is a latticework of mental models in your head. And, with that system, things gradually get to fit together in a way that enhances cognition.” – Charles Munger
This is true gem of knowledge to take it with us. Some of the models he called out like Arithmetic, compound interest, probability, Game theory, micro economics, accounting, psychology , Physics etc. He really could draw connections between various fields, that is possible only  if we are aware and fairly used them in different situations. As Steve jobs calls out, creativity is about connecting the dots. Going by what the famous thinker Herb Simon says. 
The better decision maker has at his/her disposal repertoires of possible actions; checklists of things to think about before he acts; and he has mechanisms in his mind to evoke these, and bring these to his conscious attention when the situations for decision arise.”  - Herbert Simon
I plan to really continue my diverse reading and time investment various fields to really build those mental models. My goal is first to know them and learn them and try to link them. Then I will see how my thinking really evolves.

Malware : PicColor Utility

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Some PC Hack post, skip this post, if you are looking for any regular personal updates from me, I have already posted my 2014 review belowSmile

Another malware intrusion in my system today and this is  tone which started installing on its own a series of junk programs like pcscan, remote access etc. all on its own. All started with installation of a YouTube Downloader software and this malware came and took a tight place.

So finally managed to remove this with this malware removal program. Adwcleaner . This scans and detects all your PC malware programs and highlights for you to click clean. This page has some additional links to programs you can try to get it removed.

And reset your browser settings to be free from these spam ads which were created by this malware.

2015 : Best Year Ever

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To start with the new year on a high note, was reading this morning , inspirational cartoon series by Zen Pencils. My friend purchased it and has been pushing me to pick and read the book. New year morning gave way to that.  Browsed and skimmed a bunch of wonderful cartoon series on very famous quotes. One of the quote stayed in my mind and made me reflect.  So why not write a post
 
 
When I was in my 8th grade, my class teacher who used to teach us English told me , which had been my mantra even now. Her statement to me was - “Hari , brilliant people can fail, but hardworking people do not fail”. Probably I would not have understood the word persistence or perseverance – so she just mentio2012-04-24-coolidgened hard work which was easy for me to grasp. There had been many situation in the last 15 years that made me realize in my own life of seen in others’ life.
 
The above comic strip excerpt clearly calls out – Talent, Genius or mere education2012-04-24-coolidge alone will not – it is only determination and persistence that is omnipotent.  When we truly believe we can compensate the lack of skill by doubling or tripling our efforts with determination there is no end on what we can do. 
My spinning class instructor keeps mentioning this when we do our Tabata sprints, when your challenged we improve. Yesterday in our 2014 year end special class she mentioned this two wolves story.
 
There is a battle between two wolves that goes on inside very people. It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves . One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
 
Which wolf will win? – The one you FEED.
 
This happens inside every one of us, and let us feed the good wolf , positive wolf.  Let this new year bring a lot of positivity for everyone. Every person I met in my life so far had helped me become a better person and learn something new from them. I wish all of them a happy new year 2015. Let this 2015 be the best year ever for everyone.


Miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep.
 
Image Credit & Cartoons from : Zenpencils.com