In the book, Loserthink: How Untrained Brains Are Ruining America, Scott Adams analyzed and discussed ways to teach us how to eliminate our biases and to sharpen our ability to think critically.

These are some of my favorite quotes and takeaways from reading the book.

How can we minimize our tendency for Loserthink by thinking like an engineer?

What to watch out for: Professional Jealousy

“If you are wondering how skeptical you should be about expert advice on complicated issues, keep in mind that the next expert probably has no respect for the last expert. And vice versa.”

What to watch out for: Separating Cause and Solution

“The best solution to a problem is often unrelated to who is at fault. It is Loserthink to believe otherwise.”

What to watch out for: One-Variable Illusion

“If you analyze a complicated situation with multiple variables in play, and you concluded that only one of them was decisive, there’s a good chance you are practicing Loserthink.”

How can we minimize our tendency for Loserthink by thinking like a leader?

What to watch out for: The Directional Truth Filter

“If you find yourself obsessing over the accuracy of facts versus the direction those facts will lead you, you might be in a mental prison.”

What to watch out for: Confusing Hyperbole with Legitimate Opinion

“It is Loserthink to take political hyperbole literally.”

“It is Loserthink to attack an opponent by acting as dumb as they act. It might feel good, but it isn’t a winning strategy.”

What to watch out for: System versus Goals

“Goals are for loserthinkers. Systems are for winners.”

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