The Art Of Thinking Clearly

Encourage readers to reflect on how the book relates to their own life or work and how its lessons could help them.

1. Which of the biases Dobelli describes do you recognize most often in yourself, and what situations tend to trigger them?

2. Dobelli argues that people can’t “fix” their biases but can design systems to minimize them. Do you find this perspective comforting or frustrating?

3. Have you ever fallen victim to one of the book’s central fallacies—such as confirmation bias, social proof, or sunk cost—in a personal or professional decision? What was the outcome?

4. The book claims that reducing information leads to better thinking. How does this idea challenge the way you consume news or social media?

5. Dobelli ends with the via negativa, or wisdom through subtraction. Have you ever found that removing something from your life clarified your beliefs, goals, values, etc.? How so?

Prompt readers to explore how the book fits into today’s professional or social landscape.

1. Many of the biases Dobelli identifies—like social proof and authority bias—are intentionally exploited in advertising, politics, and social media. How might public awareness of these tactics change collective behavior?

2. In an age of AI-generated content and information overload, which of Dobelli’s warnings about attention, expertise, or illusion feels most relevant today?

3. Dobelli’s critique of the “news illusion” suggests that most current events are irrelevant to long-term decision-making. Do you agree, or does this argument risk promoting disengagement from civic life?