Mental Models

I first discovered mental models through the writings of Charlie Munger, which I came across thanks to Naval, even before studying Finance. The idea of viewing life through general mental models that people have built over time fascinated me—the realization that there are both general mental models and mental models that are specifically suited to us.

Mental models are frameworks for thinking. They are simplified representations of how things work, distilled from experience and observation. They help us understand the world, make decisions, and navigate complexity by providing mental shortcuts to deeper understanding.

The more mental models you have in your toolkit, the better equipped you are to understand reality from multiple angles. Each model is like a lens that reveals different aspects of the same situation. When you can switch between lenses, you see more clearly.

This is a topic I will explore in depth. Shane Parrish has written extensively about mental models across various domains, creating a comprehensive guide to better thinking. His work demonstrates how powerful these frameworks can be when applied thoughtfully.

The goal isn't to memorize every possible model, but to develop a working collection that helps you think more clearly, make better decisions, and understand the world more accurately.

Mental models can be grouped according to different perspectives, both by theme and by level of abstraction.