The Digital Radish Book Club: July’s top picks
Our July edition of the Digital Radish Book Club poses some big questions for readers. How do we master our impulses and become rational, unbiased systems thinkers? This is one way you could sum up the aims of “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
Rory Sutherland’s “Alchemy,” which could be described as “Thinking, Fast and Slow”‘s cheekier companion, takes a different approach on a similar topic: How can we take advantage of creative mental shortcuts and lean into our subjective way of thinking?
Our third book asks us to consider the role of AI not only as part of everyday life, but as a best friend – and to view that relationship and the world around it from the AI’s perspective. Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, “Klara & The Sun,” rounds out this week’s innovation-focused selection.
We hope you enjoy these as much as we did!
- Check out last month’s top picks from the Digital Radish Book Club here.
What’s the book about?
We have two ways of thinking, says the psychologist Daniel Kahneman: the fast, intuitive method, and the slow, methodical kind. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” is particularly noteworthy for its insights into the irrationality and biases that can creep into decision-making, even among experts.
How does the author sum it up?
“Before an issue is discussed, all [participants in a meeting] should be asked to write a very brief summary of their position… The standard practice of open discussion gives too much weight to the opinions of those who speak early and assertively, causing others to line up behind them.” – Daniel Kahneman
Why we love it
“We have so many inbuilt cognitive biases and things we do without realising exactly why we do them. If we could understand at least some of them, we can apply this knowledge and create better strategy, better creative, and better storytelling. It can be a heavy read, but stick with it and it will be rewarding!” – Charlie Boon
What we learned
There are so many nuggets of wisdom and insight here. Engaging our analytical side more often, and knowing how to fight our biases, are timeless takeaways we’ll always work towards. Sometimes, shortcuts and quick thinking are necessary, but the benefits of patience, feedback and growth that Daniel encourages can’t be overstated.
What’s the book about?
The best way to think about “Alchemy” is as a provocative sibling to “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” Where Daniel Kahneman’s book emphasises the benefits of rational thinking, Rory’s preaches the power of the subconscious, with a focus on our attraction to unconventional ideas, and the hidden pathways that lead us to counterintuitive discoveries.
How does the author sum it up?
“The opposite of a good idea can also be a good idea. Don’t design for average. It doesn’t pay to be logical if everyone else is being logical. The nature of our attention affects the nature of our experience. A flower is simply a weed with an advertising budget. The problem with logic is that it kills off magic.” – Rory Sutherland
Why we love it
“A fascinating exploration of why we do what we do, full of vivid examples from brands and well-explained behavioral science principles. It’s particularly relevant to B2B marketers as we increasingly recognise that buyers are not always guided by reason and logic. Instead we’re swayed by unconscious desires and feelings, meaning our marketing programmes need a touch of alchemy!” – Chris Willocks
What we learned
A lot of our favourite creative ideas are ones that, on the face of it, don’t really make sense. (Remember the drumming Cadbury gorilla?) “Alchemy” is a great reminder not to settle for standard, and to tap into our irrational sides more often in pursuit of truly norm-busting creative.
What’s the book about?
“Klara & The Sun” is a novel about an technologically advanced AI friend called Klara, bought by a teenager with an undisclosed illness. The story, set in a dystopian future, is mostly told through Klara’s point of view, meaning that we learn about the world around her through her eyes.
How does the author sum it up?
“In the era of big data, we might start to be able to rebuild somebody’s character so that after they’ve died they can still carry on, figuring out what they’d order next online, which concert they’d like to go to and what they would have said at the breakfast table if you had read them the latest headlines.” – Kazuo Ishiguro
Why we love it
“An amazing fictional take on the future of AI. Kazoo uses the story of artificial friends to explore how the not-so-distant future may look, and the social and environmental impacts that AI might bring. A great read post-pandemic, and considering all the advancements happening around us it feels especially relevant.”— Natalie Spreckley
What we learned
It’s fair to say that “Klara & The Sun” can be heavy-going—it’s both poignant and disturbing, like so many of the author’s books. But through Klara, Kazuo shows us a fresh perspective on a possible future, creating a fictional space that is both touching and inspiring.
Share your favourite books with us
Do you love these books as much as we do? Or do you have other recommendations for us? Either way, we’d love to hear from you – email us at hello@digitalradish.co.uk
- Check out last month’s top picks from the Digital Radish Book Club here