Use Computer Science To Win Life
Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions
by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths
Science/Self-Help
TL;DR
Okay, so this book is basically saying your life is a messy computer program, and you can use computer science tricks to make it suck less. It gives you actual methods like the '37% Rule' for picking stuff, figuring out when to try new things vs. stick with old ones (Explore/Exploit), deciding what info to keep handy (Caching), and how to organize your life (Sorting). It's all about using math and logic to stop being a chaotic mess and make smarter decisions about everything from dating to doing chores. Less guessing, more algorithm-ing.
Key Chapter
Chapter - Optimal Stopping: When to Stop Looking
Okay, so imagine you're swiping through dating apps or looking for a new apartment. How do you know when to stop looking and just pick one? This chapter is all about the '37% Rule'. The idea is, you should check out the first 37% of your options (like, the first 37 people you meet or apartments you see) just to get a feel for the market. Don't commit to any of them! After that, you pick the very next one that's better than any of the ones you saw in that first 37%. It's a wild concept, but apparently, it gives you the best shot at finding the best option without looking forever. It's like, don't settle too early, but also don't be a greedy idiot and miss out on a good thing.
Key Methods and Approaches
The '37% Rule'
(AKA: Optimal Stopping)
Description:
Figuring out when to stop searching for the best option and just pick one.
Explanation:
It's like trying on clothes. You gotta try on a bunch first to know what's out there (the first 37%). Then, the first thing you find that's better than all those initial ones? That's probably the move. Don't be a clown and keep looking for something perfect that doesn't exist.
Examples:
Deciding when to stop swiping on Tinder and message someone.
Knowing when to stop looking for a job and accept an offer.
Picking a parking spot instead of circling the block forever.
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