Show notes / PDF & Infographic / Free audiobook / Learn how everyday math uncovers hidden truths and prevents costly mistakes. Discover Jordan Ellenberg's essential guide to mathematical thinking and decision-making.

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StoryShots Book Summary and Review of How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg 

Life gets busy. Has How Not to Be Wrong been on your reading list for a while? Learn the key insights now.

We’re scratching the surface here. If you don’t already have Jordan Ellenberg’s popular book on science and mathematical thinking, order it here or get the audiobook for free on Amazon to learn the juicy details.

Introduction

Wouldn’t you love to never be wrong? You’re not alone, and it’s hardly a surprise. In our work, relationships, and even our hobbies, we learn from a young age that being wrong is a mistake. Constant correct thinking is a concept that seems almost impossible, right? Wrong (ironically!). 

How Not to Be Wrong by Jordan Ellenberg discusses ways we can make life simpler by thinking mathematically.

The book dives into the world of mathematics and explores its applications in everyday life. By looking at simple and complex decisions, Ellenberg reveals our mistaken beliefs that lead to common errors in our thinking.

“Mathematics is the study of things that come out a certain way because there is no other way they could possibly be.” — Jordan Ellenberg

About Jordan Ellenberg 

Jordan Ellenberg is a mathematician and author. He is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has written several books on math and its application in various fields. He received his Ph.D. in math from Harvard University in 1998 and has written for publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Wired.

How Not to Be Wrong is a popular book that explores the ways mathematical thinking can help us understand and solve everyday problems.

StoryShot #1: Think in a Nonlinear Way

Nonlinear thinking means thinking logically about what you can and cannot control.

Consider the following statement: "Where you should go depends on where you are." This nonlinear way of thinking helps you develop the skill of critical thinking and be better equipped to avoid mistakes. Imagine yourself in a car at a crossroads. When the light turns green, you drive across the road directly in front of you, not diagonally to the opposite side. This is linear thinking.

Thinking in a nonlinear way gives us freedom to make choices and move forward with our lives. It also prompts more questions, which ‌leads to more answers. This allows us to acknowledge changes in our lives, even if we have no control over these changes.

Linear regression is a statistical technique that looks for a linear relationship between two or more variables. For example, there is a statistic that shows that for every extra $10,000 someone earns, they are 3% more likely to vote Republican. Linear regression can help you understand how different factors influence an outcome and make predictions based on new data.

However, to avoid reaching false conclusions, we must be aware that linear regression can't be used for every set of data and, if misused, produces misleading results.

StoryShot #2: Understand That Math Is Part of Everything You DoStoryShot #3: Math Can Help You Win the LotteryStoryShot #4: Math Can Help Us Make Better DecisionsStoryShot #5: Consider the Triumph in MediocrityStoryShot #6: Public Opinion Doesn't Exist and Doesn't Matter

This episode was first published on March 24, 2023

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