Cognitive Biases Everyone Falls For
Fifteen cognitive biases that distort reasoning, each paired with a peer-reviewed example and a practical countermeasure you can apply immediately.
All Mental Models in Concepts
A complete A–Z index of every Mental Models article on When Notes Fly, part of our Concepts coverage. New to the topic? Start with the foundational explainers, then move on to case studies and applied frameworks. Returning for something specific? Use the list below to jump straight to it.
For the latest pieces newest-first, see the Mental Models section. For related ideas across the section, see the Concepts archive. How we research and review articles: editorial standards.
Browse All Mental Models Articles
First Principles Thinking: Elon Musk's Approach Explained
First principles thinking explained from Aristotle to Elon Musk. The five-step method, real examples from SpaceX battery costs to pharmaceutical...
Ockham's, Hanlon's, and Chesterton's Razors Explained
Expert-written explanation of three classic reasoning heuristics with when to apply each, common misapplications, and decision examples.
When to Use First Principles vs Systems Thinking
Expert-written comparison of first principles thinking and systems thinking with decision criteria for when each produces better results.