The mind operates through two distinct systems. System 1 runs automatically and effortlessly—instant pattern recognition, emotional responses, and intuitive judgments. System 2 requires conscious effort—deliberate analysis, logical reasoning, and complex calculations. Most of life runs on System 1; System 2 steps in only when needed or surprised.

Human judgment follows predictable patterns that produce systematic errors. These aren't random mistakes—they're built into how System 1 processes information. Availability bias makes us overweight vivid examples. Confirmation bias makes us seek evidence that supports existing beliefs. Understanding these patterns helps recognize when intuition leads astray.

Daniel Kahneman distilled decades of research into 8 questions that improve judgment by forcing conscious analysis of decisions. These questions create a systematic framework for engaging System 2 when it matters most—moving from automatic intuition to deliberate reasoning for high-stakes choices.

We treat identical amounts of money differently depending on mental categories—found money feels different than earned money, even though both have equal value. We evaluate outcomes relative to reference points rather than absolute terms—gaining $10 from $0 feels different than gaining $10 from $100. These mental accounting quirks create predictable irrationalities.

We're shaped by social context far more than we realize. Priming—subtle environmental cues—affects behavior before conscious awareness. Stereotypes activate automatically and bias judgment. The physical environment influences thinking and decision quality. Understanding these forces helps design better environments and resist manipulation.