Talk 4: Practical Though about Practical Thought?

Informal talk given on 20th Jul 1996

In this talk, Charlie applies five notions to solve a complex problem. The problem is to build coca-cola to it's present success from a small seed fund.

Notions

1. simplify problems by deciding on the big no-brainer questions first
2. apply the language of math to the problem
3. think through the problem in reverse
4. utilize mental models from elementary academic wisdom from multiple disciplines
5. lollapalooza effects come from a combination of factors acting in the same direction

• Charlie concludes by highlighting a few things
  • academia is largely ignorant of psychology, and not synthesized across domains well enough
  • psychology departments are low quality in general
  • a darwinian approach to academics; i.e. always attempting to disprove oneself; will lead to academia solving it's shortcomings eventually