Expanding your set of mental models is something experts need to work on just as much as novices. We all have our favorite mental models, the ones we naturally default to as an explanation for how or why something happened. As you grow older and develop expertise in a certain area, you tend to favor the mental models that are most familiar to you. Here’s the problem: when a certain worldview dominates your thinking, you’ll try to explain every problem you face through that worldview. This pitfall is particularly easy to slip into when you’re smart or talented in a given area. The more you master a single mental model, the more likely it becomes that this mental model will be your downfall because you’ll start applying it indiscriminately to every problem. What looks like expertise is often a limitation. As the common proverb says, “If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

1. O. Zakaria 01
Mental Models
002 | Cost-Benefit analysis

2. O. Zakaria 02
What is Cost-Benefit Analysis ?
A cost-benefit analysis is weighing the expected costs,
against the expected benefits — to determine the best
course of action.
The CBA is also defined as a systematic process for
calculating and comparing benefits and costs of a decision,
trasaction, policy - with particular regard to government
policy - or in general, a project.

3. O. Zakaria 03
Why do I need it ?
Alexander the Great and his army of 31,000 Macedonians
stood against a Persian army over double the size in the
Battle of Gaugamela.
If Alexander lost the battle, he wouldn’t only lose his army.
He would be killed. But if he won he would conquer the
largest empire in the world.
The cost was death, the benefit was becoming the most
powerful man in the world.
Alexander determined the best course of action was to fight.
He won the battle and became one of history’s greatest
generals.

4. O. Zakaria 04
Ok, how do I apply it ?
"My way is to divide half a sheet of paper by a line into two
columns; writing over the one Pro and over the other Con.
Then during three or four days’ consideration, I put down
under the different heads short hints of the different motives,
that at different time occur to me, for or against the
measure. When I have thus got them altogether in one view, I
endeavor to estimate their respective weights; and where I
find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them
both out. If I judge some two reasons con equal to some
three reasons pro, I strike out five; and thus proceeding, I find
where the balance lies; and if after a day or two of further
consideration, nothing new that is of importance occurs on
either side, I come to a determination accordingly."
-Benjamin Franklin

5. Mental Models
"When making a decision of minor importance,
I have always found it advantageous to consider all
the pros and cons"
- Sigmund Freud
Mental models are a conduit to a Superhuman Mind.
I’m posting a new mental model every day for 100 days.
If you find my hobby cool, shoot me a dm and let's play together !