Our memory tells us stories, that is, what we get to keep from our experiences is a story.

I have always emphasized the willingness to discard.

A general “law of least effort” applies to cognitive as well as physical exertion. The law asserts that if there are several ways of achieving the same goal, people will eventually gravitate to the least demanding course of action. In the economy of action, effort is a cost, and the acquisition of skill is driven by the balance of benefits and costs. Laziness is built deep into our nature.

In essence, the optimistic style involves taking credit for successes but little blame for failures.

Mind is a machine for jumping to conclusions

Our comforting conviction that the world makes sense rests on a secure foundation: our almost unlimited ability to ignore our ignorance.

Most things that couples disagree upon aren't worth more than a day's combat.