Algorithms to Live By
The Computer Science of Human Decisions
About the book
The limits of space and time that constrain people also constrain computers, and Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths argue that the solutions computer scientists found can guide human decisions. The 2016 book applies algorithms to questions such as what to do or leave undone, how much mess to tolerate, and how to balance new activities against familiar favorites. Examples range from finding a spouse or a parking spot to organizing an inbox and understanding memory. The authors explain how to form better hunches, when chance should decide, how to cope with overwhelming choices, and how to connect with others. They also ask what these heuristics reveal about the nature of the mind.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon included it in a Facebook post of his favorite reads from 2017, and Chris Oliver, founder of GoRails, said it shows how to apply algorithms to choices like a house or a car. Emi Gal, CEO of Teads Studio, named it for young people interested in his career path.
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This book has 3 recommendations
Emi Gal (CEO/Teads Studio)
On Emi Gal’s Emi Gal, CEO of Teads Studio, Shares the Books That Made Him 'Better, Smarter, Wiser'
Chris Oliver (Founder/GoRails)
This is a great book talking about how you can use computer science to help you make decisions in life. How do you know when to make a decision on the perfect house? Car? etc? It helps you apply algorithms to making those decisions optimally without getting lost.
Recommended by Doug McMillon (CEO/Walmart)
Source: Doug McMillon on Facebook
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Emi Gal, Chris Oliver, Doug McMillon
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Brian Christian, Tom Griffiths