Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Last updated: Jul 7, 2023

Summary of Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Think Like a Freak is a book written by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, who are also the authors of the bestselling book Freakonomics. In this book, the authors aim to teach readers how to think differently and approach problems with a fresh perspective.

The book begins by emphasizing the importance of thinking like a child. Levitt and Dubner argue that children are not afraid to ask questions and challenge conventional wisdom, which allows them to come up with creative solutions. They encourage readers to adopt this mindset and question everything.

The authors then discuss the concept of incentives and how they shape human behavior. They explain that understanding incentives is crucial for solving problems and making effective decisions. They provide numerous examples, such as how a school improved its students' performance by offering them cash incentives.

Levitt and Dubner also emphasize the power of thinking small. They argue that by breaking down big problems into smaller, more manageable parts, it becomes easier to find solutions. They provide examples of how this approach has been successful in various fields, from medicine to business.

Another key concept discussed in the book is the importance of thinking like a criminal. The authors argue that by understanding the motivations and strategies of criminals, we can better protect ourselves and prevent crimes. They provide examples of how this approach has been used to reduce cheating in schools and catch terrorists.

The authors also stress the significance of admitting what you don't know. They argue that being honest about your limitations and seeking help from others can lead to better outcomes. They provide examples of how experts in different fields have benefited from seeking advice and collaborating with others.

Furthermore, Levitt and Dubner discuss the role of quitting in problem-solving. They argue that sometimes it is necessary to quit and move on to something else in order to find success. They provide examples of successful individuals who have embraced quitting as a strategy.

The book concludes by encouraging readers to embrace failure and learn from it. The authors argue that failure is an essential part of the learning process and should not be feared. They provide examples of how failure has led to breakthroughs in various fields.

In summary, Think Like a Freak is a book that teaches readers how to think differently and approach problems with a fresh perspective. It emphasizes the importance of questioning conventional wisdom, understanding incentives, thinking small, thinking like a criminal, admitting what you don't know, embracing quitting, and learning from failure. By adopting these principles, readers can become more effective problem solvers and decision makers.

1. Questioning conventional wisdom

One of the key takeaways from "Think Like a Freak" is the importance of questioning conventional wisdom. The authors argue that blindly accepting commonly held beliefs can limit our ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to problems. By challenging the status quo and asking "why," we can uncover new insights and approaches.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a school in Chicago that was struggling to improve its students' test scores. Instead of following the traditional approach of focusing solely on academics, the school decided to address the students' social and emotional needs. By implementing a program that provided support and counseling, the school saw a significant improvement in test scores. This unconventional approach challenged the conventional wisdom that academic interventions were the only solution.

2. Incentives matter

Another key takeaway from the book is the idea that incentives matter. The authors argue that understanding the motivations and incentives of individuals and organizations is crucial for understanding their behavior and predicting their actions.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a daycare center that was struggling with parents picking up their children late. The center decided to implement a fine for late pickups, assuming that the financial penalty would deter parents from being late. However, the opposite happened. The introduction of the fine actually increased the number of late pickups because parents saw it as a fee they could pay to extend their pickup time. This example highlights the importance of understanding how incentives can shape behavior.

3. The power of data

"Think Like a Freak" emphasizes the power of data in making informed decisions and challenging assumptions. The authors argue that by collecting and analyzing data, we can uncover patterns and insights that can lead to better outcomes.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a doctor who noticed a high number of patients with kidney stones in his practice. Instead of relying on anecdotal evidence or assumptions, the doctor collected data on his patients' diets and discovered a correlation between high soda consumption and kidney stones. This insight led to a public health campaign to educate people about the risks of excessive soda consumption.

4. Embracing failure

The book encourages readers to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. The authors argue that failure is an essential part of the problem-solving process and can lead to valuable insights and discoveries.

For example, the authors discuss the case of Thomas Edison and his numerous failed attempts to create a working light bulb. Instead of giving up, Edison saw each failure as a step closer to success. His persistence and willingness to learn from his mistakes eventually led to the invention of the light bulb.

5. Thinking small

"Think Like a Freak" emphasizes the power of thinking small and focusing on specific, manageable problems. The authors argue that by breaking down complex issues into smaller, more manageable parts, we can find practical solutions.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a charity organization that wanted to increase donations. Instead of focusing on broad messaging and appeals, the organization decided to send personalized letters to potential donors. This small, targeted approach led to a significant increase in donations compared to the traditional mass mailing approach.

6. The importance of incentives alignment

The book highlights the importance of aligning incentives to achieve desired outcomes. The authors argue that when incentives are misaligned, individuals and organizations may act in ways that are counterproductive or harmful.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a government program that aimed to reduce pollution by offering financial incentives to companies that reduced their emissions. However, some companies found loopholes and manipulated their emissions data to receive the incentives without actually reducing pollution. This example demonstrates the need for careful consideration of incentives to ensure they align with the desired outcomes.

7. The power of reframing

"Think Like a Freak" emphasizes the power of reframing problems and looking at them from different perspectives. The authors argue that by reframing problems, we can uncover new insights and find innovative solutions.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a company that was struggling to increase sales of its cleaning products. Instead of focusing on the traditional approach of marketing the products' effectiveness, the company reframed the problem and marketed the products as a way to save time and effort. This new perspective resonated with consumers and led to a significant increase in sales.

8. The importance of experimentation

The book emphasizes the importance of experimentation in finding solutions and making informed decisions. The authors argue that by testing hypotheses and gathering data, we can learn from our successes and failures and make better choices.

For example, the authors discuss the case of a company that wanted to improve its customer service. Instead of making assumptions about what customers wanted, the company conducted experiments to test different approaches. By gathering data and analyzing the results, the company was able to make informed decisions and improve its customer service.