Experts suggest that initial reaction is usually right
Saturday, June 7, 2008 3:07 AM
By SHELBY LYMAN

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, a best-seller by Malcolm Gladwell, charmingly presents the thesis that humans have the capacity to make brilliant decisions instantly.

From an evolutionary perspective, it is what we would expect. The key is to let the unconscious part of the mind do the work for us.

To thrive as a NASCAR driver, an NBA superstar, a military commander or a commodity trader — as well as in more mundane situations such as a blind date — rapid intuitive thinking is a prerequisite.

The chess nonpareil Jose Capablanca (1888-1942), who dominated his era, once declared with obvious humor that he saw only one move ahead, but that it was the best one.

In a more didactic mood, he explained: “That move which we think is good and correct should be made without any hesitation.”

Interestingly, Robert E. Lee and Napoleon, both brilliant improvisers on the battlefield, were avid chess players.

Viswanathan Anand, the current world champion of chess, gained youthful fame for his exceptional ability to move quickly and effectively.

He seems to be unusually relaxed and fresh in spirit, and he yields without anxiety to the flow of play.

Many top players and pedagogues think the game enhances decision-making capabilities as much as any other activity.

Source: Columbus Dispatch

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