Home. Mental model. A mental model is an explanation of someone's thought process about how something works in the real world.
It is a representation of the surrounding world, the relationships between its various parts and a person's intuitive perception about his or her own acts and their consequences. Mental models can help shape behaviour and set an approach to solving problems (akin to a personal algorithm) and doing tasks. A mental model is a kind of internal symbol or representation of external reality, hypothesized to play a major role in cognition, reasoning and decision-making. The Top 100 Mental Models (Inspired By Charlie Munger) Charlie Munger refers to a “latticework of about 100 mental models” that he and Warren Buffett credit for their successful investing.
Munger points out that if you don’t master the “multidisciplinary” approach of such “mental constructs”, you will remain in the “middle ranks” or “shallows” in life. I’m fascinated by these models, and their application to business (not just investing) and life, and decided to keep a list of ones I run across (some are related to Munger and others I’ve learned about elsewhere (but believe Munger might appreciate)).
Warren Buffett's Right-Hand Man Charlie Munger I haven’t hit 100 mental models yet (sorry for the fib in the headline), but I’m going to keep adding ones until I do…or die trying. I might even exceed 100. Buy. Books - Think Mental Models by Dean Isaji.