#Cognitive Bias

The Hammer-and-Nail Trap in Thinking

The practical implication is not to abandon the hammer but to add tools and, just as importantly, to pause before choosing one. Curiosity becomes a kind of meta-skill: asking what type of problem this is, what success would look like, and what constraints matter most. Over time, this habit weakens the reflex to impose one solution universally. Returning to Maslow’s temptation, the antidote is variety plus humility. A broader toolkit—methods, perspectives, and voices—makes it easier to see that some situations need a screwdriver, some need a level, and some need no tool at all, only patience and understanding. [...]

Navigating the Hazards of Self-Deception and Opinion

Leonardo da Vinci’s observation underscores a timeless psychological pitfall: human beings are often their own worst deceivers. Instead of being misled primarily by others, we frequently fall victim to the illusions and misconceptions born within our own minds. This internal deception can be more insidious, as it operates quietly and shapes our perception of reality before we even realize it. [...]

Our Perception Sets the World's Limits – Arthur Schopenhauer

It encourages readers to recognize the limitation of their own perspective and to be open to other viewpoints. [...]

If You Only Have a Hammer, You Tend to See Every Problem as a Nail — Abraham Maslow

It refers to a cognitive bias known as 'law of the instrument' or 'Maslow's hammer,' where individuals, due to the familiarity or comfort with certain tools, neglect other solutions that may be more suitable. People may default to what they know best, instead of looking at the problem from different perspectives. [...]