Jesus’ Son

by Denis Johnson
Jesus’ Son cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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  • ID: 5660
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-11-14
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its insightful exploration of human behavior and cognitive biases, with reviewers highlighting its ability to challenge and expand their understanding of decision-making processes. The book is described as intellectually rewarding but dense, requiring patience and effort to fully appreciate.

Reviewers consistently highlight the book's profound impact on their understanding of human behavior and cognitive biases. The book is described as a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how we make decisions, with reviewers appreciating the depth of research and the clarity of the explanations. However, some reviewers note that the book can be dense and challenging, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to fully grasp its concepts. Despite this, the book is widely praised for its ability to challenge and expand the reader's perspective, making it a valuable and rewarding read for those interested in behavioral economics and psychology.

Quick quotes

    This is the guy (or, at least one half of the two guys) who came up with these ideas in the first place.

    The thing to remember is that while there is a law of large numbers - toss a coin often enough and in the very long run there will be as many heads turn up as tails - that isn't the case in the short run - where just about anything is possible.

    This book will rearrange the way you think... about how you think.

wittywordplay.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2016-07-18
brilliant 4.50

The book explores the dual systems of human thought, System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, deliberate), revealing how cognitive biases and heuristics often lead to irrational decisions. The author, Daniel Kahneman, presents a wealth of experiments and insights that challenge the notion of human rationality, though he avoids overconfident conclusions about our fundamental irrationality.

Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' delves into the fascinating interplay between our two cognitive systems: System 1, which operates quickly and intuitively, and System 2, which is slower and more deliberate. Through a series of ingenious experiments, Kahneman and his late collaborator Amos Tversky uncovered numerous cognitive biases that distort our judgment. These biases often lead to irrational decisions, challenging the traditional economic model of Homo economicus. The book is rich with insights into human psychology, revealing how our minds often take mental shortcuts that can lead to errors in reasoning. Kahneman's work is not just academically profound but also deeply personal, touching on his collaboration with Tversky and the emotional aspects of their research. The book's exploration of happiness and decision-making under uncertainty offers both intellectual stimulation and practical self-help value. However, the author remains cautious about drawing sweeping conclusions, emphasizing the complexity of human rationality. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and entertainment value but remains skeptical about some of the broader implications drawn by others.

Quick quotes

    The pleasure we found in working together made us exceptionally patient; it is much easier to strive for perfection when you are never bored.

    Although System 2 believes itself to be where the action is, the automatic System 1 is the hero of this book.

    System 2 is especially quiescent, it seems, when your mood is a happy one.

independent.co.uk · Unknown · 2016-03-17
moving 4.50

Jesus’ Son is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore themes of addiction, loss, and redemption. The writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the chaos and beauty of life on the margins. The stories are deeply moving and leave a lasting impression, showcasing Johnson's unique voice and storytelling prowess.

Jesus’ Son is a powerful and haunting collection of short stories by Denis Johnson. The stories are interconnected, following a group of characters who are all struggling with addiction, loss, and the search for meaning. The writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the chaos and beauty of life on the margins. Johnson's prose is both poetic and brutal, drawing the reader in and refusing to let go. The stories are deeply moving and leave a lasting impression, showcasing Johnson's unique voice and storytelling prowess. The collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. The themes of addiction, loss, and redemption are explored with sensitivity and depth, making Jesus’ Son a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    The stories are deeply moving and leave a lasting impression.

    Johnson's prose is both poetic and brutal.

    The collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

pechorinsjournal.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2015-08-14
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its insightful exploration of human decision-making processes, highlighting the biases and heuristics that often lead to poor judgments. It is recommended as essential reading for those who believe in rational decision-making, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the human mind.

The reviewer highly recommends 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman, describing it as a profound and insightful exploration of human decision-making. The book challenges the notion of rational decision-making, revealing the biases and heuristics that often lead to poor judgments. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basic systems governing human decision-making to the contrasting 'selves' within each individual. The reviewer appreciates the book's lucid and provocative detail, making it a highly enjoyable and informative read. They emphasize the importance of understanding these psychological principles to inform better public policy and personal decision-making. The book is seen as essential reading for anyone interested in the human mind and the complexities of decision-making.

Quick quotes

    The book succeeds in instilling an awareness of the many biases and heuristics that lead to errors of judgments and poor decision-making.

    It should be made required reading for anyone; economists, libertarians, or whoever, who still holds fast to the notion that people make decisions rationally.

    Above all, Thinking, Fast and Slow is a highly enjoyable and informative read for anyone wanting insight into the human mind.

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