The Organized Mind

By Daniel J Levitin.

 

Put a key tray by the front door.

 

I read this book about six months ago.  Looking over my notes, I realized that I hadn't written about it and now I couldn't remember what it was all about. After going over it again, I think it's safe to summarize that this book is about the neurobiology behind why putting a key tray is a smart thing to do.

 

A few other things to remember….

 

1.      Organize your physical environment to do as much remembering for you as possible. Junk drawers are OK. If they get too large you need to categorize again. You also need a way to call out "unassimilated" items.

a.      A mislabeled item or location is worse than an unlabeled item

b.      If there is an existing standard, then use it.

c.      Don't keep what you can't use.

2.      Gricean Maximus about orderly cooperative speach…

a.      Quantity. Make sure your contribution to a conversation are as informative as required. Do not make your contribution more informative than required

b.      Quality. Do not say what you believe to be false. Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence

c.      Manner. Avoid obscure expressions. Avoid Ambiguity. Be brief. (Avoid unnecessary prolixity) Be orderly.

d.      Relation. Make your contributions relevant.

3.      Think Baysean. Think statistical.

 

 

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