Inventing Plans: The True Power of Human Intelligence

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know" by Angus Fletcher - This is the book discussed throughout the episode, focusing on a different kind of intelligence than logic and data, one that operates in low-information environments and is characterized by the ability to make new plans.

People Mentioned

• Dwight Eisenhower - His idea that the purpose of planning is to develop the planner, not the plan, is a core concept discussed in the episode.
• Vincent van Gogh - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence and credited Shakespeare.
• Marie Curie - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence and credited Shakespeare.
• Albert Einstein - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence and credited Shakespeare.
• Nikola Tesla - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence and credited Shakespeare.
• Klauswitz - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence.
• Steve Jobs - Credited by Angus Fletcher as an individual who embodied primal intelligence and credited Shakespeare.
• Michael Easter - His episode on "the comfort crisis" is mentioned as having echoes of points made in this episode.
• David Buss - His book "Matricide" and discussion on intuition are referenced as being consistent with Fletcher's arguments.
• Daniel Kahneman - His work on System 1 and System 2 thinking is critiqued by Fletcher, who argues for a different understanding of intuition.
• Tony Robbins - Mentioned as an example of someone who promotes a form of "wishful thinking" optimism.

Organizations & Institutions

• Library of Economics and Liberty - The parent organization for EconTalk.
• Shalem College in Jerusalem - Russ Roberts' affiliation.
• Stanford University's Hoover Institution - Russ Roberts' affiliation.
• Ohio State University - Angus Fletcher's affiliation as Professor of Story Science.
• Project Narrative - Described as the world's leading academic institute for the study of narrative at Ohio State University.
• Pixar - Mentioned as a place where Angus Fletcher connected with people who invent new stories.
• University of Southern California - Where Angus Fletcher held a job as a professor.
• U.S. Army Special Operations - Angus Fletcher worked extensively with this group, informing many of the book's concepts.
• NFL (National Football League) - Discussed as a relatable example of high-pressure decision-making and adaptability.

Websites & Online Resources

• econtalk.org - The website for the podcast, where listeners can subscribe, comment, and find links and archives.

Other Resources

• Shakespeare - Highlighted as a genius embodying primal intelligence, whose works offer lessons on spotting exceptions, generating fresh stories, and developing one's own intelligence.
• "Knight and Day" (movie) - Mentioned as an example of a film where a less skilled character is paired with a professional, and the concept of "no plan" is explored.
• "Wild Problems" (book) - Russ Roberts' book, which touches on embracing uncertainty.
• Camp Homefronts - Mentioned as a place where listeners can find information about the marriage counseling story.
• Tom and Jenn Satterly - Mentioned in relation to the marriage counseling story.