Mental Models

Mental Models

Apply 98 cognitive frameworks from multiple disciplines to analyze problems, make decisions, and think more clearly.

Quick Reference

Models by Category:

• General Thinking (m01-m09): First principles, inversion, second-order thinking
• Science (m10-m29): Leverage, inertia, feedback loops, ecosystems
• Systems Thinking (m30-m40): Bottlenecks, scale, margin of safety, emergence
• Mathematics (m41-m47): Randomness, regression to mean, local vs global maxima
• Economics (m48-m59): Trade-offs, scarcity, creative destruction
• Art (m60-m70): Framing, audience, contrast
• Strategy (m71-m75): Asymmetric warfare, seeing the front
• Human Nature (m76-m98): Biases, incentives, social proof

How to Use

Quick Apply

When user mentions a specific model + context:

1. Load the model file from models/ directory
2. Read: Description, Thinking Steps, When to Avoid
3. Apply Thinking Steps to user's context
4. Provide 3-5 actionable insights
5. Note any cautions from "When to Avoid"

Example: "Apply inversion to this architecture decision"

Discovery

When user asks "what models for X":

1. Search resources/​model-index.json for matching keywords
2. Return top 5 relevant models with brief descriptions
3. Offer to quick-apply any of them

Example: "What mental models help with scaling?"

Deep Analysis

When user has complex decision:

1. Ask 2-3 clarifying questions
2. Select max 3 most relevant models
3. Apply each model's Thinking Steps systematically
4. Synthesize insights across models
5. Provide actionable recommendations

Example: "Help me think through whether to accept this job offer"

Model File Structure

Each model in models/ contains:

• Description: Core concept
• When to Avoid: Limitations
• Keywords: Application contexts
• Thinking Steps: Sequential framework (follow exactly)
• Coaching Questions: Prompts for deeper exploration

Key Guidelines

1. Quality over quantity: Max 3 models per analysis
2. Follow Thinking Steps exactly: That's where the value is
3. Check "When to Avoid": Alert user if model doesn't fit
4. Latticework approach: Show how models connect
5. Be actionable: Provide concrete insights, not just theory

Resources

• resources/​model-index.json - Searchable index of all 98 models
• resources/​quick-reference.md - Common patterns and model combinations