Social science – Life Paraphernalia

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In her work Men on Strike, Helen Smith, PhD, sheds light on an increasingly worrying social phenomenon: men who are consciously withdrawing from the traditional institutions of marriage, fatherhood, and the “American dream.” The author, a forensic psychologist, offers an in-depth analysis and explains why many men in the US (and to some extent internationally) are distancing themselves from society’s traditional role expectations.

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Content and central theses

Smith begins with the observation that men are increasingly less interested in marriage or starting a family. She attributes this not only to personal decisions, but also to systemic problems that cause men to reject the traditional model of family life. A key aspect of her argument is the unequal treatment of men in the legal system, especially in divorce and custody cases. Men feel disadvantaged when it comes to achieving equality in partnerships or a fair division of parental responsibilities.

Another central theme of the book is the changing social role of men. Smith describes how the traditional notion of the “breadwinner” is becoming increasingly obsolete, while modern men see themselves less and less as the “driving force of the economy” and more as individuals who want to develop their own identity and life goals independently of society’s expectations.

The author also argues that the increasing criticism and criminalization of male behavior, coupled with an often hostile feminist climate, is leading many men to withdraw from the social institutions that were once set as goals for them. Her main thesis is that the “boycott” of marriage and fatherhood is not just an individual problem, but could have far-reaching social consequences that affect both men and women.

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52 Thinking errors you should leave to others

From an evolutionary perspective, our brains are not programmed for the modern world we live in today. This results in thinking errors that should not be underestimated and can have a significant negative impact, e.g., on finances, career, and well-being.

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Overview & central idea

In his bestseller, Rolf Dobelli presents 52 thinking errors, cognitive biases, and typical fallacies that cloud our judgment. From “confirmation bias” to the “halo effect” to the “clustering illusion,” the book is a compendium of psychological pitfalls that accompany us in our everyday lives, at work, and when making decisions. The goal: to raise awareness of these errors in order to think more clearly, rationally, and calmly.

Structure & content

Short chapters: Each of the 52 chapters is devoted to a single error in thinking, compactly presented in 3–5 pages.
Relevance to everyday life: Examples are taken from economics, history, psychology, or everyday situations.
Language: concise, understandable, sometimes pointed and humorous.

Examples of cognitive biases covered:

Survivorship bias – We only see the successful and forget the invisible ones who have failed.
Confirmation bias – We only look for information that supports our opinion.
Action bias – We prefer to act immediately, even when doing nothing would be smarter.
Halo effect – A single positive characteristic overshadows our overall judgment.
Clustering illusion – We recognize patterns where there is actually only coincidence.

Impact & benefits

Dobelli does not offer ready-made solutions, but rather aims to raise awareness. He does not advocate a “perfectly rational” life, but rather greater distance from our spontaneous misjudgments. Those who recognize the patterns can pause at crucial moments and make better decisions—whether in finance, career, or personal relationships.