Lenses
Reusable thinking tools — the mental models you apply to reason and choose well. The framework governs method, not content; these are that method, made portable. They fall into two families, mirroring the two halves of the orbit: tools for seeing clearly, and tools for choosing well.
Believe well
Tools for seeing clearly — the arsenal of "believe true things for good reasons." The half of the orbit that keeps you from being fooled, including by yourself.
Special Pleading
Applying a rule to everyone but yourself, with no reason for the exception.
No True Scotsman
Redefining a category on the fly to dodge a counterexample.
The False Dilemma
Two options offered where more exist — the excluded middle.
Hasty Generalization
A broad rule drawn from too few, or too biased, cases.
Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of the argument.
Steelman First
Argue the strongest version of the other side before you answer it.
Correlation Isn’t Causation
Two things moving together doesn’t mean one caused the other.
Decide well
Tools for acting well — for choosing on purpose under finite time. The engine's side of the orbit: how you weigh, and how you choose.
The Three Me’s
Consult past, present, and future you — and decide together.
Opportunity Cost
Every yes is a no — ask what this one displaces.
Inversion
Instead of “how do I succeed?”, ask “what would guarantee failure?” — then avoid it.
Sleep On It
For a big, non-urgent choice, wait out the emotional peak.
Regret Minimization
Which choice will you least regret from the end of your life?
The Sunk-Cost Trap
Money and time already spent shouldn’t decide what you do next.