In the last part of the book, Gladwell keeps providing us with examples that illustrate the theories about rapid recognition.
Because decisions are mostly based in personal experience, most time that experience interferes with the capability of making (good?) decisions. For instance, in the cases of Kenna’s music or the Aeron chair, in which it seems there was mistrust, rather than dislike, for something new and different. Have you ever felt that you were confused about disliking and at the same time being attracted by something? And if we could be confused by our own feelings, are we better off leaving it to the “experts” to tell us what we should and will like?
According to the author, we all have unconscious reactions that come from a locked room we can’t access. Therefore, can we ever know ourselves wholly and understand the reasons and motivations behind our moves? Have you ever found yourself reacting towards something or somebody in an unexpected way even for your own self?
Regarding Eckman and Friesen’s theories about facial expressions, do you think it does apply to everybody? What about politicians? Have you ever watched someone else speak badly about another individual only to then turn around and greet them with a warm, gushy hello? Is that 'friendly' expression false or an attempt to make amends?
What about “mind-blindness”? Have you ever experienced it? Do you have any trick to control your reactions in extreme stressful moments? And, as the book concludes, are you ready to listening with your eyes?
Finally, our own likeness thermometer: in the blink of an eye, would you say "yes" or "no" for another book of Gladwell?
