From Battlefields to Boardrooms: Mental Models That Matter

During World War II, statistician Abraham Wald saved countless lives using a simple yet powerful mental model. Tasked with determining how to reinforce military aircraft, he noticed that the planes returning from combat had bullet holes in specific areas.

Benjamin Knight
September 19, 2024

Instead of reinforcing those spots, he recommended strengthening the areas with no damage—realizing that the planes shot there did not make it back.

This mental model is called “survivorship bias”.

It helped him focus on the unseen, not just the obvious.

Mental models like this are invaluable for improving productivity.

They help us see the world differently, simplify complex problems, and make better decisions.

While there are countless books on mental models, trying to master them all can be overwhelming.

Instead, choose a few that work for you and use them consistently.

As Charlie Munger said, “If you just keep thinking and working on mental models, it’s like building a latticework of understanding.”

Ben