Introduction: Why You’re Smarter Than You Think—If You Think Like This

You are making decisions every minute—when to check your phone, what to say in that email, whether to stick with your job or explore something new. And let’s be honest: most of us are exhausted by the process. We want to live well, love wisely, and use our time meaningfully… but we often don’t know how to choose.

This book offers a radical truth: your life can run smoother, simpler, and saner if you borrow from the minds of machines.

"Algorithms to Live By" is not about turning you into a robot. It’s about unlocking the hidden genius behind how great computers solve problems—and showing you how to use that same genius in the mess of real life. What if dating, job hunting, cleaning your inbox, or managing your calendar could be tackled with the same clarity and confidence as a search engine finds a result?

The pages ahead won’t give you trite answers or life hacks. They’ll give you mental models—battle-tested strategies—that reduce decision fatigue, improve timing, and help you know when to stop searching and start living. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, artist, or student, this is your algorithmic edge.

Welcome to the book that lets you borrow brilliance from computer science… and give your human heart a break.