Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

In Blink (Penguin, £8.99), Malcolm Gladwell shows us the importance of first impressions. A first look can tell us a lot about a situation, he says. His most alarming example concerns war-gaming. High-tech analysis of events and outcomes appears to hinder soldiers’ decision-making by giving them too much information. This overload can impede decisions to such an extent that a single commander acting on impulse can defeat the most well-equipped team. Gladwell backs up the anecdotes with good science.