Welcome to FS

Think better. Live better.

Farnam Street (FS) helps you master the best of what other people have already figured out.

Packed with timeless mental models, FS will teach you the mental tools you need to deal with whatever life throws at you.

Our readers include students, teachers, CEOs, coaches, athletes, artists, leaders, followers, politicians and more. They’re not defined by gender, age, income, or politics but rather by a shared passion for avoiding problems, making better decisions, and lifelong learning.

Join our newsletter for a weekly dose of multidisciplinary reading from across the internet.

FS has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Economist, and more.

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Recent Articles

Is Vulnerability a Choice?

January 06, 2020

Being vulnerable is not a choice. It’s a reality of living. What we do with that vulnerability can either open doors to deeper connection, or throw up walls that stifle growth and fulfillment. *** Vulnerability: the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. Given […]

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The Top 5 Episodes of The Knowledge Project 2019

December 30, 2019

Through conversations, we are able to learn from others, reflect on ourselves, and better navigate a conscious life. The goal of our podcast, The Knowledge Project, is to help you think, reflect, and better understand the complexities and interconnections in the world in which we live. If done right, listeners should walk away from episodes with […]

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The Best of Farnam Street 2019

December 30, 2019

We read for the same reasons we have conversations — to enrich our lives. Reading helps us to think, feel, and reflect — not only upon ourselves and others but upon our ideas, and our relationship with the world. Reading deepens our understanding and helps us live consciously. Of the 31 articles we published on FS this […]

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The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts

The old saying goes, “To the man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” But anyone who has done any kind of project knows a hammer often isn’t enough.

The more tools you have at your disposal, the more likely you’ll use the right tool for the job — and get it done right.

The same is true when it comes to thinking. The quality of your outcomes depends on the mental models in your head. And most people are going through life with little more than a hammer.

Until now.

The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts is the first book in The Great Mental Models series designed to upgrade your thinking with the best, most useful and powerful tools, so you always have the right one on hand.

This volume details nine of the most versatile, all-purpose mental models you can use right away to improve your decision making, productivity, and how clearly you see the world. You will discover what forces govern the universe and how to focus your efforts so you can harness them to your advantage, rather than fight with them or worse yet— ignore them.

Upgrade your mental toolbox and get the first volume today!


What People are Saying


I'm really glad this exists in the world and I can see that I will be recommending it often.

Matt Mullenweg

CEO of Automattic and founding developer of Wordpress

The Bible for better learning and decision making

Casey Herron on audible.com