The Art of Manliness #610: Who Lives in Survival Situations, Who Dies, and Why
May 13, 2020
Laurence Gonzales, a pilot and journalist known for his book Deep Survival, dives deep into the psychology of survival. He explores why some people thrive in disasters while others falter, revealing insights from his father's WWII survival story. Gonzales discusses the dangers of emotional decision-making and outdated mental models during crises. Surprisingly, he argues that rule breakers often have a higher chance of survival. The conversation wraps up with the paradox of balancing hope and realism in life-threatening situations.
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Emotional Bookmarks
- A snowmobiler, despite knowing the avalanche risk, high-marked and triggered an avalanche, leading to a fatality.
- This illustrates how ingrained emotional bookmarks and automatic behaviors can override warnings.
Misapplied Mental Models
- An ex-Army Ranger drowned in a rafting accident because he rejected help, clinging to his training that emphasized self-reliance.
- This highlights the danger of misapplied mental models in unfamiliar environments.
Mental Models
- Mental models streamline our understanding of the world, but can be dangerous in unfamiliar, high-stress scenarios.
- Automatic behavioral scripts, like tying shoes, can become liabilities when facing novel challenges.
