System 1 and System 2 Thinking

System 1 and System 2 are two ways our brains process information. System 1 is fast, automatic, and intuitive—it's what we use when we quickly recognize a face or solve simple questions without much effort. System 2 is slow, deliberate, and effortful—used for complex problems or when we need to think carefully, like solving a difficult math problem. Both systems are essential; System 1 provides quick judgments for daily decisions, while System 2 kicks in when more careful analysis is required. Understanding this helps us be aware of when our instincts might need to be checked by deeper thinking.