Rapid cognition is the power of thinking without thinking, and it is a powerful tool that we can use to our advantage. In this key idea, the author explores the idea that sometimes, our first instincts are the most valuable ones. The author explains that rapid cognition is the process by which we make snap judgments, and it is something that we do without even realizing it. The author cites several examples to illustrate this point, such as the story of the firefighter who was killed in a sudden collapse of a burning building. The firefighter had a feeling that something wasn't right, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His instincts were telling him that he was in danger, but he wasn't able to articulate why. This is the power of rapid cognition at work.

Another example that the author gives is the story of the art expert who was able to tell that a statue was a fake simply by looking at it for a few seconds. The expert couldn't explain how he knew that the statue was a fake, he just knew. This is another example of the power of rapid cognition.

The author goes on to explain that rapid cognition is something that we can all develop with practice. By learning to trust our instincts and by paying attention to our feelings, we can become better at making snap judgments. However, the author also cautions that rapid cognition is not always accurate, and that we need to be careful not to rely too heavily on it. The author explains that sometimes, our snap judgments can be influenced by factors such as our mood, our past experiences, and our prejudices.

Overall, this key idea explores the power of rapid cognition and how it can help us to make better decisions. By learning to trust our instincts and by paying attention to our feelings, we can become better at making snap judgments that are accurate and helpful. However, it is important to remember that rapid cognition is not always accurate, and that we need to be careful not to rely too heavily on it.