Why our brains solve problems by adding things

From Sunday Morning, 11:05 am on 2 May 2021

We're always told that we shouldn't complicate matters, but a new study from the University of Virginia shows that our brains tend to default to addition rather than subtraction when it comes to finding solutions. Indeed, even with financial incentive, we still don't think to take away. Study author and former professional football player, Professor Leidy Klotz's new book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, explains why we overlook subtraction, and how people can access its true potential.

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Photo: Supplied / Clemson University