Edward Fredkin was a Computer Scientist and Physicist who passed away last year (2023) at the age of 88.
Physics is one of few topics I’ve remained continually interested in since I was a Junior in high school other than the Wu Tang Clan. The interesting part about Fredkin is he viewed physics through the lens of computer science - even stating that the universe was just a big computer.
Information is more fundamental than matter and energy. I believe atoms, electrons and quarks consist ultimately of bits — binary units of information, like those that are the currency of computation in a personal computer or a pocket calculator. - Ed Fredkin
So with that background, we’ll pivot to today’s topic, Fredkin’s Paradox, which states:
The more equally attractive two alternatives seem, the harder it can be to choose between them - no matter that, to the same degree, the choice can only matter less.
In other words, we spend more time on the least important decisions.
The time you spend on these decisions that don’t matter is time you don’t have to spend on decisions or activities that do matter. The goal is not to eliminate all time you spend on decision making, but rather that the time and energy you spend on making decisions is proportional to the importance of the decision.
To avoid falling into Fredkin’s Paradox1, here are some strategies to consider:
Recognize the Paradox: The first step is to recognize when you’re in a Fredkin’s Paradox situation. If you find yourself spending a lot of time on a decision where the options are very similar and the outcome won’t significantly impact your life, you’re likely experiencing this paradox2.
Prioritize Decisions: Not all decisions are created equal. Some have far-reaching consequences while others are relatively minor. Spend your decision-making energy on choices that have significant impact on your life, career, or happiness3.
Set a Time Limit: For decisions that are not life-changing, set a time limit for how long you’ll deliberate. Once the time is up, make a choice. This prevents you from spending excessive time on trivial decisions3.
Use a Decision-Making Framework: Use a decision-making framework or model to help you make decisions more efficiently. This could be a simple pros-and-cons list, a decision matrix, or a more complex model depending on the nature of the decision3.
Embrace Good Enough: Sometimes, it’s okay to settle for a decision that’s “good enough” rather than striving for the absolute best choice. This concept, known as satisficing, can save you time and stress3.
Flip a Coin: If the options are truly equal in value, flipping a coin might be a valid strategy. It’s quick, easy, and it forces you to move forward3.
A cousin of Fredkin’s Paradox is Decision Fatigue. Essentially decision fatigue happens when you have long sessions of decision making. It’s been shown that the longer you spend making decisions, the lower quality those decisions are.
Both of these phenomena can have implications for mental health. Spending excessive time on minor decisions (Fredkin’s Paradox) or making a large number of decisions (decision fatigue) can lead to stress, anxiety, and overall mental exhaustion. This can potentially exacerbate mental health issues and decrease overall well-being.