Second-Order Thinking: A Mental Model Explained
Think beyond the first consequence - what happens next?
Example
Eating candy → feel good → sugar crash → feel worse
How to apply it
- decision: Stay up late playing games
- first_order: Have fun now
- second_order: Be tired tomorrow
- third_order: Do poorly on test, parents upset, lose game privileges
In kid-friendly terms
Always ask: "And then what happens?"
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