Do only dead fish swim with the stream? The role of intuition, emotion and deliberation in love and work

We describe three major cognitive systems: (1) emotional intuition, (2) deliberate thinking, and (3) intuitive reasoning. Although we argue for the superiority of the third level in most cases, we indicate the value of each level in different circumstances. Not all levels are possible in all circumstances. The distinction between these levels is illustrated in everyday life, moral behavior, romantic relationships, and in leadership and management. While the ability to use all three systems in an optimal manner is to a great extent a matter of natural talent, this ability can be acquired and improved. An essential step is to understand the nature of each system. We offer some such understanding.