# Why Smart People Still Make Bad Decisions | Michael Lukich

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-thought-atlas-podcast-7652117/why-smart-people-still-make-bad-decisions-michael-lukich
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-thought-atlas-podcast-7652117/why-smart-people-still-make-bad-decisions-michael-lukich.md
Podcast: [The Thought Atlas Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-thought-atlas-podcast-7652117)
Published: 2026-07-03T18:29:37+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blessed-igberase/episodes/Why-Smart-People-Still-Make-Bad-Decisions--Michael-Lukich-e3lkej0
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/10d5ce7f8/podcast/play/122353696/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-6-3%2F427312646-44100-2-559328bfe1703.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2048

## Resource

Why do intelligent people still make poor decisions? In this episode of Thought Atlas, I’m joined by Michael Lukich—analytics executive, former adjunct professor, longtime poker player, and author of The Stoic Systems Thinker . After a difficult personal season and a failed business venture, Michael returned to the writings of the ancient Stoics and discovered striking similarities between Stoic philosophy and modern systems thinking. Both explore how perception, feedback loops, emotional regulation, and unintended consequences shape the decisions we make every day. Together, we explore: • Stoicism and modern life • Systems thinking • Better decision-making • Probability and uncertainty • Lessons from poker • Emotional regulation • Feedback loops • Purpose and meaning • Why intelligence isn’t enough • Building a life that works beneath the surface This isn’t simply a conversation about philosophy. It’s a conversation about seeing the hidden systems that shape our thinking—and learning how to make wiser decisions because of them. 🌍 Thought Atlas https://joinpodmatch.com/thoughtatlas 🌍 Michael Lukich https://stoicsystemsthinker.com Michael shares essays and a free newsletter exploring Stoicism, systems thinking, and decision-making. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn by searching for Michael Lukich, as mentioned during the conversation.

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## Transcript

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