Historians whose profession is to study the past, are as wary as scientists of the idea that events unfold in a manner that can be predicted. In fact… - Leonard Mlodinow

We afford automatic respect to superstar business moguls, politicians, and actors and to anyone flying around in a private jet, as if their accomplishments must reflect unique qualities not shared by those forced to eat commercial airline food. And we place too much confidence in the overly precise predictions of people - political pundits, financial experts, business consultants - who claim a track record demonstrating expertise.

Even random differences in pay lead to the backward inference of differences in skill and hence to the development of unequal influence. It's an element of personal and office dynamics that can't be ignored.

The nasty thing about the availability bias is that it insidiously distorts our view of the world by distorting our perception of past events and our environment.