How Minds Change
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Our most deeply held opinions and beliefs can be changed - here's how.
David's work delves into why humans are so "unaware of how unaware we are." He explores the concepts of self-delusion, offering insights into how to overcome the brain's natural tendencies. His writing helps readers better understand the cognitive biases that influence decision-making. The aim is to foster critical thinking and mental clarity.
Our most deeply held opinions and beliefs can be changed - here's how.
"In this lively journey through human psychology, bestselling author and creator of the You Are Not So Smart podcast David McRaney investigates how minds change-and how to change minds. What made a prominent conspiracy-theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax? How do voter opinions shift from neutral to resolute? Can widespread social change only take place when a generation dies out? From one of our greatest thinkers on reasoning, HOW MINDS CHANGE is a book about the science, and the experience, of transformation. When self-delusion expert and psychology nerd David McRaney began a book about how to change someone's mind in one conversation, he never expected to change his own. But then a diehard 9/11 Truther's conversion blew up his theories-inspiring him to ask not just how to persuade, but why we believe, from the eye of the beholder. Delving into the latest research of psychologists and neuroscientists, HOW MINDS CHANGE explores the limits of reasoning, the power of groupthink, and the effects of deep canvassing. Told with McRaney's trademark sense of humor, compassion, and scientific curiosity, it's an eye-opening journey among cult members, conspiracy theorists, and political activists, from Westboro Baptist Church picketers to LGBTQ campaigners in California-that ultimately challenges us to question our own motives and beliefs. In an age of dangerous conspiratorial thinking, can we rise to the occasion with empathy? An expansive, big-hearted journalistic narrative, HOW MINDS CHANGE reaches surprising and thought-provoking conclusions, to demonstrate the rare but transformative circumstances under which minds can change"-- Provided by publisher
Exploring the malleability of human beliefs, this book delves into the psychological mechanisms that allow individuals to shift their deeply held opinions. It presents practical strategies for fostering open-mindedness and encourages readers to embrace change in their thinking. Through insights from psychology and real-life examples, it guides readers on a transformative journey to reconsider their perspectives and adopt new ideas.
How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Ou Tsmart Yourself
The author offers insights into understanding and overcoming the cognitive biases that often lead to poor decision-making. By providing practical strategies and engaging examples, readers are equipped to recognize their mental pitfalls and improve their thinking processes. This book aims to empower individuals to navigate their thoughts more effectively, enhancing their ability to make smarter choices in everyday life.
You can beat your brain... but first you need to know your brain!
How many of your Facebook friends do you think you know? Would you help a stranger in need? Do you know why you’re so in love with your new smartphone? The truth is: you’re probably wrong. You are not so smart. In this international bestseller, award-winning journalist David McRaney examines the assorted ways we mislead ourselves every single day. A psychology course with all the boring bits taken out, prepare for a whirlwind tour of the latest research in the subject, fused with a healthy dose of humour and wit. You’ll discover just how irrational you really are, which delusions keep you sane, how to boost your productivity, and why you’ve never kept a New Year’s resolution.
McRaney reveals that every decision we make, every thought we contemplate, and every emotion we feel comes with a story we tell ourselves to explain them. But sometimes those stories aren't true.
Explains how self-delusion is part of a person's psychological defense system, identifying common misconceptions people have on topics such as caffeine withdrawal, hindsight, and brand loyalty.