Useful Delusions
The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
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Self-deception does terrible harm to us, to our communities, and to the planet. But if it is so bad for us, why is it ubiquitous? In Useful Delusions, Shankar Vedantam and Bill Mesler argue that, paradoxically, self-deception can also play a vital role in our success and well-being. The lies we tell ourselves sustain our daily interactions with friends, lovers, and coworkers. They can explain why some people live longer than others, why some couples remain in love and others don't, why some nations hold together while others splinter. Filled with powerful personal stories and drawing on new insights in psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, Useful Delusions offers a fascinating tour of what it really means to be human.
About this Author
Shankar Vedantam is host of the Hidden Brain podcast and public radio show and the author of The Hidden Brain, a New York Times national bestseller. He lives in Washington, DC.
Bill Mesler is the coauthor of A Brief History of Creation. He lives in Washington, DC.
Reviews
"Powerful...[Vedantam] explains the phenomenon of deceit in general, and self-deception in particular, with the same plain language and gentle authority that his listeners have come to rely on."
"Vedantam and Mesler pepper hard data with compelling stories to make their case. Vedantam's empathy and intuitive understanding of human nature, which shine on his popular 'Hidden Brain' podcast, come through in Useful Delusions."
"A lively and digestible book...Perhaps the book's most important point advises how to combat destructive delusions."
"[A] scientifically informed, provocative and stylish study of self-deception."
"Useful Delusions takes us on a fascinating, enlightening tour of the human mind."
"Ingenious...A passionate, often counterintuitive, disturbingly convincing addition to the why-people-believe-stupid-things genre."
"This excellent narrative nonfiction work will engage a variety of readers, and is a solid choice for book clubs who like to discuss current events."
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