Useful Delusions
The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
(Author) Shankar VedantamA Behavioral Scientist Notable Book of 2021 A Next Big Idea Club Best Nonfiction of 2021 From the New York Times best-selling author and host of Hidden Brain comes a thought-provoking look at the role of self-deception in human flourishing. 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.
Shankar Vedantam
Shankar Vedantam is an Indian-American journalist and author best known for his book "The Hidden Brain," which explores the unconscious biases that shape human behavior. His writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex psychological concepts easily understandable. Vedantam's work has made significant contributions to the field of social psychology and popular science literature.
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