Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions and Hurtful Acts

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Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

By: Carol Tavris, Elliot Aronson

Narrated by: Marsha Mercant, Joe Barrett

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About this listen

Why do people dodge responsibility when things fall apart? Why the parade of public figures unable to own up when they screw up? Why the endless marital quarrels over who is right? Why can we see hypocrisy in others but not in ourselves? Are we all liars? Or do we really believe the stories we tell? Backed by years of research and delivered in lively, energetic prose, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) offers a fascinating explanation of self-deception - how it works, the harm it can cause, and how we can overcome it.

Psychology

Psychology & Mental Health

Social Psychology & Interactions

Sociology

Inspiring

Funny

Thought-Provoking

Mental Health

Health

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Critic reviews

"Thanks, in part, to the scientific evidence it provides and the charm of its down-to-earth, commonsensical tone, Mistakes Were Made is convincing. Reading it, we recognize the behavior of our leaders, our loved ones, and—if we're honest—ourselves, and some of the more perplexing mysteries of human nature begin to seem a little clearer." (Francine Prose, O, The Oprah Magazine)

"By turns entertaining, illuminating and—when you recognize yourself in the stories it tells—mortifying." ( The Wall Street Journal)

Most relevant

Maybe it’s because I love books about how we (our brains) process information which, after reading this book, maybe seen as a bias towards wanting to enjoy the book for the off? Its opened up a whole world of questions and understandings.

Every part of the book is intriguing, engaging and explains the inner workings of our thought processes and it’s potential origins and outcomes.

The summary about how we can inadvertently teach and portray failure as stupidity really hits home, especially when raising a small child. I’d love for all teachers to have a fuller understanding of these methods and teachings.

A book that can be recommended to anyone and should be read by everyone willing to accept their faults, help others and themselves in more ways than one.