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Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions and Hurtful Acts

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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.

©2008 Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Sociology Inspiring Funny Thought-Provoking Mental Health Health

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)
All stars
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.

This deserves a review - Highly insightful

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Probably the 3rd book in my life, that change the way you see people and even yourself...
Absolutely must read/ listen for everyone.
Finished in two days.

must read

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This book has really changed my view of the world, myself and others. I bought several copies for friends and relatives before even finishing it.

It's not an easy read - not because of narration or pace, but because it will challenge any reader with a genuine interest in the subject to reflect on their own patterns of cognitive dissonance and self-justification. But it does not just leave you hanging there - it offers an examples and approaches to begin to recognise these patterns in yourself and others and suggests approaches to inspire our responses to them.

I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. You'll likely wish you'd known about the contents earlier in your life.

Best book I've read in years

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but that is why you should listen to this book. learn and move forward in life

you may struggle to hear the message

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I listened to this book twice now. it delves into our inability to admit when we are wrong, and the lengths we go to to justify our decisions. Medicine, politics, domestic relationships, and law are all explored in this book.

A brilliant insight into our Ego

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