This book delves into the fascinating world of cognitive dissonance, the psychological theory that explains why people often refuse to admit their mistakes. Authors Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson explore how this self-justification and denial not only harm personal relationships, but also fuel larger societal issues such as political gridlock, prejudice, and wrongful convictions. They argue that our brains are wired to protect our self-esteem and beliefs, leading us to rationalize our actions and decisions, even when they are clearly wrong. The authors use real-life examples from politics, law, and psychology to illustrate these concepts. They also offer insights on how to recognize our own cognitive dissonance and how to break free from the cycle of self-justification. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior, offering readers a new perspective on how we make decisions and perceive the world.
Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)
This book examines why people and organizations find it so difficult to accept responsibility for their mistakes. It looks at the psychological processes that lead to denial, distortion, and self-justification and how these processes can be overcome. It also provides strategies for recognizing and correcting errors before they become too costly.
