jaraka's review against another edition
4.0
While little in this book is actually novel, I think the message has been sorely missing from general discourse lately. So many of us cling too tightly to our opinions. The idea of being wrong is looked down upon and avoided. But Grant makes an argument for being more open minded and encouraging others to do the same. I am very conflict avoidant and have a hard time standing up for my self and engaging in productive discussions about complicated topics so I appreciated the tips for motivated listening information.
There’s nothing wrong with being wrong. That’s how we learn. Gaining new information and adjusting our opinions accordingly should be affirmed.
Favorite quotes: “When we find out we might be wrong, a standard defense is “I’m entitled to my opinion.” I’d like to modify that: yes, we’re entitled to hold opinions inside our own heads. If we choose to express them out loud, though, I think it’s our responsibility to ground them in logic and facts, share our reasoning with others, and change our minds when better evidence emerges.”
“If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.”
“We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.”
There’s nothing wrong with being wrong. That’s how we learn. Gaining new information and adjusting our opinions accordingly should be affirmed.
Favorite quotes: “When we find out we might be wrong, a standard defense is “I’m entitled to my opinion.” I’d like to modify that: yes, we’re entitled to hold opinions inside our own heads. If we choose to express them out loud, though, I think it’s our responsibility to ground them in logic and facts, share our reasoning with others, and change our minds when better evidence emerges.”
“If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.”
“We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.”
iffles's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book REALLY made me rethink... well, how I think.
Grant - a psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania - dives into the power of having doubts and REthinking what you've always thought.
The book - littered with case studies and interesting stories - is divided into three sections. The first focuses on individuals - why we struggle with rethinking, why it's important to do it, and how to do it. The second section focuses on how we can help *others* to rethink (think more productivity/less hurtful feelings in debates and arguments). The final section looks at how organizations (schools, business, government) can provide a culture for rethinking.
Honestly, I was fascinated by this book. As someone who rarely highlights even one passage in a book, I highlighted fourteen! ... here's just a few:
Reconsidering something we believe deeply can threaten our identities, making it feel as if we’re losing a part of ourselves.
We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995. We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.
Thinking like a scientist involves more than just reacting with an open mind. It means being actively open-minded. It requires searching for reasons why we might be wrong—not for reasons why we must be right—and revising our views based on what we learn.
When we succeed in changing someone’s mind, we shouldn’t only ask whether we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. We should also ask whether we’re proud of how we’ve achieved it.
I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone, but especially teachers, anyone posting about Hot Topics on social media, anyone who has to debate with coworkers, or anyone in a leadership position.
Grant - a psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania - dives into the power of having doubts and REthinking what you've always thought.
The book - littered with case studies and interesting stories - is divided into three sections. The first focuses on individuals - why we struggle with rethinking, why it's important to do it, and how to do it. The second section focuses on how we can help *others* to rethink (think more productivity/less hurtful feelings in debates and arguments). The final section looks at how organizations (schools, business, government) can provide a culture for rethinking.
Honestly, I was fascinated by this book. As someone who rarely highlights even one passage in a book, I highlighted fourteen! ... here's just a few:
Reconsidering something we believe deeply can threaten our identities, making it feel as if we’re losing a part of ourselves.
We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995. We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.
Thinking like a scientist involves more than just reacting with an open mind. It means being actively open-minded. It requires searching for reasons why we might be wrong—not for reasons why we must be right—and revising our views based on what we learn.
When we succeed in changing someone’s mind, we shouldn’t only ask whether we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. We should also ask whether we’re proud of how we’ve achieved it.
I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone, but especially teachers, anyone posting about Hot Topics on social media, anyone who has to debate with coworkers, or anyone in a leadership position.
marjshopes's review against another edition
5.0
This was the book I needed to read halfway through 2022. Heavy on good psychology research but readable for anyone. Lots of practical applications for therapists, parents, teachers, business folks, leaders, etc.
morgan_watches_birds's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book very interesting. Grant emphasizes curiosity and lifelong learning, and I loved that focus. I didn't agree with everything he said, but there is definitely a lot here to unpack that's worth thinking over a lot more. I'll probably come back to this book again to reflect on some of his ideas.
lolashi's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. The first chapters were kind of tedious, but then it became very practical advice and in-depth thoughts.
drb5232's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a great mental chew toy! I took so many notes in my phone while listening that I want to revisit regularly, for both professional and personal inspiration. Some of my favorite thoughts were centered around the joy in being wrong, the value of task conflict and a challenge network, and how to use motivational interviewing to generate openness and flexibility on both sides of a conversation. I love the idea that as lifelong learners, we should seek to evolve, rather than affirm, our beliefs - which sometimes requires unlearning and rethinking.
tiffyboomboom's review against another edition
5.0
One of those books that I think everyone should read!