Synopsis
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.
1 illustration"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Authors
Shankar Vedantam is host of the Hidden Brain podcast and public radio show and the author of The Hidden Brain, a New York Times national bestseller. He lives in Washington, DC.
Bill Mesler is the coauthor of A Brief History of Creation. He lives in Washington, DC.
From the Back Cover
Praise for Shankar Vedantam:
"Delivered with wit and lightness by Vedantam, The Hidden Brain is digestible without ever being dumbed down, and embodies an open-mindedness that becomes infectious."
–Emma Dibdin, New York Times
"The Hidden Brain [is] compulsively readable. Vedantam is a gifted storyteller."
–Anthony Doerr, Boston Globe
"The Hidden Brain is an altogether spectacular read, the kind that gives the best possible hope for changing our minds…toward more fairness, greater self-awareness, and a vital integration of our intentions and our actions."
–Maria Popova, Brainpickings
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceivin...
Seller Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. This book is in good condition with very minimal damage. This is an ex-library book with stickers and markings. Pages may have minimal notes or highlighting. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer. Seller Inventory # RDV.0393652203.G
Stock Image
Useful Delusions The Power and
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00094471812
Stock Image
Useful Delusions The Power and
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00095318635
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: More Than Words, Waltham, MA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. A sound copy with only light wear. Overall a solid copy at a great price! Seller Inventory # BOS-E-13j-01567
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: Seattle Goodwill, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # mon0000119761
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0393652203I4N01
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0393652203I4N00
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0393652203I3N01
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0393652203I5N00
Stock Image
Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0393652203I3N10