Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts

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.

CAROL TAVRIS is a social psychologist and author of "Anger" and "The Mismeasure of Woman." She has written for the "Los Angeles Times, " the "New York Times, Scientific American, "and many other publications. She lives in Los Angeles.ELLIOT ARONSON is a social psychologist and author of "The Social Animal." The recipient of many awards for teaching, scientific research, writing, and contributions to society, he is a professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz.