The Optimism Bias: Why we're wired to look on the bright side - Couverture souple

Sharot, Tali

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1780332637 ISBN 13 : 9781780332635

Editeur : Robinson, 2012

Synopsis

The Optimism Bias Psychologists have long been aware that most people tend to maintain an irrationally positive outlook on life. This title demonstrates the biological basis for optimism. It takes a clarifying look at how the brain generates hope and what happens when it fails; how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; and, more. Full description

A propos du livre

Revue de presse :

Lucid, engaging and cutting-edge... a must-read for anyone interested in imagining the future. - David Eagleman, Neuroscientist and bestselling author of Sum and Incognito.

An intelligent written look into why most people take an optimistic view on life...stimulating discussion...in easily understood language...fascinating trip into why we prefer to remain hopeful about our future and ourselves. (New York Journal of Books)

Very enjoyable, highly original and packed with eye-opening insight, this is a beautifully written book that really brings psychology alive. - Simon Baron-Cohen, Cambridge University Professor and author of Zero Degrees of Empathy and The Science of Evil.

If you read her story, you'll get a much better grip on how we function in it. I'm optimistic about that. (TIME)

Her fascinating book offers compelling evidence for the neural basis of optimism and what it all means. (Scientific American Book Club)

Lively, conversational...A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience's front lines. (Kirkus)

A book I'd suggest to anyone. (Forbes)

Read it and cheer. It's important to your longevity. (Examiner)

Most readers will turn to the last page not only buoyed by hope but also aware of the sources and benefits of that hope. (Booklist)

What a treat. A charming, engaging and accessible book written by a scientist who knows how to tell a story. - Richard Thaler, author of Nudge

Extrait :

Table of Contents

Prologue: A Glass Forever Half Full?
1. Which Way Is Up? Illusions of the Human Brain
2. Are Animals Stuck in Time? The Evolution of Prospection
3. Is Optimism a Self- Fulfi lling Prophecy? How the Mind Transforms Predictions into Reality
4. What Do Barack Obama and Shirley Temple Have in Common? When Private Optimism Meets Public Despair
5. Can You Predict What Will Make You Happy? The Unexpected Ingredient for Well- being
6. Crocuses Popping Up Through the Snow? When Things Go Wrong: Depression, Interpretation,
and Genes
7. Why Is Friday Better Than Sunday? The Value of Anticipation and the Cost of Dread
8. Why Do Things Seem Better After We Choose Them? The Mind’s Journey from Expectation to Choice and Back
9. Are Memories of 9/11 as Accurate as They Seem? How Emotion Changes Our Past
10. Why Is Being a Cancer Survivor Better Than Winning the Tour de France? How the Brain Turns Lead into Gold
11. A Dark Side to Optimism? From World War II to the Credit Crunch—Underestimating Risk Is Like Drinking Red Wine
Epilogue: A Beautiful Mademoiselle or a Sad Old Lady? From Prediction to Perception to Action
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index

From the Hardcover edition.

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Robinson
• Date d'édition: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1780332637
• ISBN 13: 9781780332635
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 272