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Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions and Hurtful Acts

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Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Written by: Carol Tavris, Elliot Aronson
Narrated by: Marsha Mercant, Joe Barrett
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About this listen

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.

©2008 Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Sociology

What the critics say

"Thanks, in part, to the scientific evidence it provides and the charm of its down-to-earth, commonsensical tone, Mistakes Were Made is convincing. Reading it, we recognize the behavior of our leaders, our loved ones, and—if we're honest—ourselves, and some of the more perplexing mysteries of human nature begin to seem a little clearer." (Francine Prose, O, The Oprah Magazine)
"By turns entertaining, illuminating and—when you recognize yourself in the stories it tells—mortifying." ( The Wall Street Journal)
All stars
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, learned a great deal, and plan to read and listen to it again so they the teachings sink in.

Excellent Book

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This book examines several 'mistakes' such as fake memories, false confessions, and conflicts of interest. Sure, we've all heard about them before, but what this book brings to the table is a thorough examining of the material through the lens of dissonance theory (also referred to as self-justification theory). It is rare that a book so elegantly ties multiple topics together in a clear understandable thesis, but this book somehow manages it. Suffice it to to say it was riveting from beginning to end (although some parts were not as interesting particularly the part on marriages). Also quotes are narrated in a different voice than the rest of the book which I found infinitely better than when the narrator tries to pull off a strange accent for the quote.

Fascinating

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this book provides a great insight into human psychology and why we do things that are not necessarily in our best interest. it also offers alternate ways to look at things so that we can get around this difficulty we have with cognitive dissonance

an interesting read on human behavior

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a bit of a sappy read but has a good message even if repeated over and over.

Good Listen

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Quite enjoyed this book. The concepts were well laid out and easy to understand and relate to.
At times I did think it was a bit too academic. Often the examples used related to mistakes in government. They made sense and were very understandable, but I would have preferred something a little more relatable to our every day lives.

Very interesting.

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Great insights and good perspective to apply to life's experiences. Examples are practicle and easy to understand.

Great insights and good perspective

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