Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me)

Carol Tavris

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me)

18min

18min

Download offline

Add to library

Buy the book

We so often think, no matter what happens, that it’s someone else’s fault. So, why is it so difficult to take responsibility for our own mistakes? Combining extensive data from research and interviews with public figures, Carol Tavris explains and analyses the process of self-justification and its effects on both our private and social life.

read more

read less

0:00
0:00

Analysis and key concepts

01.

What is self-justification and to what extent does it impact our lives?

02.

Confirmation bias tends to justify harmful behaviour and opinions, even when the mistake is plain to see

03.

The pyramid of choice describes the complexity of the human experience

04.

Cognitive dissonance theory describes social blind spots

05.

Memory is not a static, fixed fact, but changes depending on our worldview

06.

Self-justification impacts every area of human life, including the justice system

07.

In romantic relationships, we need to find the right balance between both partners’ cognitive dissonances

08.

Self-compassion is the best way to protect ourselves from the dangers of self-justification

09.

Quotes

10.

Take-home message

Unlock this and thousands more with 4books Premium!

You'll have 7 days free, and if you're not satisfied after 30 days, you can get your money back.

Many useful tips to:

  • Build better, healthier relationships.
  • Explore new strategies for conflict resolution.
  • Improve our skills as professional mediators.

Carol Tavris is a populariser in the field of social psychology, and is known for debunking scientifically-unfounded practices. She focuses on cognitive dissonance, gender issues, and anger management, and her research has earned her numerous international awards. Her books include Mistakes Were Made, Psychology, and Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, and her articles have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Scientific American.

Publishing house:

Mariner Books

Year:

2020

Pages:

464

ISBN:

978-0358329619