The Truth-Seeker's Handbook

Book excerpt: Why do so many people prefer comfortable lies over inconvenient truths? After all, holding such false beliefs can cause bad decisions with tragic consequences for one¿s personal life, relationships, careers, and our society as a whole.Recent research provides the answer: the human mind make mistakes in predictable and systematic ways. These mental errors ¿ called cognitive biases by scholars ¿ cause people to form misconceptions about the world and thus make poor decisions that may lead to catastrophe. Fortunately, cognitive and behavioral scientists have recently uncovered many useful strategies for overcoming these mental flaws. This book relates those strategies in a clear, straightforward and engaging manner. It uses everyday life examples to show you how to train yourself and guide others in avoiding these mental flaws, preventing disasters and facilitating success and happiness for yourself and those you care about.