

#46390
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Useful Delusions
Book • 2022
Shankar Vedantam's "Useful Delusions" explores the power and paradox of self-deception in human behavior.
The book examines how our brains often construct narratives that are not entirely accurate, yet serve important psychological functions.
Vedantam delves into the ways in which these self-deceptions can both benefit and hinder us, influencing our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being.
He uses scientific research and real-world examples to illustrate the complexities of self-perception and the role of self-deception in navigating the world.
The book ultimately encourages a more nuanced understanding of the human mind and its capacity for both self-deception and self-awareness.
The book examines how our brains often construct narratives that are not entirely accurate, yet serve important psychological functions.
Vedantam delves into the ways in which these self-deceptions can both benefit and hinder us, influencing our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being.
He uses scientific research and real-world examples to illustrate the complexities of self-perception and the role of self-deception in navigating the world.
The book ultimately encourages a more nuanced understanding of the human mind and its capacity for both self-deception and self-awareness.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Mentioned by 

to explain the placebo and nocebo effects in relation to the curse of the pharaohs.


Tim Harford

The Mummy's Curse (Classic)
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to explain the placebo effect and its relevance to the curse of the pharaohs.


Tim Harford

The Mummy’s Curse
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as another book by 

, focusing on self-deception and its impact.

Lee C. Camp


Shankar Vedantam

194: Shankar Vedantam: Hidden Brain
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, as similar to functional fictions, about believing things that may not necessarily be true.

Steve Sanduski

Dr. Daniel Crosby: The Psychology of Client Decision-Making Explained
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as 

's new book, exploring the upsides of self-deception.


Dan Harris


Shankar Vedantam

The Surprising Upsides of Self-Deception | Shankar Vedantam