Elliot Aronson, a leading social psychologist and pioneer of cognitive dissonance, shares fascinating insights into human behavior. He discusses the discomfort of conflicting beliefs and how we can leverage self-persuasion for personal growth. The conversation highlights the pratfall effect, showing how embracing our vulnerabilities can enhance connections. Aronson also explores collaboration through the Jigsaw Classroom and the transformative power of shifting perceptions in relationships. Expect thought-provoking anecdotes and strategies for making better decisions while staying open-minded.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The Pratfall Effect in Action
Elliot Aronson encouraged his TA, Larry, to embrace a pratfall by showing his muddy backside after slipping.
This vulnerability led to a standing ovation and, eventually, Larry meeting his wife.
insights INSIGHT
The Psychology of Pratfalls
The pratfall effect works because it humanizes competent individuals, making them less intimidating.
Mediocre individuals, however, only appear more mediocre after a pratfall.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Authenticity over Performance
Never fake a pratfall; authenticity is key.
Reveal vulnerabilities naturally without trying to appear human.
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This book by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson delves into the psychological mechanisms behind self-justification, using anecdotal, historical, and scientific evidence. It explains how cognitive dissonance leads people to create fictions that absolve them of responsibility, restoring their belief in their own morality and intelligence. The authors discuss various examples, including political decisions, marital conflicts, and medical errors, to illustrate how self-justification can lead to harmful consequences. The updated edition includes new examples and an extended discussion on how to live with dissonance, learn from it, and potentially forgive oneself.
The social animal
the hidden sources of love, character, and achievement
David Brooks
The Social Animal is a moving intellectual adventure that delves into the hidden sources of love, character, and achievement. Through the lives of Harold and Erica, a composite American couple, David Brooks illustrates a fundamental new understanding of human nature. The book draws on a wealth of current research from various disciplines to show that the unconscious mind is a creative and dominant force in our lives, shaping our character and influencing our most important life decisions. Brooks critiques modern culture's emphasis on rationalism, individualism, and IQ, and argues for a culture based on trust and humility. The narrative spans from infancy to old age, highlighting the deeply social aspect of our minds and the importance of human connection and community[1][4][5].
Elliot Aronson is one of the preeminent psychologists of the 20th century — his mentors were Abraham Maslow and Leon Festinger, and his award-winning psychology textbooks are seminal even for non-psychologists. Adam asks Elliot about his pioneering work on making mistakes and cognitive dissonance, or the discomfort we feel when we realize that our attitudes or actions contradict our values. Then, the two discuss the dangers (and upsides) of rationalizing our beliefs — and strategies for making better decisions while keeping an open mind. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
Worklife with Adam Grant 
