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Hidden Brain

Outsmarting Yourself

Sep 18, 2023
Elliot Aronson, a prominent psychologist noted for his work on cognitive dissonance, dives into the fascinating realm of self-justification. He reveals how we create stories to defend our decisions, sometimes leading us astray, but suggests these rationalizations can also serve a positive purpose. The discussion uncovers the moral dilemmas we face and how cognitive dissonance can be a dual-edged sword—harmful yet potentially beneficial in achieving our goals. Aronson shares insights on leveraging this psychological tool for personal growth and social change.
46:18

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Self-justification can lead to rationalizing poor decisions, highlighting the psychological struggle between our ideal self and actual behavior.
  • Cognitive dissonance can be actively utilized in behavior change interventions, promoting healthier choices through the alignment of beliefs and actions.

Deep dives

The Duality of the Self

In life, individuals often grapple with two selves: the ideal self that understands the right actions and the actual self that frequently opts for easier, less responsible choices. For instance, while adults acknowledge the importance of kindness and maintaining relationships, it's common to act impulsively when faced with challenges such as being late or feeling upset. Similarly, knowing the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating does not always translate into action, as distractions like binge-watching television can lead to inaction. This duality highlights the struggle between intention and behavior in daily decision-making.

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