TALI SHAROT: the optimism bias

First published in 1975, 'Animal Liberation' by Peter Singer has been a pivotal book in the animal rights movement. It introduces the concept of 'speciesism,' the systematic neglect and exploitation of nonhuman animals. Singer argues that the interests of all beings capable of suffering should be given equal consideration, regardless of their species. The book critiques factory farming and animal experimentation, presenting alternatives and advocating for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The revised edition, 'Animal Liberation Now,' updates the arguments to reflect current issues, including environmental impacts and the spread of viruses from factory farms[1][3][5].

In *The Influential Mind*, neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the nature of influence, revealing that many of our instincts, such as relying on facts or control, are ineffective because they clash with how people's minds operate. She shows how to avoid these pitfalls by aligning influence strategies with core brain functions, highlighting the roles of emotion, curiosity, and social factors. The book provides insights into the complex power of influence, drawing on neuroscience, behavioral economics, and psychology.

In this book, Tali Sharot delves into the psychological and neuroscientific aspects of optimism, explaining how it is hardwired into our brains and essential for human survival. She discusses how optimism affects our perceptions, decisions, and well-being, including its role in financial, professional, and emotional choices. The book also examines the differences between the brains of optimists and pessimists and how emotions influence our ability to recall and anticipate events. Sharot presents a balanced view, highlighting both the adaptive and destructive aspects of the optimism bias.

In this work, Mill provides a comprehensive explanation of utilitarianism, addressing its core principles and responding to various criticisms. He argues that happiness, understood as pleasure and the absence of pain, is the ultimate goal of ethical conduct. Mill distinguishes between higher and lower forms of happiness, preferring intellectual pleasures over bodily ones. He also discusses the compatibility of utilitarianism with individual rights and justice, arguing that justice has a utilitarian basis and that actions are right in proportion to their ability to promote general happiness.

This book, based on decades of research in psychological and biological sciences, explores the phenomenon of habituation where people stop noticing significant aspects of their lives. Sharot and Sunstein provide insights on how to 'dishabituate' by disrupting routines, changing environments, and interacting with different people. This approach helps in reigniting joy, innovating, and recognizing areas that need improvement. The authors use various examples, including how people adapt to negative and positive stimuli, to illustrate how temporary changes can restore sensitivity and enhance appreciation for both the good and the bad in life.