Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Suspicious Minds summary
Rob Brotherton
Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories
12 mins
Brief summary
'Suspicious Minds' by Rob Brotherton explores the psychology behind conspiracy theories and why we fall for them. It challenges the way we think and encourages us to approach information with a critical eye.
Topics
Table of Contents
Suspicious Minds
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
Conspiracy theories are the result of unanswered questions and our own natural instincts.
Maybe someone has knowingly told you that 9/11 was an inside job planned by the US government; or that climate change isn’t real; or that Elvis is still alive and working at a gas station in Kentucky. These are just a few of today’s popular conspiracy theories. But have you ever wondered where these strange stories come from?
Conspiracy theories like these are the result of unanswered questions.
We’re attracted to conspiracy theories because they provide an explanation to a question that has been left unresolved. Or maybe the question has been given an official answer, but there is still contrary evidence that hasn’t yet been properly addressed.
For example, many popular conspiracy theories of our day revolve around the events of 9/11 and unanswered questions such as: Did Al Qaeda orchestrate the attack or did the US government need a reason to start a war in the Middle East? Or, was Osama Bin Laden really killed or is the CIA keeping him alive somewhere in Washington, DC?
Conspiracy theorists take questions like these and then furnish unconventional answers: Bin Laden died of natural causes soon after 9/11 but the US government covered this up in order to invade Iraq and Afghanistan.
It’s natural to think that conspiracy theories like these are simply crazy. However, having such misgivings is also a natural human instinct.
You may have heard a conspiracy theorist’s voice in your own head from time to time. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself: How can global warming be real when it’s been so cold these past few years? Now just add some natural suspicion about the government and suddenly that thought becomes a conspiracy involving evil scientists trying to control world politics!
Want to see all full key ideas from Suspicious Minds?
Key ideas in Suspicious Minds
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Suspicious Minds about?
Conspiracy theorists are everywhere. In fact, you might be one of them yourself! Have you ever questioned the official accounts of, say, 9/11 or the assassination of John F. Kennedy? Suspicious Minds (2015) reveals why we look for extreme answers to tragic events and explains that there’s much more to conspiracy theories than tinfoil hats and UFOs.
Suspicious Minds Review
Suspicious Minds (2015) by Rob Brotherton explores the intriguing world of conspiracy theories and why they capture our imaginations. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It delves into the psychology behind conspiracy theories, helping readers understand why they are so captivating and pervasive.
- Through extensive research and analysis, the book debunks popular myths and offers a balanced perspective on the mysterious world of conspiracy theories.
- By examining historical events and psychological phenomena, it provokes critical thinking and encourages readers to question their own beliefs and biases.
Best quote from Suspicious Minds
Approximately 40 percent of US citizens believe that climate change was invented by scientists and the government as an excuse to infringe on civilian rights.
—Rob Brotherton
Who should read Suspicious Minds?
- People who are suspicious about 9/11
- Anyone interested in conspiracy theories
- Psychology students
Categories with Suspicious Minds
Book summaries like Suspicious Minds
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Suspicious Minds FAQs
What is the main message of Suspicious Minds?
The main message of Suspicious Minds is that our brains are wired to find patterns and make connections, sometimes leading to conspiratorial thinking.
How long does it take to read Suspicious Minds?
The reading time for Suspicious Minds varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Suspicious Minds a good book? Is it worth reading?
Suspicious Minds is a thought-provoking book that explores the psychology behind conspiratorial thinking. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of Suspicious Minds?
The author of Suspicious Minds is Rob Brotherton.
What to read after Suspicious Minds?
If you're wondering what to read next after Suspicious Minds, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Flat Earth News by Nick Davies
- The Reality Game by Samuel Woolley
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Who Rules the World? by Noam Chomsky
- Raising Girls Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards
- Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
- What Kind of Creatures Are We? by Noam Chomsky
- Science of Evil by Simon Baron-Cohen
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman