You are Now Less Dumb Book Summary - You are Now Less Dumb Book explained in key points
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How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Outsmart Yourself

4 (43 ratings)
21 mins

Brief summary

You Are Now Less Dumb by David McRaney is a witty book that explores the psychology behind our irrational behavior, biases, and misconceptions. It provides valuable insights and actionable tips to help you become more self-aware and make better decisions.

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    You are Now Less Dumb
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    Your brain fools you everyday – without you even realizing it!

    Every day, your brain tricks you into believing the strangest things. Similar to an optical illusion, our brains often deceive us – even when we’re pretty sure what we’re observing is the truth.

    And though we like to think our thoughts and decisions are grounded in logic and rationality – often they’re not.

    Our perception of the world is unique to each of us. The way we experience the sight and smell of a flower, for example, is not the way a bee experiences it. Therefore, we can’t always trust that what we see or sense is the only truth.

    For example, in 1951, after an important football match between Dartmouth College and Princeton University, during which both teams struggled and Princeton ended up victorious, both schools published articles about it in their college newsletters.

    But it seemed, based on the newsletters, as though the two schools had witnessed entirely different matches. Princeton students accused their rivals of being uncivilized, while Dartmouth students reported that both teams were to blame and that the game had been altogether fair.

    Psychologists decided to look into this discrepancy and had students fill out questionnaires about the game. They concluded that the students had alternate versions of reality depending on their attitude and the school they supported.

    Although all the students had watched the same game, not unlike the above difference between the perception of a bee and a human, they interpreted what they witnessed in entirely different ways.

    Now, most of us know that what we see is not always the absolute truth. Yet, under certain circumstances, such as watching an important sports game, we often fail to remember this. In order to become less naive, we need to be aware of this – at least some of the time.

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    What is You are Now Less Dumb about?

    You Are Now Less Dumb provides thought-provoking studies and examples on how our brains often misguide us. It also enlightens readers with tips on how to uncover these unfounded beliefs and find out what’s actually happening in and around us.

    You are Now Less Dumb Review

    You are Now Less Dumb is an enlightening read that explores the common cognitive biases and illusions that cloud our thinking. Here's why this book stands out:

    • It offers a fresh perspective on how our minds work, uncovering the fascinating ways we deceive ourselves.
    • With thought-provoking examples and research studies, it challenges our assumptions and encourages critical thinking.
    • The book's accessible writing style and engaging narratives keep readers captivated, ensuring it is never dull or monotonous.

    Best quote from You are Now Less Dumb

    Post hoc rationalization is the fairy godmother of all things inaccurate, non-scientific, mystical, mythological and superstitious.

    —David McRaney
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    Who should read You are Now Less Dumb?

    • Anyone who wants to feel a little bit smarter
    • Anyone interested in how our minds play tricks on us
    • Anyone interested in psychology

    About the Author

    David McRaney is the author of the popular blog You Are Not So Smart, which became a best-selling book of the same name. McRaney has also worked as a reporter, editor, TV host and public speaker. McRaney lives in Mississippi with his wife.

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    You are Now Less Dumb FAQs 

    What is the main message of You are Now Less Dumb?

    You are Now Less Dumb empowers readers to overcome their cognitive biases and discover the truth about their own minds.

    How long does it take to read You are Now Less Dumb?

    The estimated reading time for You are Now Less Dumb is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is You are Now Less Dumb a good book? Is it worth reading?

    You are Now Less Dumb is worth reading for its fascinating insights into human psychology and thought processes.

    Who is the author of You are Now Less Dumb?

    The author of You are Now Less Dumb is David McRaney.

    What to read after You are Now Less Dumb?

    If you're wondering what to read next after You are Now Less Dumb, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • How Minds Change by David McRaney
    • Liars by Cass R. Sunstein
    • The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer
    • The Case Against Education by Bryan Caplan
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Grain Brain by David Perlmutter
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
    • The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
    • Follow the Science by Sharyl Attkisson