How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion

A powerful, compassionate investigation of why it's so hard to change your mind--and the transformative effects that follow when you do--by the internationally bestselling author of You Are Not So Smart

"A riveting read on the art and science of persuasion . . . In a time when too many minds seem closed, this is a masterful analysis of what it takes to open them." --Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife

PORCHLIGHT BOOK AWARD WINNER

What made a prominent conspiracy-theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax? Can you finally have a productive conversation about politics with your uncle at the next family gathering? How does an ordinary person find the courage to leave a cult? Can widespread social change only take place when a generation dies out?

Inspired by curiosity and underpinned by diligent research, How Minds Change is an expansive, big-hearted journalistic narrative for our divided times, told with David McRaney's trademark humor, compassion, and scientific inquiry. In engaging chapters built around eye-opening interviews and anecdotes--featuring psychologists and neuroscientists, and also former cult members, conspiracy theorists, and political activists--McRaney shows why illusions like The Dress captivate (and break) the internet; how conversational techniques can crack hardened attitudes; and what miracles are possible when we show up with open minds and a better understanding of how the human brain works.

Reaching surprising and thought-provoking conclusions, How Minds Change demonstrates that the ability to uncover our own motives and beliefs--and understand those of others--may be the greatest persuasive tool of all.