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    Mistakes Were Made by Carol Tavris & Elliot Aronson Summary

    Mistakes Were Made
    Carol Tavris & Elliot Aronson
    4.04 (28756 Reviews)
    PsychologySelf-growthPhilosophy
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    Overview of Mistakes Were Made

    Why do we cling to being right even when we're wrong? "Mistakes Were Made" exposes our psychological blind spots with eye-opening clarity. Praised by biblical scholar Bart Ehrman, this mind-bending exploration of self-justification will forever change how you view your own decisions.

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    Have you ever doubled down on a failing relationship because "we've invested so much time already," or kept pouring money into a money-pit car because "I've already spent thousands fixing it"? These seemingly innocent self-justifications reveal a powerful psychological mechanism affecting everyone from ordinary citizens to presidents. Since its 2007 publication, "Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)" has become a cultural touchstone, referenced everywhere from The New York Times to HBO's "Succession." Its enduring appeal lies in an uncomfortable truth: we all twist reality to protect our egos. Understanding this tendency is the first step toward making better decisions, improving relationships, and perhaps even healing societal divides.

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    The Engine of Self-Deception: Cognitive Dissonance

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    Memory: The Self-Justifying Historian

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    When Professionals Fall Prey to Self-Justification

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    The Path to Healing