Out of Character Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Out of Character* by David DeSteno about?

*Out of Character* explores how unconscious processes, emotions, and social contexts shape human behavior, challenging the notion of fixed character. David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo argue that actions often stem from internal conflicts between short-term desires (the "grasshopper") and long-term goals (the "ant"), revealing why people act against their own values.

Out of Character

David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo

3.72 (478 Reviews)

Psychology

Self-growth

Science

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

In "Out of Character," DeSteno and Valdesolo shatter our belief in fixed personality traits. Based on experiments with 2,000+ participants, they reveal how saints become sinners and vice versa depending on context. Are you really who you think you are?

What is Out of Character by David DeSteno about?

Out of Character explores how unconscious processes, emotions, and social contexts shape human behavior, challenging the notion of fixed character. David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo argue that actions often stem from internal conflicts between short-term desires (the "grasshopper") and long-term goals (the "ant"), revealing why people act against their own values.

Who should read Out of Character?

This book is ideal for psychology enthusiasts, behavioral science students, or anyone seeking to understand why people (including themselves) behave inconsistently. It offers insights for leaders, educators, and those navigating moral dilemmas or interpersonal conflicts.

Is Out of Character worth reading?

Yes—the book combines rigorous research with relatable examples, making complex psychological concepts accessible. Its exploration of hypocrisy, gratitude, and risk-taking provides practical frameworks for self-awareness and decision-making.

What is the "ant vs. grasshopper" metaphor in Out of Character?

The metaphor illustrates the mental tug-of-war between immediate rewards (grasshopper) and future planning (ant). For example, choosing to splurge now versus saving for retirement. The authors show how context and emotions tip this balance, often unconsciously.

How does Out of Character explain moral hypocrisy?

DeSteno reveals hypocrisy as a byproduct of competing mental systems. Experiments show people often condemn others’ actions while excusing their own, driven by emotional biases rather than rational principles.

What role do emotions play in Out of Character?

Emotions like gratitude or pride act as "moral barometers," subtly guiding decisions. For instance, gratitude fosters cooperation, while unchecked pride can lead to self-sabotage. These feelings operate below conscious awareness, shaping behavior unpredictably.

The book demonstrates that environment overrides intentions—e.g., stress prompts dishonesty, while group settings amplify conformity. Even minor cues (like scents or colors) can unconsciously trigger generosity or prejudice.

What are criticisms of Out of Character?

Some argue the book oversimplifies neurobiology or underplays cultural influences on behavior. Others note that its focus on lab experiments may not fully capture real-world complexity.

How does Out of Character compare to Thinking, Fast and Slow?

While Kahneman’s work focuses on cognitive biases, Out of Character emphasizes emotional and social drivers of behavior. Both highlight unconscious influences, but DeSteno’s framework ties more directly to moral decision-making.

Can Out of Character help improve decision-making?

Yes—by recognizing how context and emotions cloud judgment, readers can create environments that align short-term impulses with long-term goals. Strategies include pre-commitment devices and fostering gratitude.

What are key quotes from Out of Character?

“Vice and virtue…coexist in each of us”: Highlights behavioral fluidity.
“Character is…a constantly shifting state”: Rejects fixed personality traits.

How does Out of Character apply to workplace dynamics?

The book explains why ethical lapses occur under pressure and how leaders can design systems that reduce hypocrisy. For example, transparent processes minimize unconscious biases in hiring or promotions.

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Key takeaways

When Good People Suddenly Aren't

00:00

Picture a respected governor, devoted family man, and Eagle Scout who simply vanishes from his post-not for a crisis, but to pursue an affair in Argentina. Mark Sanford's stunning fall from grace forces an uncomfortable question: Was his character always flawed, just hidden? Or is something more unsettling at play? We cling to the comforting belief that character is stable-good people do good things, bad people do bad things. Yet history tells a different story. During World War I's Christmas truce, British and German soldiers exchanged gifts and played soccer, only to resume killing each other days later. The same individuals capable of tender compassion became instruments of violence almost overnight. This isn't about a few broken people-it's about all of us. The potential for both virtue and vice doesn't live in separate people; it lives within each of us, waiting for the right conditions to emerge. We've been telling ourselves the wrong story about character. The classic image-an angel and devil on our shoulders-suggests we simply choose between good and evil. But that's not how our minds actually work. Think instead of Aesop's ant and grasshopper. The grasshopper represents our impulse for immediate pleasure: the dessert when we're trying to lose weight, the affair when we're committed, the shortcut when integrity demands the long road. The ant embodies our capacity for long-term thinking-the voice reminding us that today's pleasure becomes tomorrow's regret. Neither is inherently good or evil. Both served our ancestors well: immediate rewards kept them fed and reproducing, while long-term planning built communities and relationships. The tension between them isn't a bug in our psychology-it's a feature. But here's what makes character so slippery: this internal scale tips constantly based on factors we barely notice. A messy room, a pleasant scent, even how much sleep we got-all these shift the balance without our awareness. When we act "out of character," we haven't revealed our true nature. We've simply tipped the scale.

The Rationalization Machine and Arbitrary Compassion

Love, Lust, and Evolutionary Programming

The Pride Paradox

The Elasticity of Fairness and Gratitude's Power

Environmental Design Over Willpower

Reclaiming Your Character

Explore Your Way of Learning

Out of Character isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Psychology. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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Top 8 Insights from Out of Character in a Nutshell

Distill Out of Character into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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Out of Character Lessons Told Through 24-Min Stories

Experience Out of Character through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

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Experience Out of Character in your own way.

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Out of Character by David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo Summary

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