Out of Character: The Surprising Truth About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us by David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo Summary

1. Character is shaped by unconscious forces, not fixed traits.
2. Hypocrisy and morality coexist in everyone’s decision-making.
3. Emotions override logic in unexpected moral choices.
4. Context determines behavior more than personal ethics.
5. The ant vs. grasshopper metaphor explains self-control struggles.
6. Social cues unconsciously drive conformity and altruism.
7. Pride can motivate achievement or provoke arrogance.
8. Gratitude strengthens relationships through reciprocal generosity.
9. Risk-taking stems from emotional impulses, not rational planning.
10. Compassion and cruelty emerge from situational triggers.
11. Unconscious biases shape prejudice despite conscious beliefs.
12. Moral flexibility allows both cheating and unexpected honesty.

About the Author

David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo, psychologists and co-authors of Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us, combine rigorous academic research with accessible storytelling to challenge conventional views of human morality.

DeSteno, a professor at Northeastern University and director of its Social Emotions Lab, serves as editor of the American Psychological Association’s journal Emotion. Valdesolo, a psychology professor at Claremont McKenna College, explores the intersection of emotion and social behavior.

Their collaborative work, featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and NPR, dismantles the myth of static character, arguing instead for a dynamic interplay of psychological forces shaping decisions. DeSteno’s follow-up bestseller, Emotional Success, further examines how prosocial emotions drive achievement.

Out of Character has been praised by thought leaders like Daniel Gilbert and Paul Bloom for its revelatory insights into hypocrisy, altruism, and moral conflict, cementing its status as a seminal text in behavioral psychology.

FAQs About This Book

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.

How does social context influence behavior according to Out of Character?

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.