The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others by Tali Sharot (PDF)

Description

A cutting-edge, research-based inquiry into how we influence those around us and how understanding the brain can help us change minds for the better.In The Influential Mind, neuroscientist Tali Sharot takes us on a thrilling exploration of the nature of influence. We all have a duty to affect others―from the classroom to the boardroom to social media. But how skilled are we at this role, and can we become better? It turns out that many of our instincts―from relying on facts and figures to shape opinions, to insisting others are wrong or attempting to exert control―are ineffective, because they are incompatible with how people’s minds operate. Sharot shows us how to avoid these pitfalls, and how an attempt to change beliefs and actions is successful when it is well-matched with the core elements that govern the human brain. Sharot reveals the critical role of emotion in influence, the weakness of data and the power of curiosity. Relying on the latest research in neuroscience, behavioral economics and psychology, the book provides fascinating insight into the complex power of influence, good and bad.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Tali Sharot is a cognitive neuroscientist. “I work at the intersection between psychology and neuroscience.” And what an interesting workplace it is. It’s a place reinforced by data and studies and experiments, but which still provides a view of the surrounding landscape we call the human experience.As the title suggests, this is a book about influence. What is it and how does it work? Some of the answers are logically obvious, but understanding the why behind the what always contributes to better understanding and more effective application. Much of it, however, is counter-intuitive, although here Dr. Sharot puts the knowledge in context, which has the effect of making the counter-intuitive inherently intuitive. It’s our perspective, not the reality, which causes the initial misrepresentation.I can’t say whether the book did a better job of expanding the understanding necessary to influence others or better understanding the way in which I myself am influenced. And that, in the end, is a testament to the overall structure of the book. It’s comprehensive and even-handed, a balance that is often lacking in this kind of work.Dr. Sharot’s philosopher-self also chimes into the discussion from time to time. “There is no single truth we all agree on.” It is a timeless observation that has, perhaps, never been more timely or appropriate.One example that could only be found at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience is: “It is important, then, to be mindful that we are altering people’s emotions simply by experiencing feelings ourselves.” Emotion is a two-headed arrow—a dichotomy; much like a lot of life.In turns out that influence is a little subtler than we might have come to believe. The right strategy requires the right context. It’s another reminder that no behavior exists in a vacuum. Before we can figure out what to do, we must know where we are. It makes sense to me.One of the money lines for me was: “It’s not magic; nor is it wisdom. It’s math.” (The middle four words are the treasure.) In this case Dr. Sharot is talking about external and systematic bias, perhaps the greatest challenge we face in the computational age of digital rankings and the super-sized influence of digital virality. (Would be writers and artists, in particular, will find some much needed shelter in her analysis in this area. I know I did.)She also reinforces the duality of the human convention of language, which, she notes has existed in the written form for only 5,200 years, a blink of the eye on the human timeline. It has, she insightfully observes, opened new doors to knowledge and pathways of influence that lead both to understanding and misinformation. (Fake news is not new; technology has simply empowered it.)All told this is a very solid book that almost everyone will get something out of. The writing is fluid and the author shows a sense of wit and good humor not always found in books built on scientific research.I honestly can’t explain why I didn’t give this book a five star rating. It is definitely worth your time. Whatever the reason I suspect it had something to do with influence. Most things do.

⭐I don’t watch a lot of news. That doesn’t mean I am not informed, I just get my news from other forms. I don’t watch news of television because most of the time I only see a lot of debating. Now there is nothing specifically wrong with debating, in fact I believe when I debate a topic I learn more about that topic. However, here is one thing you never see at the end of a debate: someone changing their mind or someone telling their opponent they are right.Why?The simple answer: it takes a lot for us to change our mind. Now that doesn’t me we are not gullible or easily fooled or manipulated. That actually happens all the time, but takes a handful of factors to influence our brains.For example, if you have a strong conviction on gun control (or the lack thereof), there is no journal article or set of data I can give you the will convince you otherwise. There is just more to us humans that cold facts. We are controlled by our prior beliefs, emotions, incentives, independence, curiosity, well-being and others.I like to think of myself as a rational, education man, but when time and time again I give way to superstitions, habits, and internet ads; not because I am weak, but because I am human.The Influential Mind covers all these aspects of influence. This is not the best book concerning this concept, but it is still pretty good. I picked this book up after hearing the author speak on a few podcasts. If you have read other books concerning choice or human influential behavior, then you probably have heard of this book already.

⭐Though none o the readers of the won’t immediately become mind alterers they may suffer far less on communicating their ideas.A concrete and essential guide to our basic mental mechanisms.

⭐Reads more like a collection of articles than a holistic book. I wish it was more fleshed out with additional real world examples, more chapters and commentary on the replicability crisis. It is still worth reading despite those flaws and significant overlaps with many other social science/psychology books. With nine distinct topics I expect most people will find something new here. The short length makes for a quick read and even familiar content can be useful with additional detail and framing.Explanations for Donald Trump’s popularity, the anti-vaxx movement, using yourself for crowd wisdom and other interesting topics are covered. Exploration of the science behind fear as a motivator is another topic I found interesting. If any of that sounds interesting to you I recommend the book.

⭐In this frightening period of political spin doctoring, it is important to understand the brain science behind what we think and believe. As facts battle with values, we shake our heads in disbelief over what others can still believe, and this is running our democracy in the US (or failure of it).While I wish the author had applied her chapter themes a little more to current political events, it was still worthwhile reading for anyone who wants to avoid being unconsciously influenced, and consciously influencing people with views that really do serve the people. I do find myself referring to the book often in conversation. That I remark about it so often means it is, well, remarkable.

⭐The book is interesting and provides examples and illustrations to explain interesting concepts. I would have given 5/5 if it weren’t for some printing errors that resulted in some sentences being impossible to read as words overlapped as well as weird spacing issues.

⭐Awesome book. A lot of details on the psychological mind set of humans. But my copy had a lot of miss prints I’d say a total of 4. Where the words would over lap each other and I could read the sentence. Only con with my purchase

⭐I really enjoyed this book and found it eye-opening.Tali has the knack of writing about complex human conditions in language that laymen can understand. She makes plentiful use of research and case studies without falling into the trap of trying to appear clever and leaving her reader mystified.This book should be on the “must-read” list of all coaches and leaders.

⭐Loved this book. Whilst I knew and appreciated some of the influencing factors conveyed in this book, Tali wonderfully explains the science behind them. I understand now, for example, why creating a gap in peoples knowledge compels them to learn more and pay attention. Thank you Tali

⭐Learnt a lot and found it well written and interesting! Even for a non scientist like me! Great read , would recommend

⭐A lightly written popular psychology version of the author’s academic studies. Fascinating insight but not exactly the ‘how to influence’ that the book seemed to promise. Enjoyed Though.

⭐Read the book and listened to the audiobook – interesting and useful concepts. Recommend both, particularly good for audiobook

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