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Beliefism

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What to expect

'Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world' Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University

"Repeated throughout is the fine principle that whatever position you wish to argue on an issue, you must be honest about what bad effects, as well as good, will follow." Steven Poole, The Times

Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us

Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? Against abortion? For drug legalisation? We might like to think that we're tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we're falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.

Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps - and how harmful that can be. Using the central metaphor of the duck-rabbit illusion-where the same image can be viewed as one animal or the other-the book shows that looking at an issue from only one perspective can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary conflict. The world would be a better place if there was less beliefism and Dolan shows how more tolerance is only possible "by design". We need to embed less beliefism into our organisations and lives and he provides a checklist called EMBRACE to help us do that.

Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it's among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.

Critics Review

Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world
Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University, and author, How to Become Famous
I learned more about the causes of political hostility in my first hour of reading Dolan's book than in 14 years as an MP. By the end, I was certain what to do about it. And in finding areas where Paul and I radically disagree, I rejoice that I am not a Beliefist!
Rt Hon Steve Baker FRSA, former campaigning Conservative MP and minister
In these fractured, fractious times, there has never been a more important time to rediscover the lost art of disagreeing agreeably - for it is an art and it is at risk of being lost. Paul Dolan has provided a masterclass - one which is deeply analytical, very entertaining and highly practical - in how to do so
Andy Haldane, Chief Executive, Royal Society for Arts and former Chief Economist, Bank of England
A brilliant book that seems immediately urgent the moment you start reading. Dolan squarely takes on the last remaining discrimination and challenges us to see the person behind the opinion
Bruce Daisley, bestselling author, workplace culture expert and technology leader
In a world where so many of us seek out those with the same views and prejudices, this book is essential reading. Beliefism is a disease infecting our society and Dolan shows how it can be treated with a heavy dose of tolerance
Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary and head of the British Civil Service
Painful though it can sometimes be, I have always believed in listening to the other side's arguments. As Paul Dolan argues, it can be good for us
Chris Mullin, Former Labour MP and author of The Birmingham Bombings and the Scandal that Shook Britain
An urgent, fresh and brilliant call to solve one of the 21st century's most pressing problems
Will Storr, author of A Story is a Deal
Are we more divided than ever, or just more beliefist? In this sharp and engaging book, Paul Dolan examines why we struggle to tolerate opposing viewpoints-and what we can do about it. With wit, wisdom, and a wealth of research, Dolan lays out a practical framework for bridging divides and offers a fresh perspective on how we can engage with others
Rob Henderson, bestselling author of Troubled and Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute
So many conversations which used to be considered normal and unthreatening now cause anxiety and are avoided. That's storing up trouble which we can ill afford. Paul Dolan's book could not be more timely and relevant
Baroness Anne Jenkin
A likeable and timely reminder that we can make common cause and be friends even across radical political differences ... required reading for our divided times
Kathleen Stock, author of Material Girls
Repeated throughout is the fine principle that whatever position you wish to argue on an issue, you must be honest about what bad effects, as well as good, will follow
The Times
No one comes at nuance with quite as much passion as Paul. A must-read
Geoff Norcott
In a world where so many of us seek out those with the same views and prejudices, this book is essential reading. Beliefism is a disease infecting our society and Dolan shows how it can be treated with a heavy dose of tolerance.
Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary and head of the British Civil Service
A brilliant book that seems immediately urgent the moment you start reading. Dolan squarely takes on the last remaining discrimination and challenges us to see the person behind the opinion.
Bruce Daisley, bestselling author, workplace culture expert and technology leader
Painful though it can sometimes be, I have always believed in listening to the other side's arguments. As Paul Dolan argues, it can be good for us.
Chris Mullin, Former Labour MP and author of The Birmingham Bombings and the Scandal that Shook Britain
Author Paul Dolan
Narrator Paul Dolan
Duration 5 hours and 38 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781405555340
Format Audiobook
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Genre Popular psychology, Social, group or collective psychology
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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