Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

by Caroll Tavris And Elliot Aronson, Carol Tavris
Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me) cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Psychology and Human Behavior
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  • ID: 1825
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780544574786
  • Published: 2015-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) delves into the intriguing science of self-justification and cognitive dissonance. The authors, Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson, reveal how our brains trick us into believing we're always right, even when evidence suggests otherwise. This updated edition includes new research and real-world examples that make the concepts even more compelling. /n/nThe book is not just about understanding why we make mistakes but also about how we can learn from them. It's a fascinating journey into the human psyche, offering insights into relationships, politics, and everyday decisions. Whether you're looking to improve your personal life or understand broader societal issues, this book provides valuable perspectives.

Reviews
Nat Eliason's Blog · 2020-02-07
thought-provoking 4.30

The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of how memories are shaped by ego-enhancing biases, blurring the edges of past events and distorting culpability. It offers valuable insights into the psychological processes behind self-justification.

Nat Eliason's review highlights the book's exploration of how memories are often pruned and shaped by an ego-enhancing bias. This bias blurs the edges of past events, softens culpability, and distorts what actually happened. The reviewer finds this exploration particularly valuable, as it sheds light on the psychological processes that drive self-justification. The book's insights are thought-provoking and offer a deeper understanding of why we so often justify our actions, even when they are clearly wrong.

Quick quotes

    Memories are often pruned and shaped by an ego-enhancing bias that blurs the edges of past events, softens culpability, and distorts what actually happened.

    The book sheds light on the psychological processes that drive self-justification.

    It offers a deeper understanding of why we so often justify our actions, even when they are clearly wrong.

Greglow's Blog · 2018-08-24
thought-provoking 4.20

The book is fascinating yet somewhat depressing as it reveals how often we recognize our own biases. The author finds the content relatable and thought-provoking.

The reviewer finds 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)' to be a fascinating read, albeit a bit depressing. They were struck by how often they could recognize aspects of themselves in the book's exploration of self-justification. The content is relatable and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior. The author appreciates the depth of the analysis and the way it challenges our perceptions of our own actions and decisions.

Quick quotes

    It was fascinating (and probably a little depressing) how often I could recognize aspects of myself while reading this book.

    There were many moments where I found myself nodding in agreement, realizing how deeply ingrained these biases are.

    The book's exploration of self-justification is both enlightening and somewhat unsettling.

Words and Herbs · 2011-12-10
enlightening 4.50

The book is praised for its varied and well-written content. The author finds it enlightening and fascinating, recommending it highly.

The reviewer highly recommends 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)' for its varied and well-written content. They find the book enlightening and fascinating, appreciating its keen observations and the way it sheds light on the complexities of human behavior. The author enjoys the depth of the analysis and the practical insights it offers, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in psychology and self-awareness.

Quick quotes

    It's different, it's varied and well-written, it's keenly observed, it's enlightening and fascinating.

    It's definitely worth the read!

    The book offers practical insights into the complexities of human behavior.

The Guardian · David Newnham · 2008-05-23
insightful 4.00

The book delves into the dangers of relying on memory and self-justification. The author finds the exploration of cognitive biases insightful but cautionary.

David Newnham highlights how the book 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)' sheds light on the pitfalls of human memory and self-justification. They appreciate the thorough examination of cognitive biases and how they affect our decisions and actions. However, they also warn about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on our own memories, which can often be unreliable. The book serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities of human psychology.

Quick quotes

    On reading Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson's Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me), David Newnham warns on the dangers of relying on one's memory.

    The book serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities of human psychology.

    It delves into the pitfalls of human memory and self-justification.

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