The Optimism Bias

by Tali Sharot
The Optimism Bias cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 3943
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780307398192
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2012-06-05
  • Reviews: 3

From a leading neuroscience researcher, this book delves into the neural mechanisms behind optimism, exploring how the brain simulates the future and generates hope. It examines the biological basis of optimism and its impact on financial, professional, and emotional decisions. The book discusses how optimism is hard-wired into our brains and how MRI brain imaging has helped uncover the neural processes involved. It also investigates the differences between the brains of optimists and pessimists, shedding light on the crucial role optimism plays in our existence.

Reviews
The Times · 2025-10-20
enlightening 4.50

The book is described as an intriguing study that explores the neurological basis of optimism, highlighting its evolutionary advantages. The reviewer finds the examination of the optimism bias both enlightening and well-researched.

The Times' review of The Optimism Bias commends the book for its intriguing exploration of the neurological basis of optimism. The reviewer finds the examination of the optimism bias enlightening, particularly how it ties into our evolutionary history. The book is praised for its well-researched and accessible presentation of complex ideas, making it appealing to both scientists and general readers. The reviewer appreciates how the book illustrates the advantages of optimism, such as reduced stress and enhanced well-being. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on human behavior.

Quick quotes

    We are all hard-wired with 'the optimism bias'.

    Optimism enhances the probability of survival and reduces damaging stress.

    The book offers a unique perspective on human behavior and cognition.

Alex Goodall's Blog · Alex Goodall · 2012-07-12
engaging 4.20

The book is praised for its engaging exploration of the optimism bias, though the reviewer notes that some sections could benefit from more depth. The experiments and insights are deemed fascinating and thought-provoking.

Alex Goodall's review of The Optimism Bias highlights the book's engaging and accessible style, making complex neuroscience understandable for the average reader. Goodall finds the experiments and insights fascinating, particularly how they illustrate the brain's tendency to favor positive outcomes. However, they note that some sections could delve deeper into the implications of these findings. The reviewer appreciates the book's emphasis on the importance of recognizing and understanding our biases, suggesting that knowledge is key to overcoming them. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the understanding of human behavior and cognition.

Quick quotes

    I believe knowledge is key. We are not born with an innate understanding of our biases.

    The brain's illusions have to be identified by careful observation and study.

    The experiments and insights are fascinating and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · 2011-12-31
intriguing 4.00

The book explores the neurological basis of optimism, suggesting that our brains are wired to focus on positive outcomes. This inherent bias is seen as a survival mechanism that reduces stress and enhances well-being.

The Guardian's piece delves into the fascinating concept of the optimism bias, highlighting how our brains are naturally inclined to see the brighter side of life. This isn't just a psychological quirk but a deeply ingrained survival strategy. The reviewer finds the exploration of this phenomenon compelling, as it sheds light on why we often overlook potential negatives in favor of positive outcomes. The book is praised for its insightful experiments and lucid explanations, making complex neuroscience accessible to a broader audience. The reviewer appreciates how the book ties this bias to our evolutionary history, showing how it helps reduce stress and improve overall happiness.

Quick quotes

    Our brains may be hardwired to look on the bright side.

    This inherent bias is seen as a survival mechanism that reduces stress and enhances well-being.

    The optimism bias is one of the most consistent, prevalent, and robust biases documented in psychology and behavioral science.

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