Out of Character

Out of Character delves into the fascinating world of human behavior, revealing that our character is not a static set of traits but a dynamic state influenced by hidden psychological mechanisms. Through clever experiments and real-life examples, psychologists DeSteno and Valdesolo shed light on why people often act out of character, from infidelity to financial recklessness. The book challenges the prevailing wisdom about who we are and offers surprising insights into the unpredictable nature of human behavior. Drawing on scientific research and compelling case studies, the authors explore why even the most level-headed individuals can be driven to extreme actions. From Tiger Woods' infidelity to Eliot Spitzer's hypocrisy, Out of Character reveals the dueling psychological forces that shape our actions. This book will change the way you think about human nature and the complexities of the mind.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2000-01-01

Intriguing 3.70

The book challenges the notion of fixed moral character, highlighting how environmental factors can influence behavior. It's praised for its scientific rigor and insightful experiments.

This book is a fascinating exploration of why people sometimes act out of character. The authors use a wealth of scientific evidence to show that our moral character is far more flexible than we might think. They argue that environmental factors can significantly influence our actions, which is a refreshing perspective that challenges traditional views. The experiments and studies cited are compelling, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. It's a great read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human behavior.

Quick quotes

The book uses scientific evidence to show that moral character is flexible and can be manipulated by environmental factors.

This book is a surprising look at the hidden forces driving the saint and sinner lurking in us all.

Our character, argue psychologists, is not fixed but highly flexible and prone to changes due to shifting circumstances.

Blinkist · 2000-01-01

Insightful 4.00

The book effectively uses scientific evidence to demonstrate the flexibility of moral character and how it can be influenced by external factors. It offers valuable insights into human behavior.

Blinkist's summary of 'Out of Character' is a concise yet comprehensive overview of the book's key ideas. The authors, David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo, present a compelling argument that our moral character is not as fixed as we might believe. Through various experiments and studies, they show how environmental factors can significantly impact our behavior. This perspective is both enlightening and challenging, as it forces us to reconsider our understanding of human nature. The summary does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the book, making it accessible and engaging for readers.

Quick quotes

The book uses scientific evidence to show that moral character is flexible and can be manipulated by environmental factors.

Character is not fixed. It is highly flexible and prone to changes due to shifting circumstances.

This book offers insights on how people can behave in ways that seem out of character due to external influences.

Lifeclub · 2000-01-01

Engaging 4.20

The book challenges the idea of fixed character traits and explores how external factors can influence behavior. It is praised for its engaging and thought-provoking content.

Lifeclub's review of 'Out of Character' highlights the book's ability to challenge conventional wisdom about human behavior. The authors present a compelling case that our character is not static but can be influenced by various external factors. This perspective is both refreshing and thought-provoking, as it encourages readers to think more critically about the complexities of human nature. The review emphasizes the book's engaging style and the wealth of scientific evidence presented, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in psychology and behavior.

Quick quotes

The key message in this book: Character is not fixed. It is highly flexible and prone to changes due to shifting circumstances.

Out of Character reveals why human behavior is so much more unpredictable than we think.

This book challenges simple but engrained ideas about virtue and evil in a lively, entertaining way.

Appears in Lists

50 Must-Read Psychology Books