Strangers to Ourselves

by Timothy D. Wilson
Strangers to Ourselves cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 3957
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780674045217
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2004-05-15
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Strangers to Ourselves,' author Timothy D. Wilson challenges the age-old advice of 'know thyself' by questioning whether introspection is the best path to self-awareness. Wilson argues that our unconscious mind is far more influential than Freud's theories suggested, shaping our behaviors and emotions in ways we may not even realize. He proposes that understanding ourselves better involves paying close attention to our actions and seeking feedback from others, rather than relying solely on introspection. This book delves into the complexities of the human psyche, revealing how our unconscious mind plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. Wilson's insights are backed by extensive research, offering readers a new perspective on self-discovery and personal growth. By exploring the unconscious, 'Strangers to Ourselves' aims to revolutionize how we understand and know ourselves.

Reviews
James Clear · James Clear · 2020-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book addresses the question of why people often lack self-knowledge and offers insights on how to increase it. They found the book insightful and practical.

James Clear's summary of the book focuses on its core questions: why people often do not know themselves very well and how they can increase their self-knowledge. They highlight the book's practical insights and the way it bridges the gap between psychological research and everyday life. Clear also notes that the book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, they found the book to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and improve their self-awareness.

Quick quotes

    This book answers two main questions: why it is that people often do not know themselves very well. And how they can increase their self-knowledge.

    Much of what we think we know about ourselves is based on stories we tell ourselves.

    The book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience.

A Campbell · Anthony Campbell · 2012-08-24
thought-provoking 4.00

The book offers a deep dive into the unconscious mind, exploring the limitations of self-knowledge. They found the content thought-provoking and well-researched.

Anthony Campbell's review focuses on the book's exploration of the unconscious mind, highlighting its thorough examination of the limitations of self-knowledge. They appreciate the well-researched content and the way the book challenges readers to think differently about their own mental processes. Campbell also mentions that the book is well-written and accessible, making it a valuable resource for both academics and general readers interested in psychology.

Quick quotes

    This is a book about the unconscious, or nonconscious.

    The book offers a deep dive into the unconscious mind, exploring the limitations of self-knowledge.

    The content is thought-provoking and well-researched.

Jeff Ammons · Jeff Ammons · 2010-10-28
enlightening 4.00

They appreciated the thorough model and narrative, which was well-supported by experimental examples. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the adaptive unconscious.

Jeff found this book particularly enjoyable because it presents a detailed model of the adaptive unconscious, paired with compelling experimental examples. They highlight how the book effectively illustrates the gap between our conscious thoughts and the underlying mental processes that drive our behaviors. Jeff also notes that the narrative is engaging and makes complex psychological concepts accessible. Overall, they found the book to be a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of human behavior.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed 'Strangers to Ourselves' more because it presented a thorough model and narrative, paired with good experimental examples.

    The book effectively illustrates the gap between our conscious thoughts and the underlying mental processes that drive our behaviors.

    The narrative is engaging and makes complex psychological concepts accessible.

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