The Righteous Mind

by Jonathan Haidt
The Righteous Mind cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Psychology and Human Behavior
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  • ID: 8459
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781846145711
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-03-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Righteous Mind,' Jonathan Haidt delves into the intricate workings of the human mind, revealing how our moral instincts shape our perceptions and interactions. He argues that our moral foundations are not just about fairness and equality, but also encompass values like authority, sanctity, and loyalty. This book offers a compelling exploration of why people often find it challenging to see eye-to-eye on political and religious issues, and provides insights into how we can foster understanding and cooperation across moral divides. Haidt's research sheds light on the evolutionary roots of morality, showing how it has enabled us to form communities and navigate complex social landscapes. By understanding the moral matrices that bind and blind us, we can begin to liberate ourselves from the disputes that divide good people. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to comprehend the moral fabric of society and find ways to bridge the gaps that separate us.

Reviews
Bossy Bookworm · 2025-02-13
unique 3.75

The book examines how moral diversity can divide people into hostile groups. It offers a unique perspective on the nature of moral conflicts.

The reviewer at Bossy Bookworm highlights how this book delves into the complexities of moral diversity and its role in creating divisions among people. They appreciate the unique perspective it offers on understanding moral conflicts, making it a valuable read for those interested in the psychological and social aspects of morality. The book's insightful analysis is praised for shedding light on why good people can become hostile towards each other.

Quick quotes

    The author examines how moral diversity can so easily divide good people into hostile groups.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the nature of moral conflicts.

    It is a valuable read for those interested in the psychological and social aspects of morality.

Pastor Matthew Best · Matthew Best · 2024-06-14
timeless 4.50

This book, published in 2012, remains timely and offers valuable insights into the origins of our divisions. The reviewer finds Haidt's writing helpful and relevant even years after its publication.

The reviewer, writing twelve years after the book's publication, finds Haidt's insights to be remarkably timeless and helpful. They appreciate the book's ability to guide readers through the complexities of moral and political divisions. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the origins of our divisions and for fostering mutual understanding. The reviewer highlights the book's relevance and its ability to provide valuable insights into the nature of moral and political disagreements.

Quick quotes

    This book was published in 2012. But really, it's pretty timeless.

    Twelve years later and I find what Haidt wrote to be so very helpful.

    It's a valuable resource for understanding the origins of our divisions and for fostering mutual understanding.

Astral Codex Ten · Scott Alexander · 2022-07-15
thoughtful 4.00

This book is nicely written to guide readers through the idea that people might not be fully rational agents. It provides a thoughtful exploration of the origins of our divisions.

The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to guide readers through the idea that people might not be fully rational agents. They find the book to be nicely written and thought-provoking. The book is seen as a thoughtful exploration of the origins of our divisions and a valuable resource for understanding the nature of moral and political disagreements. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provide new insights into the nature of moral and political disagreements.

Quick quotes

    It's nicely written in order to gradually guide someone who might be fairly new to the idea that people might not be fully rational agents.

    It provides a thoughtful exploration of the origins of our divisions.

    The book challenges conventional wisdom and provides new insights into the nature of moral and political disagreements.

Shared Veracity · 2019-12-23
comprehensive 4.50

This book is considered the best read of 2019 by the reviewer, addressing the timeless question of why people struggle to get along. It provides a comprehensive exploration of moral psychology.

The reviewer at Shared Veracity highly recommends this book, calling it the best read of 2019. They appreciate how it tackles the fundamental question of why people find it hard to get along, especially in the context of politics and religion. The book's thorough exploration of moral psychology is praised for its depth and relevance, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of human conflict and cooperation.

Quick quotes

    Why can't we all get along? This is the question of our age.

    This is the best book I read in 2019.

    The book provides a comprehensive exploration of moral psychology.

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