Overview

"From one of the most innovative neuroscientists at work today, an investigation into the bias toward optimism that exists on a neural level in our brains and plays a major part in determining how we live our lives. Psychologists have long been aware that most people maintain an often irrationally positive outlook on life. In fact, optimism may be crucial to our existence. Tali Sharot's experiments, research, and findings in cognitive science have contributed to an increased understanding of the biological basis of optimism. In this fascinating exploration, she takes an in-depth, clarifying look at how the brain generates hope and what happens when it fails; how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; why we are terrible at predicting what will make us happy; how emotions strengthen our ability to recollect; how anticipation and dread affect us; and how our optimistic illusions affect our financial, professional, and emotional decisions. With its cutting-edge science and its wide-ranging and accessible narrative, ""The Optimism Bias"" provides us with startling new insight into the workings of the brain."

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9780307378484

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Reviews

Lively, conversational...A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience's front lines. - Kirkus

Lively, conversational...A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience's front lines. - Kirkus <br> Most readers will turn to the last page not only buoyed by hope but also aware of the sources and benefits of that hope. - Booklist <br> Fascinating. -Insane Science, NPR <br> An intelligently written look into why most people take an optimistic view of life...stimulating discussion...in easily understood language...fascinating trip into why we prefer to remain hopeful about our future and ourselves. -Nicole Parker, Ph.D., New York Journal of Books <br> Her fascinating book offers compelling evidence for the neural basis of optimism and what it all means. - Scientific American Book club<br> <br> Once I started reading The Optimism Bias, I could not put it down. Sharot describes her research through captivating stories while making the complex neuroscience easy to understand. For those of you interested in understanding the biological processes that affect our

Author Information

"Tali Sharot's research on optimism, memory, and emotion has been the subject of features in ""Newsweek, The Boston Globe, Time, The Wall Street Journal, New Scientist, "" and ""The Washington Post, "" as well as on the BBC. She has a Ph.D. in psychology and neuroscience from New York University and is currently a research fellow at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at University College London. She lives in London."

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