Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) - Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts

In a world where errors in judgment often spiral into grave consequences, understanding the psychology behind self-justification becomes crucial. "Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me)" delves into the mechanisms that drive individuals to rationalize poor choices, defend flawed beliefs, and perpetuate conflicts. Drawing on decades of research in cognitive dissonance and social psychology, Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson reveal why people, from everyday citizens to leaders and professionals, struggle to admit faults and instead become entrenched in self-serving narratives.

• Cognitive dissonance is a central driver of self-justification, leading people to unconsciously...

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