Turd Ferguson

I wish the author was more rational

Revisado: 10-30-19

I'll return and write a thorough review, but for now, suffice it to say I was really disappointed in this book. I was expecting the author to provide some meaning insights into human decision making and show how what is typically called "rational" thinking is not all that is required to make good decisions. Unfortunately, this is not what the author provided. Ironically, it was quite the opposite.

Several times throughout the book, the author declared a position to be a correct one, and then went on to criticize people who didn't agree with her. They OBVIOUSLY weren't thinking rationally. She'd explain how odd it was that these people weren't thinking rationally when it became painfully obvious that she had not examined the biases and flaws in the positions that she took.

She is on the left end of the political spectrum and sprinkles criticism of the right throughout the book. Regardless of your personal political viewpoints (I am far from right leaning myself), she has clearly picked a side and makes cringeworthy remarks that again show extreme bias and lack of good decision making skills. Any rational person understands that there are serious flaws with the two party system and that both sides, left and right, share in having flawed policies and corrupt figure heads. But she apparently felt no need to condem the left. The right are the clear bad guys. Come on! It's only rational, lol.

She was also extremely vague in what the definition of "rational" even was. She'd digress into philisophical, Decartian explainations about how rationality can't be pinned down. While it's interesting to entertain the fact that we can't rationally prove anything other than that we, as scentiant beings, can't prove anything other than our own existence, it does nothing to help us make good decisions. She then admits at the end of the books that she has no great or innovative ideas on how to change people's minds. When the title of your book is "Stop Being Rational. How We Really Change Our Minds," I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a meaningful explaination of what is meant by rationality and some insights into "How We Really Change Our Minds." Neither were forthcoming.

Overall, the book was sophomoric at best. Personally, I think it was a waste of both my time and money. There are much better books on influence and decision making out there that actually have some scientific and intellectual rigor to them. Do yourself a favor and buy one of those.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Political Views are Harmful and Wrong

Revisado: 10-24-19

The first half of the book is a good summary of the science of aging. Nothing really earth shattering, but a decent job overall. Then he gets political extolling liberal policies and the benefit of having our corrupt government play and even larger role in both research and our individual lives. Like most liberals, he's completely blind to all the harm caused by the things he is advocating for. Sad that someone can be so smart in one area and a compete idiot in another.

Overall, I don't think I'd waste my money on half a book that is average at best.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 20 personas

My favorite fiction book of all time.

Revisado: 09-27-15

This is my favorite fiction book ever. The story is well written and the characters and plot are not only interesting but insightful. The performance by the narrator is simply wonderful. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Tells it like it is

Revisado: 05-14-15

If you like Adam Carolla you'll love this book. If you don't like Adam Carolla, f$&@ you, you f$&@ing dumbass

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Amazing

Revisado: 05-09-15

This and the wise man's fear are probably my favorite books of all time. Thoughtful, intelligent, and entertaining. It will not disappoint.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona