The Power of Bad
And How to Overcome It
Published on 31. December 2019
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-1-84614-759-3 (ISBN)
Description
From the international bestselling authors of Willpower
Why does a bad impression last longer than a good one? Why does losing money affect us more than gaining it? What makes phobias so hard to shake?
The answer is the negativity bias - or in other words, the power of bad. As John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister show, we are wired to react to bad events more strongly than good ones. It makes sense in evolutionary terms, but in our modern world the lure of bad is more powerful than ever. It governs our moods, drives marketing and dominates the news. It can explain everything from why wars start or couples divorce, to why we mess up job interviews or feud with neighbours.
But there is good news. By using smart strategies from new science, we can train our brains to get better at spotting our own negativity bias, fighting back with our rational minds to manage the bad in our lives - and even using its power for positive results.
Why does a bad impression last longer than a good one? Why does losing money affect us more than gaining it? What makes phobias so hard to shake?
The answer is the negativity bias - or in other words, the power of bad. As John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister show, we are wired to react to bad events more strongly than good ones. It makes sense in evolutionary terms, but in our modern world the lure of bad is more powerful than ever. It governs our moods, drives marketing and dominates the news. It can explain everything from why wars start or couples divorce, to why we mess up job interviews or feud with neighbours.
But there is good news. By using smart strategies from new science, we can train our brains to get better at spotting our own negativity bias, fighting back with our rational minds to manage the bad in our lives - and even using its power for positive results.
Reviews / Votes
Illuminating * Times * Tierney and Baumeister argue their case forcefully and well, and supply vast quantities of evidence in its favour * Daily Mail * The most important book at the borderland of psychology and politics that I have ever read. -- Martin E. P. Seligman, author of Learned Optimism This book is gold. By conquering the brain's primal impulse to focus on the bad, we can all build stronger relationships and enjoy happier lives. -- Helen Fisher, author of Anatomy of Love This fascinating look at the negativity bias by one of our most creative psychologists and liveliest science writers can enlighten your understanding of human nature, restore balance to your world view, and yes, cheer you up. That rare book that captures a broad swath of human thinking and behavior in one overarching and compelling thesis . . . with wide-ranging implications for just about everything, including relationships, parenting, marketing, motivation, and management. -- Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., author of iGen This brilliant book shows how one simple principle can improve education, mental health, relationships, leadership, and organizations. Everyone will benefit from reading it. -- Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, authors of The Coddling of the American Mind Blood, boils, death, and darkness: Why does bad always loom so much larger than good? . . . In their fascinating new book, Tierney and Baumeister explain why the things we like the least affect us the most, and how we can use this fact to our advantage. The Power of Bad is just damn good! -- Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on HappinessMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
555 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84614-759-3 (9781846147593)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
12/2019
1st Edition
Penguin Books Ltd
€14.99
Available for download
Persons
John Tierney is the author of Willpower and writes the 'Findings' science column for the New York Times. His writing has won awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Physics.
Roy F. Baumeister is the author of Willpower and a social psychologist who explores how we think about the self, and why we feel and act the way we do. He is especially known for his work on the subjects of willpower, self-control, and self-esteem, and how they relate to human morality and success.
Roy F. Baumeister is the author of Willpower and a social psychologist who explores how we think about the self, and why we feel and act the way we do. He is especially known for his work on the subjects of willpower, self-control, and self-esteem, and how they relate to human morality and success.