The Optimism Bias

This is an excellent new book that Jerry Olson has recommended  – The Optimism Bias by Tali Sharot.

 Among the ideas discussed:

• The Introspection Illusion – a sense that we are aware of the processes underlying our mental states
• The malleability of memory – even so-called flashbulb memories
• The connection between control and optimism (people feel more optimistic about things they can control)
• Why optimistic cancer patients tend to outlive those who are pessimistic
• The power of anticipation – why we’re happier on Fridays than on Sundays

Good stuff – and an easy, relatively quick read.