In the face of wrongdoing, why do good people so often do nothing? Pioneering psychologist Catherine Sanderson explains why moral courage is so rare - and how we can all learn to be brave.
In the face of wrongdoing, why do good people so often do nothing? Pioneering psychologist Catherine Sanderson explains why moral courage is so rare - and how we can all learn to be brave.
In the face of wrongdoing, why do good people so often do nothing? Pioneering psychologist Catherine Sanderson explains why moral courage is so rare - and how we can all learn to be brave.
We are bombarded every day by reports of bad behaviour: from sexual harassment to political corruption, from bullying to corporate greed. We believe these things are wrong or even evil, but in practice few of us choose to intercede.
The Bystander Effect draws on the latest developments in psychology and neuroscience to explain why we act differently in groups than when we are alone; how slippery slopes begin and prosper; and where the dissonance lies between good intentions and real action.
Sanderson answers the question of why otherwise good people can become bystanders to evil of any scale, and gives practical strategies for how to resist pressures and make change in our own lives.
Courage, this book shows, is not a virtue we're born with or without. A bystander can learn to be brave.
“'In this powerful, well-written book, Catherine Sanderson explains what psychology has taught us about why good people so often do nothing... If you have ever regretted being silent (and who hasn't?) this is the book for you' Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice 'Thoughtful and beautifully written ... A smart and practical guide to becoming a better and braver version of ourselves' Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness 'Catherine Sanderson, like no other psychologist, invades our minds. Her riveting storytelling challenges us to rethink why we avert our eyes to evil, tolerate bullying, and excuse unforgivable workplace behaviour' Walter V. Robinson, former editor of the Pulitzer-winning Boston Globe team 'Brilliant ... The unrelenting rigor of her analysis, sweeping breadth of research and evocative lucidity empower us to act - and also give us hope. This book comes not a moral moment too soon' Cornell William Brooks, former President of the NAACP”
'Look out for this fantastic book, due April 2020. It explains the misperception of stacked odds and personal powerlessness that stops individuals challenging bad behaviour. Stunning. Humbling. Thought-provoking.' Kathryn Mannix, author of With the End in Mind
'In this powerful, well-written book, Catherine Sanderson explains what psychology has taught us about why good people so often do nothing... If you have ever regretted being silent (and who hasn't?) this is the book for you' Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice
'Thoughtful and beautifully written ... A smart and practical guide to becoming a better and braver version of ourselves' Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness
'Catherine Sanderson, like no other psychologist, invades our minds. Her riveting storytelling challenges us to rethink why we avert our eyes to evil, tolerate bullying, and excuse unforgivable workplace behaviour' Walter V. Robinson, former editor of the Pulitzer-winning Boston Globe team
'Brilliant ... The unrelenting rigor of her analysis, sweeping breadth of research and evocative lucidity empower us to act - and also give us hope. This book comes not a moral moment too soon' Cornell William Brooks, former President of the NAACP
'Makes a powerful argument for building, as early as possible, the ability to stand up for what's right in the face of peer pressure, corrupt authority, and even family apathy. Citing case after case revealing how easy it is for people's moral instincts to be muted, and detailing how that silence is visible on brain scans, Sanderson guides readers toward her inevitable conclusion: We can do better' Psychology Today
Catherine A. Sanderson is the Manwell Family Professor in Life Sciences at Amherst College. Her research examines how social norms and their misperception influence health-related behaviour on campus, including safe sex and disordered eating. An experienced speaker, Dr. Sanderson gives talks on the science of happiness and the psychology of good and evil to groups and businesses around the country. She has been chosen by Princeton Review as one of America's Best Professors and is the author of The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity. She has published dozens of articles and written widely read high school and college text books, including Psychology in Action and Real World Psychology. Her work has been featured in the Atlantic and Washington Post and on CBS and CNN.
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