Power of Bad

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 over good. It makes sense in evolutionary terms, but in our modern world the lure of bad is, well, bad. It governs people's moods, drives marketing and dominates our 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.

Breaking bad's hold over us can help our own lives, at work and in our relationships. Properly understood, bad can be a good thing.

“Illuminating”

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 Happiness 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 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 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. 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 The most important book at the borderland of psychology and politics that I have ever read. -- Martin E. P. Seligman, author of Learned Optimism Tierney and Baumeister argue their case forcefully and well, and supply vast quantities of evidence in its favour Daily Mail Times

John Tierney is the author of Willpower and writes the 'Findings' science column for theNew 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.

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