Reading Recommendation # 7 - Mistakes Were Made (but not by me)

I, Jyotika Varmani, tutor students of Psychology at all levels. I reside in Mumbai and tutor students online. You can contact me personally on my e-mail id jyotikapsychology@gmail.com or call/message me on 9892507784 for enquiries.

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Professor Elliot Aronson, the legendary author of several books of social psychology, alongwith the reputed professor Carol Tavris, delivers yet another thought-provoking classic with his book on the practical manifestation of the complex psychological process of cognitive dissonance.

Professor Aronson and professor Tavris' years of wide-reaching expertise in the realm of social psychology make for every single page of this classic. They brings alive the difficult-to- comprehend concept of cognitive dissonance by discussing the most prominent and well-known cases of self-justification from the worlds of social work, politics, parenting, law and intimate relationships among several others. 

They begin by explaining in vivid detail how self-justification outwardly manifests cognitive dissonance, in effect bringing both concepts to a very workable level which is bound to benefit every learner of social psychology much more than simple textbook explanations can. They then drive the discussion with chapters on glaring real-life examples of self-justification. What is most compelling about these discussions is the overarching attempt of familiarizing us with our frequent follies of self-justification that highlights each discussion. Professors Aronson and Tavris' aim of sending out a message to us via this book, of reconsidering our urge of self-justification, realizing the damage it is doing to our lives and working towards change is crystal clear in every chapter. Accordingly, in the last chapter, the authors go all out by directly presenting us with a practical guide on combating our destructive habit of self-justification. 

There is too much to take away from this book which makes it unaffordable to miss. For one, it provides an exemplar for every social psychology student's question of what practical scope their theoretical lessons have with abundance. For another, it effortlessly clarifies the challenging yet critical concept of cognitive dissonance for social psychology aspirants. For yet another, it gives a new perspective to all readers for understanding some very common human behaviours through actual case studies of the same. Finally, it presents self-help solutions for all, which if implemented sincerely, have the potential of awakening readers to a higher dimension of living altogether.

Do order this book, available

Needless to say, I strongly direct readers with all kinds of preferences towards this book for it's content is to the interest and benefit all. Most importantly though, I urge learners of social psychology to read this book and all other works by professor Aronson, particularly the classic, 'The Social Animal', taking time out specially for this purpose.

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