The 7 laws of magical thinking
Subtitle: how irrational beliefs keep us happy, healthy, and sane
By: Matthew Hutson
Publisher: Hudson Street Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 296
ISBN-13: 9781594630873
Subjects: PSYCHOLOGY / Cognitive Psychology; Magical thinking; SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General
Other titles: Seven laws of magical thinking
Description: "Psychologists have documented a litany of cognitive biases--misperceptions of the world--and explained their positive functions. Now, Matthew Hutson shows us that even the most hard-core skeptic indulges in magical thinking all the time--and it's crucial to our survival. Drawing on evolution, cognitive science, and neuroscience, Hutson shows us that magical thinking has been so useful to us that it's hardwired into our brains. It encourages us to think that we actually have free will. It helps make us believe that we have an underlying purpose in the world. It can even protect us from the paralyzing awareness of our own mortality. In other words, magical thinking is a completely irrational way of making our lives make rational sense. With wonderfully entertaining stories, personal reflections, and sharp observations, Hutson reveals our deepest fears and longings"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.