The 7 laws of magical thinking
Subtitle: how irrationality makes us happy, healthy, and sane
By: Matthew Hutson
Publisher: Oneworld
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Oxford
Language: eng
Number of pages: 296
ISBN-13: 9781851689347; 9781780741093
Subjects: Thought and thinking; Magical thinking
Other titles: Seven laws of magical thinking
Description: "Drawing on evolution, cognitive science, and neuroscience, Matthew Hutson takes us on this fascinating tour of magical thinking in everyday life. So-called cognitive biases are crucial to our survival, Hutson shows, whether we're deciding where to invest our money or avoiding awareness of our own mortality. Everyone - even the most rational, jaded, and sceptical thinkers - believe in magic, whether that be luck, mind over matter, jinxes, evil, or heavenly helpers. The key to happiness, health, creativity, social intelligence, and good fortune is knowing when you don't have free will and then embracing magical thinking instead." --Publisher description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 283-286) and index.