The Science of Righteousness
"The Righteous Mind" by Jonathan Haidt: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
Originally Posted at “Old Ones Dream” August 26, 2013.
Out beyond wrong and right there is a field
I will meet you there
- Rumi
“Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion” is the sub-title of The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, published in 2012, and reviewed as follows:
“Haidt’s research has revolutionized the field of moral psychology. This elegantly written book has far-reaching implications for anyone interested in anthropology, politics, religion, or the many controversies that divide modern societies. If you want to know why you hold your moral beliefs and why many people disagree with you, read this book..”
—Simon Baron-Cohen, Cambridge University, Author of Zero Degrees of Empathy and The Science of Evil
“Jonathan Haidt is one of smartest and most creative psychologists alive, and his newest book, The Righteous Mind is a tour de force—a brave, brilliant and eloquent exploration of the most important issues of our time. It will challenge the way you think about liberals and conservatives, atheism and religion, good and evil.”
—Paul Bloom, Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology, Yale University
“A landmark contribution to humanity’s understanding of itself. . . . Haidt is looking for more than victory. He’s looking for wisdom. That’s what makes The Righteous Mind well worth reading.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“An eye-opening and deceptively ambitious best seller . . . undoubtedly one of the most talked-about books of the year.”
—The Wall Street Journal
“Splendidly written, sophisticated and stimulating. It may well change how you think and talk about politics, religion and human nature.”
—NPR
“Ingenious prose. . . . Beautifully written, Haidt’s book shines a new and creative light on moral psychology and presents a provocative message.”
—Science
Nobody can tell you what to think or what to believe but you might want to read this book, particularly if you would like to see understanding in place of anger.
Also see The Science of Righteousness by Michael Shermer in the June 2012 Scientific American.