The Influential Mind

May 8, 2017
Sharot (The Optimism Bias), a professor of cognitive neuroscience with a background in psychology and economics, has written a fascinating, accessible primer on what current research teaches us about the art of persuasion. Her book strives to “reveal the systematic mistakes we make when we attempt to change minds,” a topic that resonates in today’s divisive political climate. Sharot breaks the book into chapters focused on the different components that impact influence: “Priors (as in prior beliefs), emotion, incentives, agency, curiosity, state of mind, and other people.” Each chapter draws on a variety of scholarly writings from the hard and social sciences (including Sharot’s own research). She has a gift for providing engaging vignettes that are apt and illustrative for nonacademics. The writing exhibits model clarity and brisk pacing. Readers will find themselves jotting notes to apply Sharot’s findings to a wide range of areas, including workplace politics, parenting, and Facebook arguments. The book closes with an overview of where the research on influence is heading (brain-to-brain influencing—no words necessary). A recap synthesizing all the separate ideas would have been welcome, but the additional research will be intriguing to many readers after such an enjoyable read. Agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent.