A powerful, compassionate investigation of why it’s so hard to change your mind—and the transformative effects that follow when you do—by the internationally bestselling author of You Are Not So Smart "A riveting read on the art and science of persuasion . . . In a time when too many minds seem closed, this is a masterful analysis of what it takes to open them." —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife PORCHLIGHT BOOK AWARD WINNER What made a prominent conspiracy-theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax? Can you finally have a productive conversation about politics with your uncle at the next family gathering? How does an ordinary person find the courage to leave a cult? Can widespread social change only take place when a generation dies out? Inspired by curiosity and underpinned by diligent research, How Minds Change is an expansive, big-hearted journalistic narrative for our divided times, told with David McRaney’s trademark humor, compassion, and scientific inquiry. In engaging chapters built around eye-opening interviews and anecdotes—featuring psychologists and neuroscientists, and also former cult members, conspiracy theorists, and political activists—McRaney shows why illusions like The Dress captivate (and break) the internet; how conversational techniques can crack hardened attitudes; and what miracles are possible when we show up with open minds and a better understanding of how the human brain works. Reaching surprising and thought-provoking conclusions, How Minds Change demonstrates that the ability to uncover our own motives and beliefs—and understand those of others—may be the greatest persuasive tool of all. “A combination of compelling overview and practical strategy . . . Convincing advice regarding a timely issue.” Kirkus Reviews “McRaney makes a convincing case . . . and backs it up with what science has to say about ‘replac[ing] old ignorance with new wisdom.’ The result is an eye-opening survey filled with heart.” Publishers Weekly “ How Minds Change explores why some world views seem so stubbornly immune to reason . . . Hence McRaney’s ‘softly softly’ approach, inspired by conversational techniques such as ‘street epistemology’ and ‘deep canvassing,’ which sometimes trigger remarkable conversations . . . a world champion debater cannot change your mind; only you can do that.” Financial Times “Indeed, [McRaney’s] writing is a tonic for those who might scratch their head at how others could be so nonsensical as to distrust vaccines, believe the Earth is flat or subscribe to any other number of conspiracy theories. It helps shift perceptions from the unhelpful attitude of ‘this person is stupid and beyond help’ to ‘this person has a different frame of belief, and they can be encouraged to think more deeply about the issue.’’ The New Scientist “An optimistic, illuminating and even inspiring read . . . a rousing call to action . . . But McRaney is also inspiring in his quieter revelations.” The Guardian "A riveting read on the art and science of persuasion. David McRaney's brilliant book will force you to rethink your views about how to motivate other people to rethink theirs. In a time when too many minds seem closed, this is a masterful analysis of what it takes to open them." Adam Grant , #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife "If you join David McRaney on this journey — a spirited tour that ranges from activists to scientists to cultists — you’ll arrive in an unexpected place. He shows us how generous conversations can replace zero-sum debates and how genuine empathy can close deep divisions. How Minds Change is the ideal book for our perilous moment.” Daniel H. Pink , #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret , To Sell is Human , and Drive “This book is a fascinating journey through the neuroscience and psychology of how we form and update our opinions. How Minds Change is the book our society desperately needs right now. David McRaney shows us how to connect, consider, and see the potential for change in others and ourselves.” Scott Barry Kaufman , host of The Psychology Podcast "Filled with the kinds of captivating real-life stories that you can't wait to tell your friends and the latest scientific insights from psychology and beyond, McRaney's book provides a surprising glimpse into why changing human minds is so damn hard... but also the good news that it can in fact be possible with the right strategies." Laurie Santos , Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast “When I first talked to David McRaney about How Minds Change , I found myself taking mad notes on everything he was explaining to me! Thank goodness he wrote the book so I can relax and just soak it all in!” Simon Sinek , Optimist and New York Times bestselling author