HOPE FOR CYNICS The Surprising Science of Human Goodness

The director of a social neuroscience lab at Stanford narrates his positive audiobook about cynicism, trust, skepticism, and hope. Along with sounding personable and easy to understand, he performs with audible respect for his listeners and a desire to offer options for dealing with today's conflict-filled social climate. He's a great storyteller whose picturesque narratives work well to illuminate his message that we are too quick to draw negative conclusions based on frivolous information, blinding ourselves to the possibility of friendlier interpretations of our experiences. Smooth writing and persuasive research make a strong case for adopting a habit of hopeful skepticism. This approach benefits our health and happiness, brings out the best in others, and creates a culture of trust for the broader community. T.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]