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How Minds Change review: The science of persuasion in a divided world

David McRaney's argument that it is possible to find common ground with those holding diametrically opposing views is a tonic, finds Chris Stokel-Walker

By Chris Stokel-Walker

29 June 2022

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Andre Penner/AP/Shutterstock (12992306c) Revelers dance during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil Gay Pride Parade, Sao Paulo, Brazil - 19 Jun 2022 — A gay pride parade in São Paulo, Brazil, in June this year
Andre Penner/AP/Shutterstock

How Minds Change: The new science of belief, opinion, and persuasion
David McRaney
Oneworld Publications

AMID increasingly entrenched views on politics, economics and how to deal with the pandemic, there seems to be a growing tally of potential conversational minefields to navigate. More than ever, it seems as if we are stuck in our own ways, unable to see another point of view – let alone trying to bring someone round to our own argument.

But don’t give up …

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