Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness

“A ray of light for dark days.”

— Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Description

Cynicism is making us sick; Stanford Psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki has the cure.

For thousands of years, people have argued about whether humanity is selfish or generous, cruel or kind. But recently, our answers have changed. In 1972, half of Americans agreed that most people can be trusted; by 2018, only a third did. Different generations, genders, religions, and political parties can’t seem to agree on much, but they all think human virtue is evaporating.

Cynicism is an understandable response to injustice and inequality. But in many cases, it is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realize how kind, generous, and open-minded others really are. And cynical thinking worsens social problems: when we expect the worst in people, we often bring it out of them.

But we don’t have to remain stuck in this cynicism trap. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynical thinking: hopeful skepticism: thinking critically about people and our problems while also honoring and encouraging our strengths. Far from being naïve, hopeful skepticism is a precise way of understanding others that can rebalance our view of human nature. As more of us do this, we can take steps towards building the world we truly want.

Praise:

  • “I can’t imagine a more timely topic. Hope is a skill, and one of my favorite psychologists has written its playbook. Hope for Cynics is grounded in fascinating research yet deeply personal, with an outstanding practical appendix of ‘try this’ tips for escaping the snare of cynicism.”

    — Angela Duckworth, author of the New York Times bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

  • “If you think hope is naïve and cynicism is wise, get ready to think again. Jamil Zaki is at the forefront of the science of beliefs, and he shows that refusing to see possibility makes it impossible to solve problems. This book is a ray of light for dark days.”

    — Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

  • “There has always been an emotional case for hope, but now there is a rational one. Jamil Zaki’s new book is beautiful, wise, and important—a sensible, scientific, and much-needed tonic for what ails us.”

    — Daniel Gilbert, author of the New York Times best-seller Stumbling on Happiness