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The Age of Magical Overthinking

17 minAmanda Montell

What's it about

Ever wonder why you check your ex's horoscope, knock on wood, or fall for conspiracy theories? You're not alone. This isn't just random weirdness; it's a pattern of "magical overthinking" hardwired into our brains, and understanding it is the key to regaining control. Discover the cognitive biases and psychological quirks that fuel these irrational beliefs. You'll learn why we're all susceptible to celebrity worship, wellness fads, and internet rabbit holes. By exploring the science behind our modern superstitions, you'll gain the power to think more clearly and make smarter decisions.

Meet the author

Amanda Montell is a linguist and critically acclaimed author whose work on language and human behavior has been featured in The New York Times and on NPR. Holding a degree in linguistics from NYU, she became fascinated by the irrational beliefs and cognitive biases that are encoded in our daily speech. This unique perspective, blending academic rigor with cultural commentary, allows her to decode the perplexing patterns of modern thought, revealing why our brains so often turn to magical overthinking.

The Age of Magical Overthinking book cover

What's it about

Ever wonder why you check your ex's horoscope, knock on wood, or fall for conspiracy theories? You're not alone. This isn't just random weirdness; it's a pattern of "magical overthinking" hardwired into our brains, and understanding it is the key to regaining control. Discover the cognitive biases and psychological quirks that fuel these irrational beliefs. You'll learn why we're all susceptible to celebrity worship, wellness fads, and internet rabbit holes. By exploring the science behind our modern superstitions, you'll gain the power to think more clearly and make smarter decisions.

Meet the author

Amanda Montell is a linguist and critically acclaimed author whose work on language and human behavior has been featured in The New York Times and on NPR. Holding a degree in linguistics from NYU, she became fascinated by the irrational beliefs and cognitive biases that are encoded in our daily speech. This unique perspective, blending academic rigor with cultural commentary, allows her to decode the perplexing patterns of modern thought, revealing why our brains so often turn to magical overthinking.

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