The Righteous Mind

Ever wonder why it's so hard to change someone's mind about politics or religion? What if you could finally understand the hidden forces driving their beliefs—and your own? Get ready to see the world, and the people in it, in a completely new light. This summary unpacks Jonathan Haidt's groundbreaking research into moral psychology. You'll discover the six "moral foundations" that shape everyone's worldview and learn why our gut feelings, not logic, are usually in the driver's seat. Stop arguing and start understanding what truly divides us.

Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business and a prominent social psychologist. His research on morality across cultures revealed that our political and religious divisions are not rooted in ignorance, but in deep-seated, intuitive moral foundations. This groundbreaking work, which began by exploring feelings of disgust and evolved into a new understanding of human nature, provides a framework for comprehending the other side and fostering a more civil public square.