Think about the last time you did something you knew was wrong. How did you explain your actions to yourself? All of us tell stories about why we do the things we do. We justify our failures, and come up with plausible explanations for our actions. This week, Elliot Aronson explains the mental processes behind this type of self-justification, and shares how he helped develop one of the most widely-known concepts in psychology: cognitive dissonance.
If you're interested in learning more about the origins of cognitive dissonance, listen to our episode When You Need It To Be True.
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Success 2.0: Getting What You Want
Success 2.0: Taking the Leap
A Secret Source of Connection
Remember More, Forget Less
Crying Wolf
The Snowball Effect
Less is More
How To Make Amends
Made of Honor
Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 2
Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 1
How Your Beliefs Shape Reality
Happiness 2.0: The Reset Button
Happiness 2.0: Surprising Sources of Joy
Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose
Happiness 2.0: The Only Way Out Is Through
Happiness 2.0: The Path to Contentment
When You Need It To Be True
Persuasion: Part 2
Persuasion: Part 1
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