Beliefism: How to Stop Hating the People We Disagree With
We might like to think that we're tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we're falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.
“Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world.”
— Cass R. Sunstein
“In a world where so many of us seek out those with the same views and prejudices, this book is essential reading. Beliefism is a disease infecting our society and Dolan shows how it can be treated with a heavy dose of tolerance.”
— Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary and head of the British Civil Service
In his latest book, Paul draws on a variety of studies covering issues such as wellbeing, inequality and discrimination to bust the common myths about our sources of happiness. He shows that there can be many unexpected paths to lasting fulfilment. Some of these might involve not going into higher education, choosing not to marry, rewarding acts rooted in self-interest and caring a little less about living for ever.
By freeing ourselves from the myth of the perfect life, we might each find a life worth living.
How can we make it easier to be happy?
In his first book, Paul reveals that wellbeing isn't about how we think - it's about what we do. By making deliberate choices that bring us both pleasure and meaning, we can redesign our lives for maximum happiness - without thinking too hard about it.
Reviews
Happy Ever After: A Radical New Approach to Living Well
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Oliver Burkeman
Happiness by Design: Finding Pleasure and Purpose in Everyday Life
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Paul Dolan on escaping the myth of the perfect life
Paul Dolan, the bestselling author of Happiness by Design, shows us how to escape the myth of perfection and find our own route to happiness.

