Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts

Elliot Aronson

Carol Tavris

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts is a book by Elliot Aronson that explores how we as humans rationalize our mistakes, bad decisions, and hurtful acts. Through research and case studies, Aronson shows how our psychological defenses are activated in order to protect ourselves from blame and guilt. He reveals how self-justification can lead to self-deception, creating an illusion of invincibility and an obliviousness to the consequences of our actions.The book is filled with powerful real-life accounts of doctors, lawyers, parents, teachers, military personnel, and even presidents, all of whom find themselves using self-justification to explain away wrongful behavior. Aronson provides social and cognitive psychologys theories to show how we engage in rationalization and self-deception, allowing us to put aside uncomfortable feelings and maintain our sense of self-esteem.The book looks at how these psychological processes, combined with our reactive emotions, shape our understanding of problems, our problem-solving strategies, and ultimately our decisions. By acknowledging the importance of our emotions, Aronson provides readers with the opportunity to gain greater insight into their own mental struggles and develop an understanding of why it is so difficult to accept our mistakes.The book is a must-read for anyone who has ever been in a difficult situation, been hurt, or was confused about their own behavior. Aronson provides valuable insight into understanding and tackling problems from a psychological perspective, making it a valuable source of knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about themselves.