The Ideological Brain: How Rigid Beliefs Harm Our Minds & Bodies – And Why It Matters

‘Fascinating, insightful, lucidly and entertainingly written’ A. C. GRAYLING, author of The History of Philosophy

‘Extraordinary, eye-opening, startlingly original’ CASS R. SUNSTEIN, co-author of Nudge

‘Filled with insightful findings, this book shows that ideological extremism and polarization are not just problems to fret about but puzzles that can be studied and understood’ STEVEN PINKER, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature

How do our brains shape the ideologies we choose? And could our most cherished beliefs ultimately harm our brains and bodies?

In The Ideological Brain, Dr Leor Zmigrod argues that when we believe passionately and extremely in an ideology, it is not only our political opinions that are changed – our entire brain can be transformed too. Drawing on cutting-edge research, Zmigrod reveals how rigid belief systems transform the way we think, act and interact with others, making us less sensitive, less adaptable and less free.

Guiding you through innovative experiments, Zmigrod uncovers the deep and surprising connections between your political beliefs and the biology of your brain, exposing why some of us are more likely to gravitate towards rigid ideologies than others. She reveals the complex interplay between the psychological, neurobiological and social factors affecting our ideological choices, and carves a hopeful way forward, explaining how we can keep our minds open and free in the face of extreme ideologies.

Eye-opening, provocative, and unforgettable, The Ideological Brain is a groundbreaking book that challenges you to resist black-and-white thinking and reassess your closest convictions.
‘Lucid, eloquent, timely’ ADAM PHILLIPS, author of Missing Out

‘Deeply fascinating and beautifully written’ JULIA EBNER, author of Going Dark

‘One of the most brain-frying books I have read in an incredibly long time.’ JOHN BURN-MURDOCH, chief data reporter, Financial Times