Society expects that people will use logic and reason to sway others to change their mind. However, Stop Being Reasonable argues that reason doesn’t work, which is why the country is so divided.
Using several true stories, the author anecdotally tries to prove what changes minds. The stories encompass catcalling, cults, individuality, memory, and revealed secrets.
The stories were interesting. However, I don’t believe the author proved her point that reason should be discarded. In fact, in the conclusion, Stop Being Reasonable admits that all she found was more questions. Unfortunately, I can’t give this rather dark “we will never get along” book more than 2 stars.
Thanks to PublicAffairs, Perseus Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.