Changing Minds

The Art and Science of Changing Our Own and Other People's Minds

Howard Gardner

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"Changing Minds" by Howard Gardner explores various factors and strategies that influence persuasion and the process of changing someone's mind.

In this thought-provoking book, Gardner delves into the complex dynamics of human cognition and highlights the power of various forms of intelligence in shaping individuals' beliefs and attitudes. Drawing on years of research and real-life examples, the author sheds light on the multifaceted nature of persuasion, emphasizing that it is not solely dependent on logical arguments or emotional appeals.

Gardner discusses the seven "levers" of persuasion, including reason, research, resonance, representational redescriptions, resources and rewards, real-world events, and resistance. Through each lever, he illustrates how different approaches can be employed to effectively change someone's viewpoint, even in the face of strong resistance.

The book also explores the concept of "multiple intelligences" and how understanding different cognitive strengths can enhance one's ability to influence others. Gardner emphasizes that these intelligences, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal, play a significant role in both the persuasion process and the ability to resist persuasion.

As Gardner presents compelling insights, he emphasizes the importance of ethics and the need to be aware of the ethical boundaries when attempting to change minds. He encourages readers to consider the long-term consequences and potential ethical dilemmas associated with persuasive tactics.

"Changing Minds" provides a comprehensive understanding of persuasion and how it can be employed ethically and effectively. By incorporating psychological principles, real-life examples, and Gardner's expertise in multiple intelligences, this book offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of human persuasion and influence.

Explore More Books

See All
The Prize
Brave New Words
Cosmos
Maisy Mouse Collection
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics
Bloodlands
The Humanure Handbook
Power Failure
Trade Is Not A Four Letter Word
Remote: Office Not Required
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
The Great Escape
Merchants of Doubt
The Vision of the Annointed
A Bold Return to Giving a Damn
Joe Beef
Statistical Models
Cashing in on the American Dream
Transmetropolitan
Life Is What You Make It
Who Really Matters
Determined
Forward the Foundation
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
All Marketers are Liars
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire
Red Notice
The Jack Vance Treasury
Market Wizards
Alexander Hamilton
Civilized to Death
Acts of Love
Reamde
One Up on Wall Street
Find Me Unafraid
Out of the Crisis
Changes in the Land
The Long Tail
Black Box Thinking
The Forgotten Man
The Last Days of Night
1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die
The Wisdom Paradox
Six Thinking Hats
Why Globalization Works
American Prison
The Enchiridion
The Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug
How The West Grew Rich
Creativity and the Brain
The Dice Man
An American Marriage
The Spiritual Brain
No Ordinary Time
Believe Me
The World According to Garp
Adaptive Markets
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
Barbarians At The Gate
The One Thing
A Man for All Markets
The Big Picture
Discourses on Livy
The Quest for El Cid
So Good They Can't Ignore You
This Explains Everything
Buddha's Brain
The Case Against Sugar
Molecular Biology of the Cell
The Price We Pay
The Airbnb Story
Nuclear Terrorism
Dream Yoga
Start With Why
Andy Goldsworthy
The Power of Glamour
Why Does College Cost So Much?
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
The Araboolies of Liberty Street
The Alchemy of Finance
The Art of Living and Dying
Lean Thinking
The Tartar Steppe
How To Turn Down A Billion Dollars
The First Crash
It's Not How Good You Are - It's How Good You Want To Be
Who Is Michael Ovitz
Mapping the Mind
Alpha Girls
Chess Fundamentals
The World Without Us
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Fate Is The Hunter
In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government
Psychopolitics
The Republic
DeMark Indicators
Homo Deus
The Sheltering Sky
Where are the Customers Yachts