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
Pasture Perfect
The Talent Code
The Politics Industry
Getting It Done
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Rage Becomes Her
Going Infinite
More Money Than God
The Macintosh Way
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Ford vs. Ferrari
A Conflict of Visions
The Magic of Thinking Big
Capital Returns
Nothing To Lose
How To Buy Stocks
The Diversity Bonus
The Benedict Option
The Dragons of Eden
Jim Grant UNICEF Visionary
Ultralight Backpackin' Tips
Models of My Life
Pippi Longstocking
First Friends
No Bullshit Guide to Math and Physics
The Making of the President 1960
Numbers Don't Lie
Illusions
I'd Like To Play Alone, Please
Double your Profits
Seeing Serena
All Quiet on the Western Front
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The Big Ship and Little Digger
Thing Explainer
The Second World War
Draft No. 4
The History of the Future
Machine Learning for Dummies
Liberal Privelege
AI Superpowers
The Making of a Manager
The British Are Coming
What We Owe the Future
She Has Her Mother's Laugh
Globalization and its Discontents
Changes in the Land
Open
Find Me Unafraid
Bitcoin is Venice
The Essential Writings
Aware
Googled
Benjamin Franklin
Invariances
In Other Words
The Individualists
The World That Wasn't
The Ascent of Money
United States of Socialism
Deep Learning
Die With Zero
Memoirs of My Life
Growth
State of the Art
Sun Rises in the Evening
The Wisdom Paradox
Delivering Happiness
The Intelligent Investor
Wind, Sand and Stars
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Co-Intelligence
Team Topologies
The New Jim Crow
The Art of Memoir
The Anatomy of Buzz
Dealing with China
The Passage of Power
Patient Capital
The MAGA Doctrine
The Columbian Exchange
On Being Certain: Believing You Are Right When You're Not
Monsoon
Maestro
Mess
Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets
Dream Big
Predictably Irrational
Whiplash
Napoleon
Oranges
Who Is Michael Ovitz
The Start-up of You
Ice Age
The Future of Capitalism
The Last Lecture
The Journey of Crazy Horse
What's Our Problem?
The Sandman
Wing Leader