Published Jun 9, 2021

The Surprising Upsides of Self-Deception | Shankar Vedantam

Explore the unexpected benefits of self-deception as Shankar Vedantam reveals how our brains filter reality to enhance well-being, maintain social connections, and foster empathy. Through discussing mortality, identity, and naive realism, Vedantam unveils how self-deception can positively influence personal and societal dynamics.

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The Surprising Upsides of Self-Deception | Shankar Vedantam

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Empathy and UnderstandingShankar Vedantam explores the concept of naive realism and its impact on our perceptions and judgments. He also discusses how empathy can be used to address self-deceptions and societal misconceptions effectively.

Empathy and Understanding

Mortality and RealityShankar Vedantam explores the paradoxical benefits of self-deception, particularly in how we perceive mortality and identity. He argues that while self-deception can be harmful, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining our well-being and social connections.

Mortality and Reality

Power of Self-DeceptionShankar Vedantam argues that self-deception, often seen negatively, has surprising benefits for personal and societal well-being. By filtering reality, our brains enable adaptable behavior, enhancing relationships and fostering empathy in societal interactions.

Power of Self-Deception

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