'Lucid, engaging and cutting-edge... a must-read for anyone interested in imagining the future'David Eagleman, neuroscientist and bestselling author of Sum and IncognitoPsychologists have long been aware that most people maintain an often irrationally positive outlook on life. In fact, optimism may be crucial to our existence. Tali Sharot is one of the most innovative neuroscientists at work today, and in this fascinating exploration, she shows how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; why we are terrible at predicting what will make us happy; and how our optimistic illusions affect our financial, professional and emotional decisions.With its cutting-edge science and its wide-ranging and accessible narrative, The Optimism Bias provides us with startling new insight into how the workings of the brain create our hopes and dreams.'Highly original and packed with eye-opening insight, this is a beautifully written book that really brings psychology alive'Simon Baron-Cohen, Cambridge University Professor and author of Zero Degrees of Empathy and The Science of EvilCATEGORY: POPULAR SCIENCE

Lucid, engaging and cutting-edge... a must-read for anyone interested in imagining the future.An intelligent written look into why most people take an optimistic view on life...stimulating discussion...in easily understood language...fascinating trip into why we prefer to remain hopeful about our future and ourselves. - New York Journal of BooksVery enjoyable, highly original and packed with eye-opening insight, this is a beautifully written book that really brings psychology alive.If you read her story, you'll get a much better grip on how we function in it. I'm optimistic about that. - TIMEHer fascinating book offers compelling evidence for the neural basis of optimism and what it all means. - Scientific American Book ClubLively, conversational...A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience's front lines. - KirkusA book I'd suggest to anyone. - ForbesRead it and cheer. It's important to your longevity. - Examiner