The Ideological Brain

The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking

De: Leor Zmigrod

Narrado por: Tania Rodrigues

Named a best book of the year by The Guardian and The Telegraph

Why do some people become radicalized?

How do ideologies shape the human brain?

And how can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas?

In The Ideological Brain, Leor Zmigrod reveals the deep connection between political beliefs and the biology of the brain. Drawing on her own pioneering research, she uncovers the complex interplay between biology and environment that predisposes some individuals to rigid ways of thinking, and explains how ideologies take hold of our brains, fundamentally changing the way we think, act and interact with others. She shows how ideologues of all types struggle to change their thought patterns when faced with new information, culminating in the radical message that our politics are not superficial but are woven into the fabric of our minds.

This authoritative, accessible and playful blend of psychology, politics and philosophy explores the cutting-edge of the emerging field of political neuroscience. Zmigrod examines its historical roots before she looks to the future, considering the broader social and political implications of her groundbreaking research. Guiding listeners through her experiments, she eventually describes what a free, authentic, and tolerant brain looks like, and explains how anyone can keep their mind open and flexible in the face of extremist ideologies.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

©2025 Leor Zmigrod (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Filled with insightful findings, this book shows that ideological extremism and polarization are not just problems to fret about but puzzles that can be studied and understood."—Steven Pinker, Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of Rationality

“The notion that political phenomena would somehow exist in a realm separate from that of human life regulation is pure fiction as Leor Zmigrod demonstrates so clearly. Her book is a must read.”—Antonio Damasio, David Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience at USC, author of Feeling and Knowing

“This remarkable book tells us something fascinating and heartening about the neuroscience of our inflexibilities and our dogmatisms. Lucid and eloquent, The Ideological Brain couldn't be more timely.”—Adam Phillips, author of Missing Out

A Challenging Statement for a Better Theory of Ideological Thinking

Scholars in this field may find the first ten chapters to be familiar, but the rest of the book will challenge political philosophy and its heirs. It is at the same time alarming and promising, if we can learn quickly enough to stop the worst aspects of rigid habits of thought.

Very political

The book has good intentions and covers lots of psychological points of view and studies. I was hoping the book would have more of an open ended philosophical nature on the topic of extreme ideologies. Unfortunately it was more political, lumping the world into left and right wing views and painting the world as either liberal or conservative.

interesting historical survey

interesting historical survey marred by a tendency to bury the point in the story. aside from the evidence that much ideological orientation is hardwired- in the sense that some people are more adaptable to change than others- I'm not sure I took anything away from this book

Explains a lot!

Great book comma a little academic. I had to relessle to a couple pieces. The video of the author at cambridge really helped bring everything together into a clear picture.

I am now off to increase my brain flexibility...

Brilliant work!

Dive right in to a spectacularly written study of the human mind! I highly recommend it!
Bravo!

Over Generalizations Taken At Face

The arguments are presented by over generalizing neurology with no studies presented as evidence to support the claims. Depends mostly on assumptions and the semantic breakdowns that are to be taken at face value. Provides historical contexts but overall I was disappointed in the lack of actual scientific research.