Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness

by Jamil Zaki

Overview

Cynicism is making us sick, but Stanford Psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki has the cure—a “ray of light for dark days” (Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

In 1972, half of Americans agreed that most people can be trusted; by 2018, only a third did. Different generations, genders, religions, and political parties all think human virtue is evaporating. Cynicism is an understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality. But in many cases, it is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realize how kind, generous, and open-minded others really are. Cynical thinking deepens social problems: when we expect the worst in people, we often bring it out of them.

We don’t have to remain stuck in this cynicism trap. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful skepticism—thinking critically about people and our problems, while honoring and encouraging our strengths. Far from being naïve, hopeful skepticism is a precise way of understanding others that can rebalance our view of human nature and help us build the world we truly want.

Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538743065
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	09/03/2024
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. He trained at Columbia and Harvard, studying empathy and kindness in the human brain. He is interested in human connection and how we can learn to connect better.

Editorial Reviews

I can’t imagine a more timely topic. Hope is a skill, and one of my favorite psychologists has written its playbook. A Case For Hope is grounded in fascinating research yet deeply personal, with an outstanding practical appendix of ‘try this’ tips for escaping the snare of cynicism.”
 —Angela Duckworth, author of the New York Times bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

“If you think hope is naïve and cynicism is wise, get ready to think again. Jamil Zaki is at the forefront of the science of beliefs, and he shows that refusing to see possibility makes it impossible to solve problems. This book is a ray of light for dark days.” 

—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

“There has always been an emotional case for hope, but now there is a rational one. Jamil Zaki’s new book is beautiful, wise, and important—a sensible, scientific, and much-needed tonic for what ails us.”
 —Daniel Gilbert, author of the New York Times best-seller Stumbling on Happiness

"Magnificently written and powerfully moving, The Case for Hope is *the* societal medicine we all need right now. Filled with the latest science, practical tips, and moving stories, Zaki provides an inspiring example of how each and every one of us can turn towards more optimism, connection, and joy."—Laurie Santos, Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and host of The Happiness Lab podcast

From the Publisher

The director of a social neuroscience lab at Stanford narrates his positive audiobook about cynicism, trust, skepticism, and hope. Along with sounding personable and easy to understand, he performs with audible respect for his listeners and a desire to offer options for dealing with today's conflict-filled social climate. He's a great storyteller whose picturesque narratives work well to illuminate his message that we are too quick to draw negative conclusions based on frivolous information, blinding ourselves to the possibility of friendlier interpretations of our experiences. Smooth writing and persuasive research make a strong case for adopting a habit of hopeful skepticism. This approach benefits our health and happiness, brings out the best in others, and creates a culture of trust for the broader community. T.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

OCTOBER 2024 - AudioFile

★ 2024-05-23
A refreshing look at why “people are probably better than you think.”

Zaki, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab and self-proclaimed “secret introvert,” analyzes his own cynicism along with a variety of social problems exacerbated by a systemic lack of hope. Part memoir, part research project, part love letter to his friend and colleague, the late neuroscientist Emile Bruneau, the book incorporates personal experience, research, interviews, and the author’s conversations with Bruneau’s wife. In order to become healthier and more productive citizens, cynics must shed their pessimistic ways by seeking what they fundamentally need—i.e., building fruitful relationships through measurable forms of action. Zaki is on a journey to find enlightenment, and he takes readers with him, step by step, offering a persuasive and beautifully mapped-out dialogue between himself and those cynics who are open—albeit skeptically—to his arguments. That skepticism, he writes, is healthier than cynicism, because it leaves room for asking questions, acquiring factual answers, and ultimately giving one a sense of hope about any given situation. Much of the cynicism in the world stems from negativity bias, which is lucrative and purposeful for those spreading lies and misinformation to gain power. In other words, those who capitalize on cynicism have an agenda that is not in the best interest of the general public. As a result, cynics perceive that no one cares; that few people truly enjoy helping others; and that most people avoid evil actions only because they are worried about getting caught. In this uplifting yet never saccharine narrative, Zaki ably combines scientific data with anecdotal evidence to abundantly show how “cynical beliefs eat away at relationships, communities, economies, and society itself”—and why hope is a potent corrective.

With both heart and academic rigor, Zaki should persuade many cynics to trust in hope.

Kirkus Reviews