An urgent examination of self-silencing culture and the toxic impact of groupthink, by the author of Divergent Mind and founder of The Neurodiversity Project. Nerenberg empowers readers with tools to navigate and thrive in an increasingly polarized world.
Connected across geography and culture via the internet, the world is both a vast, limitless landscape and an ever-shrinking echo chamber. Communication, most notably free speech, is becoming increasingly divisive; one person’s right to speak has come into conflict with those seeking to prevent harm. Our tolerance for differing opinions is also narrowing. A “wrong” remark or comment, no matter how seemingly innocent, can result in banishment, and contradictory ideas spark hysteria and backlash—what is referred to as “cancel culture.” This polarization affects everyone of us—among friends and families, workplaces and communities—and threatens the fabric of society itself.
In this important and thought-provoking book, Jenara Nerenberg analyzes this phenomenon of “self-silencing,” asking potent questions about how harmful groupthink has become accepted. Applying her expertise in journalism, psychology, and public health, she digs deep into urgent problems that are worsening under a culture of self-censorship, including loneliness, isolation, and polarization.
But there is hope. Nerenberg offers concrete suggestions for how to identify and escape groupthink and transform fear into empathy, allowing space for authentic communication that reduces—rather than causes—harm to others.
“How have we fallen so deeply into groupthink, even in institutions that are meant to facilitate an exchange of diverse views like college campuses? In this highly accessible book, Jenara Nerenberg explains how we got into cul de sacs of dogmatism, and how we can get out of them.” — Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America and author of We Need To Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy“Trust Your Mind is a deeply human book that masterfully addresses one of the great problems of our times. Compelling, lucid and timely, it should be required reading as it not only explains the complex stew of social psychological forces that have gotten us to this point, but also provides readers with a science-informed blueprint for skillfully navigating the cultural headwinds they face.” — Ethan Kross, International Bestselling Author of Chatter and SHIFT“Jenara Nerenberg's Trust Your Mind creatively weaves together diverse developments over recent decades to illuminate the causes and impacts of the reduced free speech and increased groupthink that now plague public intellectual life. Her book should inspire renewed appreciation of and engagement in the critical thinking and open discourse that are so essential for the flourishing of individuals and society alike.” — Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU"Trust Your Mind is a bold call to think deeper and speak truer. Jenara Nerenberg shows how self-censorship holds us back from authentic connection and how to combat our habit of self-enforced silence for better conversations, a stronger society, and more personal resilience.” — Kurt Gray, author of OUTRAGED and director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab at UNC Chapel Hill"Trust Your Mind is a perceptive exploration of the forces driving self-silencing, loneliness, and social isolation in a polarized world. Jenara Nerenberg provides a thoughtful guide to reclaiming individuality, embracing nuance, and building authentic connections. A must-read for anyone seeking to navigate modern discourse with clarity and humanity." — Joel Salinas, MD, co-author of Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In“As an educator, philosopher, and advocate for liberal learning, I deeply appreciate Nerenberg’s rich exploration of the harms of self-censorship and groupthink. She makes a compelling case for thinking for ourselves by seeking out honest, open, courageous, and humble conversations with each other. This book is a welcome intervention in a polarized age.” — Jennifer Frey, Dean of the Honors College at The University of Tulsa and Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy & Religion“Trust Your Mind is a timely exploration of the downsides of self-censorship and groupthink in a polarized world. Using sharp analysis and research, Jenara Nerenberg guides us all toward opening our minds, engaging in real communication, embracing nuance, and viewing people as the complex, multifaceted individuals that they are--not the identities or ideas we think they're supposed to represent.” — Andrew Boryga, author of VICTIM"Nerenberg offers ways to speak up, stand alone, and be true to ourselves. Connection is also important, and the author talks about debate, comedy, and seeing the Internet as a city filled with diversity as an antidote to this growing problem. She urges stepping away from the computer and going out in the real world to connect with a variety of viewpoints. Nerenberg’s timely and thought-provoking analysis is sure to spark discussion." — Booklist
Jenara Nerenberg lectures widely on neuroscience, innovation, sensitivity, leadership, and diversity. Selected as a "brave new idea" presenter by the Aspen Institute for her work on re-framing mental differences, Jenara is also the founder and host of The Neurodiversity Project. She holds degrees from the Harvard School of Public Health and UC Berkeley. Her work has been published in Fast Company, New York magazine, Susan Cain's Quiet Revolution, Garrison Institute, Elaine Aron's HSP, Healthline, KQED, and elsewhere. In addition to her work as a journalist, Jenara is a frequent workshop facilitator, speaker, and event host for institutions including the Stanford Graduate School of Business and elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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