One of the most innovative neuroscientists at work today investigates the neural basis of our bias towards optimism.

Winner of the British Psychological Society Book Award for Popular Psychology

Psychologists have long been aware that most people tend to maintain an irrationally positive outlook on life. In fact, optimism may be crucial to our existence. Tali Sharot's original cognitive research demonstrates in surprising ways the biological basis for optimism. In this fascinating exploration, she takes an in-depth, clarifying look at how the brain generates hope and what happens when it fails; how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; why we are terrible at predicting what will make us happy; how anticipation and dread affect us; 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.

"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 Books

"If you read her story, you'll get a much better grip on how we function in it. I'm optimistic about that." - TIME

"Her fascinating book offers compelling evidence for the neural basis of optimism and what it all means." - Scientific American Book Club

"Lively, conversational...A well-told, heartening report from neuroscience's front lines." - Kirkus

"A book I'd suggest to anyone." - Forbes

"Read it and cheer. It's important to your longevity." - Examiner

"Most readers will turn to the last page not only buoyed by hope but also aware of the sources and benefits of that hope." - Booklist

"Engaging....Sharot studies optimisim as the neural level and knows her subject well." - The Psychiatrist